World Class Judges

Lucy Corne

Cape Town, South Africa

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

I had been working as a freelance travel writer for several years when I moved to South Africa in 2010. I decided to diversify my writing portfolio, as travel is tricky and expensive in Africa. The craft beer scene was just about to take off, so I started writing a beer blog for a local travel magazine. The blog became a book, and later I was approached by a publisher looking for an editor for South Africa’s first beer magazine—a job I ended up doing for six years. Along the way, I took the BJCP exam (four times), passed the Certified and Advanced Cicerone exams, and spent a lot of time running beer appreciation courses for the industry and the general public.

I now run the African Beer Cup, Africa’s biggest beer competition, as well as South African National Beer Day, and am a partner in BeerEx Africa. I went from being a travel writer who occasionally wrote about beer to having beer pretty much take over my life—in the best possible way. It’s a wonderful, welcoming industry that I’m proud to be part of.

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

It is a matter of great prestige to judge in the World Beer Cup, and I’m honored to have been part of the judging team again in 2024—my second time judging in the competition. Judging alongside industry legends and experts is an endless source of knowledge, and it’s also a great networking opportunity.

Sebastian Carrillo Miño

Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

Since I can remember, beer has always been a mystery for me. I wondered why it had that golden color, why it was so bright and bitter, how it was made. It has always been and continues to be my desire to know how to make the best beer in the world.

I grew up thinking and wanting to know the ways to make it. I started studying chemistry, homebrewing, and working in breweries to be able to make my dream come true. Beer is life for me.

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

What could be better than tasting and rewarding the best beers on the planet and learning from the best judges? It is just a unique and unrepeatable experience.

Rene Aduan Junior

São Paulo, Brazil

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

I’ve worked in beer industry since 2004, first as a beer taster (sommelier), then as a brewmaster in biotechnology and science. For 15 years I’ve been teaching the new guys “how to taste beer” in a sommelier course in ESCM and at Doemens achademy in Brasil. Beer is my priority and unconditional love.

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

The World Beer Cup is the most refined world competition, with the best selection of judges. It is a pleasure to be part of this event, sharing knowledge to the market. The exchange of experiences between everyone who participates is the solid basis that motivates me to participate since 2014. This competition is the best way to celebrate all the values ​​that beer represents in our society!

Abram Goldman-Armstrong

Sandefjord, Norway

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

I was a big fan of Oregon microbrews growing up in the 1990s and began homebrewing at age 17 when I moved to Minnesota for college and missed the beers from home. While studying at University College Cork in Ireland during my junior year abroad in 1997-98, my local Rumplestiltskins had a great selection of German and Belgian beers. I broadened my knowledge of European beer styles while traveling in Scotland, England, Belgium and the Netherlands with my trusty copy of Michael Jackson’s Pocket Guide to beer. When I returned to Portland after college I joined the Oregon Brew Crew and passed the BJCP exam at the national level. From there I went on to work as a beer writer, festival organizer, bottle shop beer buyer and brewer. I operated my own cidery in Portland from 2013-2019 and moved to Norway in 2020 to launch a cider brand for Fjordfolk Mikrobryggeri where I also became the assistant brewer and took over as head brewer in January 2022. Enjoying the diversity of beer flavours has always been an important part of travel for me, and I enjoy trying beers from around the world.

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 an important way to connect with other brewers, judges, and writers from around the globe. I always learn something from judging, and it makes me a better brewer, as I taste and assess beers with other highly knowledgeable beer people.

What else would you like the world to know?

My favorite category to judge is Historical Beer. I enjoy learning about beer traditions from entrants notes and tasting different interpretations of historical beers from diverse brewing traditions.

Masafumi Morita

Nagano, Japan

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

It was 20 years ago when I had my first taste of English Pale Ale and was shocked. It was the moment I discovered the diversity and richness of flavors in beer. From there I went on to drink all kinds of Japanese craft beers and eventually had the opportunity to work for the brands I loved the most.

I think beer is a very important beverage because it is one tool for living a relaxed life, and it promotes community and connection.

Craft beer is also a great new form of industry. The spirit of working together to create a market, rather than each brewery competing for it, is the most important aspect of craft beer. It feels like it represents an improvement over capitalistic economic activity. That’s why I love working in this industry.

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

I love the craft beer industry and want to contribute my bit to it. The judging sessions give me tips on how to improve my brewing, and I get to have a great time with my judge friends from around the world — it’s an irreplaceable opportunity for me.

The World Beer Cup is attended by some of the best brewers, journalists, and consultants, and getting to know them and sharing new ideas and information is also a great experience. I feel very fortunate to have been a part of this effort for over 10 years. Without this experience, our beers would be of a lesser caliber today.

What else would you like the world to know?

Beer is just a beverage and has no power to heal injuries or illnesses. But we are born in really difficult times, with a lot of stress, and drinking a good craft beer is one oasis. I also feel that the craft beer industry is taking a more democratic, artistic, and organic approach to things. I am hopeful that it will gradually make the world a better place. I encourage you to seek out craft brewers in your area who have a great spirit. And if you can relate to them, please support them.

Alessandra Agrestini

Bologna, Italy

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

Born a few kilometers from one of the oldest and most important Italian breweries, I still remember the scent of beer wort from the school trip I made there, at the age of 6. Maybe that was the beginning of my curiosity and passion towards beer.

Nowadays, I am a beer consultant and communicator, teacher for many Italian beer associations, and writer for beer magazines and blogs. I try to spread beer knowledge as much as I can, starting from the growth of the Italian craft movement, in my country and abroad.

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

I have been an international judge since 2011, with experience in many competitions all around the world. Being a part of such an important competition means a lot to me and it makes me feel really proud.

Having the chance to meet people from different cultures and countries, sharing knowledge and different points of view, going deep into beer trends and topics with other experts in a country which is fundamental to the history of beer, worldwide — this is judging at the World Beer Cup, to me.

Jose R Ruiz

Chih, Mexico

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

I started homebrewing back in 2001 and then moved for work to live in Michigan, there I met some brewing friends that were also Bee Judge Certification Program judges. They taught me how to brew all grain batches and then I took a course to become BJCP Certified. In 2008, on returning to to Mexico I wanted to open up a microbrewery, but I found out that there were no suppliers for ingredients in Mexico. I started looking for suppliers that were willing to have a new distributor in Mexico and that is how I set up Micervesa, the first brewing supply company in Mexico. After that I was invited to organize the first BJCP beer competition in Mexico, since I was the only BJCP Certified judge at that time, and that is how Copa Cerveza Mx started and became the most important Beer competition in Mexico.

Beer matters to me because I see it as a social drink that unites people and countries. Beer is one of the few things countries have in common as a drink, but of course with a great diversity of styles. Beer is fun and it is best shared with friends.

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

Being a judge at the World Beer Cup is a tremendous honor, as it allows me to participate in the most prestigious beer competition worldwide. It is a great opportunity to meet new beer judges and share and learn from their experience, and explore the beer culture from their countries and cities. It is also a great responsibility to judge and select the best beers on the table that will be given awards, knowing that they mean a lot for each brewery.

I think beer competitions are a great motivation for brewers to do their best effort and keep brewing excellent beer, and this elevates the overall beer culture and experience to the end consumer.

Nicholas Galton-Fenzi

Western Australia, Australia

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

I was a keen learner, and I started homebrewing at 17. My first batch of beer (kit and kilo) had very poor temperature control and showed a lack of brewing understanding on my behalf … It was absolutely terrible. From then on, I have tried to learn as much as I can about beer, the industry, the ingredients, and the people involved. This journey has taken me through 23 different countries and I have now been involved in over 50 breweries worldwide.

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

I judge at the World Beer Cup because I wish to share what I have learned within the industry. I do it so I can provide my feedback, where I can, and further learn, for myself, about beer styles. I get the opportunity to meet with fellow judges who can also provide additional feedback on the style of beer that is being judged.

What else would you like the world to know?

This industry is rapidly changing, with the amount of additional science and information that comes through on a daily basis. A beer making it through to the second round of this competition is already leagues ahead. Achieving an award is an incredible accomplishment for the brewery involved.

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.

Richard Dube

Kentucky, United States

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

I am part of a very small group of professional brewers that actually never homebrewed. I began my brewing career with Molson Breweries in Montreal as a freshly graduated microbiologist. Joining the beer industry was more a necessity than a true passion for beer. That said, I quickly fell in love with the processes of beer production and the importance of sensory evaluation. Beer is now part of my life and I tremendously enjoy sharing my experience/recommendations over a well-designed beer.

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

The passion to share my practical experience and know-how, accumulated over the past 43+ years, makes judging the perfect path to do so. The group of judges is well-rounded and offers engaging discussions about beer profiles, all while following agreed-upon guidelines.

Luc De Raedemaeker

Brussels, Belgium

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

‘Beer and life: If you have to eat and drink anyway, you might as well enjoy it.’ This is an important rule of life that I learned growing up in Brussels, where I developed an appreciation for the offerings from the Zenne valley, particularly the Geuze and Lambiek. I acquired my taste for beer as a student bartender and my expertise grew as I trained in Belgium and around the world. I am now a lecturer in zythology and chief editor of Bier Grand Cru. My first book, The Belgian Beer Book, has been hailed as the perfect guide to Belgian beer and beer culture. I am a regular speaker at food and beer festivals all over the world. I am also the co-founder and director of the Brussels Beer Challenge, a prestigious international beer competition.

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 a chance to be part of a global celebration of beer, contribute to the industry’s growth and quality, and gain personal and professional enrichment through the experience. It holds a special place in my heart.

Sebastian Hohentanner

Tokyo, Japan

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

I was born and raised in Munich, Germany, so good beer was always a given for me—available almost anytime, anywhere, especially in our beautiful beer gardens. However, while studying in Japan, I learned that this wasn’t the case everywhere. Searching for a good Bavarian-style hefeweizen in Japan started my journey into the world of craft beer. It led to a career in the Japanese beverage industry, supplying breweries with brewing equipment, ingredients, and education to create some of the best beers we have in Japan today.

In my daily work, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to connect the brewing culture of my birthplace with the brewing culture of the place I choose to live. Nothing brings people together like beer!

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

The World Beer Cup is the most prestigious and well-established beer competition—a model for beer competitions worldwide. Therefore, it’s an honor and a privilege to judge at the World Beer Cup. Judging beers with industry veterans and colleagues from around the globe in such a well-organized, professional setting creates a unique opportunity to continuously learn about beer and sharpen sensory skills. I especially appreciate the discussions with fellow judges during and after the competition. Everyone’s openness to share knowledge and experience, help one another, and enjoy beer in a friendly and collegial atmosphere is amazing. I hope to participate in and contribute to the World Beer Cup for many years to come.