Silvia De Tomas Ayllon

Lima, Peru

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

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.

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

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.

Mirella Amato

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

Ich arbeite nun seit über 15 Jahren in der Bierbranche. Ich wurde von der Branche angezogen, weil ich das Bewusstsein und die Wertschätzung für meine lokalen Craft-Biere erhöhen wollte. Bier ist ein so vielseitiges Getränk und kann auf vielen Ebenen geschätzt werden. Es gibt immer mehr darüber zu lernen, und dennoch bleibt es, so komplex und vielschichtig es auch ist, zugänglich.

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

Ich fühle mich geehrt, dass ich seit 2010 als Juror beim World Beer Cup tätig bin. Für mich ist es ein Ort, an dem ich mein Wissen und meine Leidenschaft weitergeben kann. Es ist ein Ort, an dem ich von meinen Kollegen lernen und meinen Gaumen weiter verfeinern kann. Es ist ein Ort, an dem ich die neuesten Interpretationen von Bierstilen probieren und neue Trends entdecken kann. Es ist eine Gemeinschaft von Gleichgesinnten aus der ganzen Welt, mit denen ich mich jedes Jahr gerne wieder treffe, um zu erfahren, was in der internationalen Bierwelt vor sich geht.

Gabriela Montandon

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

My journey into the beer industry began as a hobby that eventually grew into a passion for both academic and craft brewing. As one of the first certified judges at the time, I opened a craft brewery and pursued a Ph.D. in the field, all while actively judging beers. These experiences allowed me to combine my love for brewing with my scientific curiosity. Over time, my interest in fermentation science deepened, leading me to focus on beer evaluation and sensory analysis. Today, I lead research projects at Fermentis, where I continuously explore the complex dynamics of yeast, fermentation, and flavor—an area that remains both challenging and rewarding in my career.

Beer matters to me because it represents much more than just a drink—it’s a blend of science, culture, and craftsmanship. With more than 15 years of experience evaluating beers and examining the intricate relationships between microbial dynamics and flavor expression, I have gained a profound appreciation for the creativity and precision that brewing requires. Beyond its technical aspects, beer connects people and tells a rich story of tradition and innovation. Being part of this ever-evolving industry is incredibly rewarding, and I feel fortunate to contribute to its growth and development.

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 while applying my expertise in sensory analysis and beer evaluation. With more than 15 years of experience in the field, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the nuances in beer styles and flavor profiles, which I bring to the judging process. It’s also an opportunity to engage with other experts, share knowledge, and help maintain high standards of quality and innovation in the industry.

For me, judging at the World Beer Cup is both an honor and a responsibility. It’s a chance to be part of one of the most prestigious beer competitions in the world, where brewers showcase their passion, creativity, and technical skill. It also means helping to uphold the values of fairness and excellence in beer production. Personally, it’s a meaningful way to stay connected with the global beer community and to celebrate the diversity and craftsmanship that make the industry so vibrant.

Juan Camilo Riveros

Bogota, Colombia

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

Got a revelation on my first pint of Guinness and being from a country with only industrial lager for beer decided to start brewing my own. I studied culinary arts in Argentina and there also learned the basics of brew ing. After that the books of Palmer, Papazian, Talley, Daniels, Hieronymus, Bouckaert and Cantwell, and Michael Jackson were my sources. A lot of homebrewing came after that. Humanity and beer have a very close relationship most of the different cultures in the planet have beer whenever they are celebrating or mourning. It is comfort for a friend or just joy of being somewhere or with someone. Good beer brings us together and gladness our spirits.

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

Judging at WBC means a lot of different things for me. In a way is a validation of all my reading, tasting, and hard work in general. It is also an important way of learning from people more knowledgeable than me or from beer cultures that I am not so familiar with. In a more personal level there is a moment that comes from time to time when a table of judges just sync perfectly and complement each other, where knowledge is shared and we are able to do a great job. That moment is very satisfying. Last but not least, when I am judging beer I feel that each beer tells me a different story and sometimes you find exceptional ones that innovate and change the way that you look at beer as a whole.