Ken Smith

Colorado, Vereinigte Staaten

Wie sind Sie in die Bierbranche gekommen? Warum ist Bier für Sie wichtig?

Ich habe 10 Jahre lang Wein verkauft, bevor ich 1995 zur Boston Beer Company kam. Ich war auf der Suche nach einer Veränderung, und die Bierbranche wurde (und wird) immer interessanter. Meine ersten Tage verbrachte ich im Verkauf und wechselte in den frühen 2000er Jahren zur Verkaufsschulung. Heute gebe ich Kurse rund um das Thema Bier, und dieses Umfeld entwickelt sich ständig weiter. Ich glaube, dass Bier und seine Geschichte, Kultur und Wissenschaft auch in Zukunft ein Teil der Menschheit sein werden, so wie es schon seit Jahrtausenden der Fall ist.

Warum richten Sie beim World Beer Cup? Was bedeutet das Richten beim World Beer Cup für Sie?

Es ist ein aufregendes Erlebnis, Gleichgesinnte aus der ganzen Welt zu treffen und das Beste, was die Brauereien zu bieten haben, zu probieren. Man schließt Freundschaften und lernt neue Bierstile kennen! Wie cool ist das denn?

Walt Chleva

Colorado, Vereinigte Staaten

Wie sind Sie in die Bierbranche gekommen? Warum ist Bier für Sie wichtig?

I started off in the beer industry by working part time at my local homebrew store and wanted to take my brewing to the next level. I was able to get a position as a part time brewer for the brewery attached to the homebrew store and the rest is history.

Beer matters to me because from such a rich history comes the continued refinement and creation of a beverage that spans the world over. Beer has been enjoyed all around the world for thousands of years and poured into all sorts of vessels with many ingredients. Enjoying beer makes memories and is an experience that I feel blessed to be able to partake in, especially at this time in world history where the beer quality is at its peak.

Warum richten Sie beim World Beer Cup? Was bedeutet das Richten beim World Beer Cup für Sie?

I judge at the World Beer Cup because I have been in the beer industry for over 15 years and have loved seeing the increase in quality over the years. Brewers have been putting more effort into making quality paramount in the more recent years, making this last year’s judging experience the best one yet!

Judging beer at the World Beer Cup puts my skills to the test and allows me to continue my never-ending journey of sensory knowledge as I learn more each time I judge from some of the best in the world at determining the minute compounds created during the mash, the fermentation, or the packaging process.

Shane McNamara

Wie sind Sie in die Bierbranche gekommen? Warum ist Bier für Sie wichtig?

My journey into the beer industry began with homebrewing in Brisbane, Australia, over a decade ago. This led me to undertake a course in brewing science at Ballarat University, and eventually complete a master’s in brewing science at Nottingham University. My passion for beer and brewing education has driven my career path, leading me to also become the first Australian Master Cicerone. This journey from homebrewing to professional brewing, has taken me all over the world and eventually to my current role as global director for beer passion and beyond-beer innovation at AB InBev.

Beer matters to me because it represents a perfect blend of art and science. It’s a product that brings people together, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences. Through my education and career, I’ve come to appreciate the intricacies of brewing and the cultural significance of beer. It’s not just a beverage; it’s a way to connect with history, traditions, and people from around the world. The continuous evolution and innovation within the beer industry keep it exciting and inspiring for me.

Warum richten Sie beim World Beer Cup? Was bedeutet das Richten beim World Beer Cup für Sie?

Judging at the World Beer Cup allows me to contribute to the global beer community by recognizing and celebrating excellence in brewing. It’s an opportunity to support the industry by providing valuable feedback to brewers, helping them improve and innovate. Judging also keeps my sensory skills sharp and broadens my understanding of different beer styles and brewing techniques. It’s a privilege to be part of such a prestigious event and to witness firsthand the diversity and creativity that brewers bring to the table.

Being involved in World Beer Cup is an honor and a responsibility. It means being part of a global community dedicated to the highest standards of brewing excellence. It’s a chance to taste and evaluate beers from around the world, learning from each one and contributing to the continuous improvement of the industry. For me, it’s not just about awarding medals; it’s about celebrating the passion, craftsmanship, and innovation that go into every beer.

Emily Vegas

Thüringen, Germany

Wie sind Sie in die Bierbranche gekommen? Warum ist Bier für Sie wichtig?

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.

Warum richten Sie beim World Beer Cup? Was bedeutet das Richten beim World Beer Cup für Sie?

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.