Sessions at the Presidio Signs on Master Cicerone Nicole Erny for August Debut

Based on their February announcement, it was already clear that business partners Evin Gelleri and executive chef Michael Bilger's plans for their ambitious new spot, Sessions at the Presidio, were big and beer-focused. Now they've announced the addition of Master Cicerone Nicole Erny to the team, with lofty plans for their beer list.

Though Gelleri and Bilger always intended to bring a certified cicerone on board, Erny offers the special distinction of being one of nine Master Cicerones in the world (two of which are based in San Francisco). Though not as widely known, the certification is the result of a tough, exam-based process similar to the undertaking of becoming a Master Sommelier. As an Oakland native, Erny cut her teeth at The Trappist, before becoming the first female to earn the title of Master Cicerone in the United States, and the fourth person to earn the title, period.

The beer list will include 24 rotating beers on tap, along with some ciders and nitro beers and a bottle list of about 75 beers, focusing on larger formats that are meant to be shared at the table (much like wine). And, true to the restaurant's name, there will be a large selection of "sessionable" beers, which are typically lower alcohol and easier on the palate than many of today's hoppy, high alcohol craft beers.

The 3,500-square-foot space is currently in the midst of construction, under the guidance of Lundberg Design (also responsible for spots like Mourad, Quince and Hard Water) and will offer a 140-seat dining room and large outdoor beer garden overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge; construction has already been completed on a new entrance to the building, at Chestnut and Lyon Street.

The project is slated to open mid-August for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.