Shauna Steigerwald

ssteigerwald@enquirer.com

Cincinnati's oldest bar is getting a new beer list. Bartender Tyler Del Matto has overhauled the beer menu at Arnold's, already known for its beer selection.

At Arnold's, Del Matto has mostly updated the bottle lineup, which he said used to be heavier on macro brews. A new list of about 30 will include craft brews from the big beer-producing countries -- America, Germany, Belgium and England -- including local and Ohio breweries. The bar's 23 tap handles will keep their highly local focus.

"I just wanted to introduce some more interesting beer styles," such as sours, Del Matto said. He said the new list has options that pair well with the selections on Arnold's food menu.

Del Matto recently passed the Certified Cicerone exam in Asheville, North Carolina. He is currently the only working bartender in the city with the certification.

The Cicerone Certification Program is a certification and education program for beer professionals. "Certified Cicerone" is the second level of certification, a step beyond "Certified Beer Server." Earning it requires passing a four-hour beer knowledge exam. That exam includes a tasting portion that requires identification of beer styles, flaws and service problems; a written exam to test knowledge about beer service and draft systems, beer styles, brewing and pairing beer with food; and a demonstration involving an aspect of beer service.

Chris Breeden, manager at Arnold's, said Del Matto, 24, is also the youngest Certified Cicerone in the region and one of 58 people in the state of Ohio to pass the exam.

To celebrate the launch of the new list, Arnold's will have a party at 6 p.m. Oct. 23. They will be serving $2 pints of the Three Floyds/New Belgium collaboration beer, Gratzer, until close.

210 E. 8th St., Downtown. 513-421-6234; www.arnoldsbarandgrill.com