Tomoko Sonoda
How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?
One of the plans for new business development was a brewpub, and I thought it would be fun to brew beer, so I applied for the position and was hired in 1996. The brewery opened in 2000, and I have been working as the brewmaster ever since. I believe that both drinking and brewing beer are magical experiences that enrich my life.
Why do you judge at the World Beer Cup? What does judging at the World Beer Cup mean to you?
One goal is to deepen my knowledge of beer. By judging alongside people involved in the beer industry from around the world, I can learn to perceive things I might not otherwise notice, discover global trends, and, most importantly, train my sensitivity by putting myself in challenging situations. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this world-class judging competition, where accuracy in sensory evaluation and a serious sense of responsibility and judgment are required.
