Damon Scott

Colorado, United States

How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?

I discovered craft beer at a local restaurant owned by a homebrewer. While wrapping up a degree in chemistry (with no idea what I would do with said degree), I dove into homebrewing. I suddenly realized there was something tangible I could make, using my creative spirit and my analytical brain. Brewing provides the opportunity to learn about farming, plant physiology, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and so much more. I realized early on that one is never bored while working in the brewing industry!

Beer matters to me because it allows me to make something that other people can experience viscerally.

Why do you judge at the World Beer Cup? What does judging at the World Beer Cup mean to you?

Judging at the World Beer Cup is truly an honor. I always find myself judging with incredibly experienced and knowledgeable people, who are simultaneously humble and approachable. The judging process constantly challenges my own assumptions about how I perceive the complex matrix that is beer. Judging also provides context through which I can view the beer I make, and evaluate it more objectively.

It is easy to get caught up in your own small world as a brewer. Nothing tears off the blinders like judging at the World Beer Cup. Tasting incredible beers inspires me to make better beer and question my assumptions. That perspective is invaluable.

Jason Macias

Pennsylvania, United States

How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?

After graduating with my MBA in finance from Drexel University, I was conflicted. Should I accept just ‘any’ job where my education and skills would be rewarded with a salary, or should I build on my educational foundation with hands-on skills in a unique industry that I was interested in learning more about — which was brewing.

My interest in brewing began as a homebrewer and was fueled when I began working as a server at a brew pub while attending college which introduced me to brewing on a micro scale — larger than home brewing but smaller than ‘big beer.’ My first industry job was as an assistant brewer at an upstart brewery in the quiet suburban outskirts of Philly which was initially perplexing to my family until they heard me share stories of my first few weeks and they knew I found my passion.

Eventually my education caught up with me as I worked my way out of the brewery and into various sales roles, starting with beer then raw materials (hops, malt) and eventually printed and brite aluminum cans, where I happily work currently with the Zuckerman Honickman packaging team.

Why do you judge at the World Beer Cup? What does judging at the World Beer Cup mean to you?

The process of judging beer allows me to tap into my sensory skills, which I was mostly unaware I possessed until a few years back when I became a Beer Judge Certification Program judge and exam administrator for my local homebrew club. Having been educated in marketing during my undergrad years, I was well aware of how branding, labels, and packaging can impact consumer demand and sales. To completely put that aside and focus only on the actual beer was fascinating!

Beer styles are historical stories of a time and place where they originated. They offer glimpses into that time when you worked with what the land offered and played the hand you were dealt. Brewers played their hand across the globe creating the dozens of beer styles with countless attributes and characteristics that we have today. This is in addition to the story your senses can tell you about a specific beer sample’s journey into your sample glass.

The World Beer Cup represents the pinnacle of judging opportunities for me and I’m so thankful and proud to be a part of this beer judging community and engage with such amazing and interesting people from around the world.

Emily Vegas

Thüringen, Germany

How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?

For me, beer is everything; it’s both my profession and my hobby. When I’m not working at the brewery, I’m judging competitions, reading books about beer, taking courses, or simply enjoying some beers. My life has meaning, thanks to beer.

I started working at Polar Brewery in Venezuela in 2015 after graduating as a biologist. I began as a brewer apprentice and then moved to Germany, where I worked at Doemens Academy in the laboratory and pilot plant. There, I took a course to become a brewmaster and graduated in 2019. After becoming a brewmaster, I started working at the Institut Romeis, performing chemical and analytical controls for breweries in Germany and around the world.

In 2021, I began working for Oettinger Brewery as a quality assurance specialist (microbiology and chemistry), and since January 2023, I’ve been working for Paulaner, also in quality assurance. During my first two years in Germany, I served as a steward for the European Beer Star Competition, and in 2021, I started judging various beer competitions, including the Austrian Beer Challenge, Concours de Lyon, African Beer Cup, World Beer Cup, and Women’s Trophy.

Why do you judge at the World Beer Cup? What does judging at the World Beer Cup mean to you?

I had already judged in several competitions in Europe, and I dreamed of participating as a juror in the largest competitions in the world and in other countries outside Europe. That’s why I applied for the World Beer Cup—it’s one of the most important competitions globally. I also wanted the opportunity to meet amazing professionals from around the world and learn more about beer. It’s truly wonderful, and I’m very proud of it.

Silvia De Tomas Ayllon

Lima, Peru

How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?

I am part of the second generation of a brewing family in Peru that started in 2003. My parents taught me the art of making beer when I was 9 years old, studying and learning from it. This is how I fell in love with that passion, with its community, and everything that revolves around it. Over the years I have founded projects such as the Latin American Craft Beer Cup, Peruvian Beer Cup, Brewmart school, Brewpub Cebichela and my Two Broders Brewery. I also became a beer judge in 2014, participating in multiple competitions in Latin America. Beer matters to me, because it is part of the story of my family, of my life and it has taught me a lot over the years. I feel respect, admiration and I work hard to share with others how important it is, that they learn to value it, but above all to understand it.

Why do you judge at the World Beer Cup? What does judging at the World Beer Cup mean to you?

I always dreamed of being part of the World Beer Cup, ever since I was young I always admired everyone who was part of it, and the experience one must have to be chosen for this great competition. I always followed in detail each event organized by the Brewers Association, learning from it and using it as a reference for the Peruvian market.

I judge beers in this competition, because it brings together the best beers and breweries in the world into one place. The level of analysis and professionalism that exists in each tasting session is incredible. Since beers are of a high level, it allows you to have different points of view and understanding about the every beer. You get to meet judges from all over the world! This is a very reason important reason for me to be part of it, get to know different cultures, exchange ideas, they make me personally a better person every day.

I am very happy to be part of this great competition that marks important milestones in the history of beer worldwide.