Jesse Brown
How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?
I was a bartender in Wyoming who wanted to understand more about the production of beer, whiskey, and all things drink. Around 2006, while studying at the University of Wyoming, my friends and I would drive down to Fort Collins for weekends to visit breweries. New Belgium had a big impact on my early craft beer journey. Fast forward to January 2009—one semester from graduating—the economy had collapsed. I moved to Lander, Wyoming, to climb and bartend. I convinced the new head brewer at Lander Brewing Co. to give me a job washing kegs. I self-studied all the brewing books I could afford, soaking up as much knowledge as possible. Ten years later, I love making craft beer more than ever in the Seattle area. Beer matters to me because what I create brings communities together. Anywhere in the world, beer serves as a social conduit. It always brings me joy to see people gathered in the taproom.
Why do you judge at the World Beer Cup? What does judging at the World Beer Cup mean to you?
I deeply care about the sensory aspect of beer, and I judge at the World Beer Cup for many reasons. One reason is my love for the qualitative experience—everything that goes into judging a beer is shaped by personal history and knowledge of styles. I’m constantly challenged by other world-class judges and always return home inspired with new perspectives. Judging at the World Beer Cup is an honor. It allows me to have deep conversations with some of the best brewers and judges in the world.
