World Class Judges

Blanca Fresno

Asturias, Spain

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

I started to brew beer 15 years ago. My first contact with independent and craft beer was in Bratislava when I visited a brewpub. Beer is all my life. My passion. I can’t imagine living without beer.

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

It was my goal to judge at the World Beer Cup because it is the most important competition in the world. For me, judging there is my top experience with beer in a beer competition. It was amazing. The professionalism during the journey was incredible.

Bruna de Oliveira

Sao Paulo, Brazil

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

During my chemical engineering degree, I had the opportunity to intern at Grupo Petrópolis, a Brazilian company with 100% national capital. I enjoyed this experience and realized that the beverage industry fascinated me, though I hadn’t yet identified the area I connected with most. After graduating, I had the chance to return to the company, this time as a professional in the quality assurance department, focusing on beverage sensory analysis. It was then that I realized this area was the perfect fit for me, and I’ve continued my career in this sector with a great passion for what I do. Beer is important to me because it has helped me find and develop myself as a professional.

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

Based on my experience and training in sensory analysis and beer, I naturally set some career goals. One of them was to become an international judge, and in 2024, my opportunity arrived. I had the honor of being part of the sensory panel at the World Beer Cup. I feel fulfilled to have been part of a competition recognized worldwide for its excellence and quality. I learned a great deal during the competition and returned home with immense gratitude.

Lance Chavez

Idaho, United States

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

I got into the beer industry after I graduated college and decided that instead of pursuing a career with my degree I wanted to find a trade that I enjoyed. I was lucky that my friend Josh King who is the brewmaster at Sockeye Brewing needed some help and the job just fit me.

Beer matters to me because I take pride in my work and enjoy producing beers that can be enjoyed by a wide variety of beer lovers. Just like any craftsman who has high expectations for themselves, I hold my beers to a high standard which I believe ends up in a quality product that I am proud to put in a glass.

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

It is a privilege to be invited to participate in the World Beer Cup judging panel. I am both humbled and honored to be able to help seek out the best beers in the competition. It is also a privilege to be able to judge alongside the panel of beer experts that the Brewers Association assembles. My beer knowledge and appreciation for the many unique beer styles we are able to sample always grows after each judging experience.

What else would you like the world to know?

The people behind the scenes of the World Beer Cup deserve a huge amount of respect and credit. There are so many people who volunteer their time to help sort entries, steward tables for the judges, coordinate the competition, feed the crew, and so much more. Most of these people don’t get paid but donate their time all for the love of beer. Cheers to all of those unsung heroes.

Kathia Zanatta

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

After finishing my food engineering degree in Brazil, I followed my love for beer. I landed an internship at Paulaner Brewery in Germany in 2005, where I delved into the world of brewing and embraced the country’s diverse beer culture. Upon my return, I transitioned into a role at a brewery in Brazil, where I honed my skills over a five-year period in areas such as quality control, research and development, and laboratory analysis. In 2008, I embarked on a journey to Germany for the Beer Sommelier course, marking my entry into Brazil’s burgeoning craft beer scene.

Equipped with this expertise, I began organizing beer events. By 2010, I co-founded Instituto da Cerveja, an educational institution dedicated to the art of beer, and since then I have been fully committed to studying (including a brewmaster course in 2011), impactful teaching, hosting beer and food events, and consulting.

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

I have been participating as a judge in beer competitions since 2009, consistently enjoying the opportunity to expand my knowledge of beer, sensory analysis, and the market. It’s not only a chance to connect with new colleagues, but also an opportunity to support breweries by engaging in discussions about their beers and providing valuable feedback.

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.

Fal Allen

California, United States

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

I started as a homebrewer in 1985. I was working at a waterfront bar in Seattle and one day, while I was checking in a couple of cases of Redhook, I had an epiphany: I thought, “Wait a minute, someone gets paid to make Red Hook beer. Maybe I could get paid to make Redhook beer!” So I started visiting the Redhook brewery in the Fremont district and sharing my homebrew with the brewer. I would stop in a couple of times a week and ask him to try the beers with me. Finally, he hired me with the provision that I not bring him any more of my homebrew. For a few years I worked at the brewery during the days and tended bar at night. Rick the brewer was kind to me and rotated me through most of the positions in the brewery. I learned a lot about beer. In 1989, I got a job as a full time brewer at Pike Place Brewery. Then, in 1999, I moved to Anderson Valley Brewing in California, where I am today.

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

I judge the World Beer Cup for a couple of reasons. One, for the opportunity to judge with other people that have a different take on beer than I do. To learn and discuss beer and brewing with these folks and make new friends and partnerships in the brewing world. Second, I like to keep up to date on what is going on in the wide wide world of beer. Being selected to judge the most prestigious beer competition in the world is a great honor. I feel very lucky to be in such esteemed company of great brewers and beer industry people.

Brian Watson

Hamilton, New Zealand

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

In 1990 I saw a job for a trainee brewer with Heineken in the newspaper. I was lucky enough to get the job and never looked back. I have been in craft since 1996 in the U.K. and just love the industry, the people in it and what craft sands for.

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

I judge to give back to the industry, catch up with people from different countries and cultures, learn from people, and experience the wider world of craft beer. I am passionate about craft beer and love the industry and those in it. Every time I travel I learn something, and hope to never stop learning.

Geoff Deman

Kansas, United States

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

My interest in brewing began in college when I took a semester off and stayed with friends in the Bay Area, one of whom had taken up homebrewing. I helped him with a few batches and then dove into the deep end when I returned to school at the University of Kansas, where a homebrew supply shop had just opened in Lawrence. Many batches later, with a bachelor’s degree in art history in hand, I moved to Seattle hoping to land a brewing job. That first job paid me $6 an hour. Needless to say, I wasn’t into beer for the money—I was into it for the people, the community, the creativity, and the camaraderie.

I was fortunate to have amazing mentors, peers, and colleagues during my time brewing at Pike Brewing Company in Seattle, and later at Free State Brewing when I returned to Lawrence. Beer matters to me—or I should say, good beer matters to me. To borrow the words of Brother Epp of Capuchin Monastery in Munjor, Kansas, written in 1906 during Prohibition: “Because, without beer, things do not seem to go as well.”

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

Every time I judge the World Beer Cup, I learn something new and gain perspective from a diverse group of judges who may not speak the same language I do on a daily basis, but certainly speak the language of beer. It’s great to judge with German judges in German beer categories or Belgians in Belgian beer categories and get their perspective on the nuances of a classic style originating from their home country. It’s equally interesting to hear the perspective of an Argentinian or Japanese judge on these styles and learn more about the growing beer culture in their countries.

I’ve made new friends that I look forward to visiting in their home countries someday and seeing when they visit us during the World Beer Cup. Good beer brings good people together.

Markus Betz

Wien, Austria

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

My love of beer led me into my profession 20 years ago! I enjoy my work every day because beer is the best drink in the world! Beer is so complex and brings people together.

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

Because the World Beer Cup is the Olympic Games of brewing! It is by far the best beer competition, incredibly well organized, and all the tasters are full professionals and fully committed!

The nice thing is that you always meet new people and you can have a great chat with them! I can only recommend every brewery to send their beers to the World Beer Cup.

Marek Kaminski

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

I have been working in the beer industry since early 2014, and later that year I co-founded a Polish craft beer brand, Browar Kingpin, where I have also served as brewmaster since 2018. I am a well-traveled international beer, cider, and mead judge with experience at the World Beer Cup, European Beer Star, Brussels Beer Challenge, Birra dell’Anno, International Beer Cup Japan, Concurso Brasileiro de Cervejas, and many other competitions. I have been the co-founder and president of the Polish Craft Brewers Association since 2018, and I also serve as an organizer, proctor, and grader for BJCP Beer, Cider, and Mead Judge certifications. Additionally, I am the BJCP EMEA Regional Director, a WSET Certified Educator for Award in Beer qualifications, a contributor to periodicals, and I run beer education classes and regular tasting events.

To me, beer embodies a rich blend of history, craftsmanship, and creativity. It’s a medium for exploring flavors, places, and stories, fostering communities, and celebrating cultural traditions. The art and science of brewing continually inspire me, offering endless opportunities for personal development and enjoyment.

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 it is the largest and one of the most prestigious beer competitions in the world, where I get to meet many great beer professionals and taste some of the best beers in the world. It’s a great opportunity for me to both contribute to the evaluation as well as make new friends and master my skills. To be a judge at the World Beer Cup is to be part of the judging elite and to have my competences in the field recognized.

Maria Sol Cravello

Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

While studying at university, I worked in a microbiology lab. I was fascinated by microorganisms and wanted to learn more about them. After earning my degree in food science, I was determined to find a job that combined microorganisms and food. How bacteria and yeast transform flavors and aromas was—and still is—impressive to me. Fortunately, I discovered the fantastic world of beer.

My first job after graduation was as sensory lead at the largest brewery in Argentina. Today, 12 years later, I still dedicate my career to educating and spreading beer knowledge and appreciation at every opportunity.

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 has been a dream of mine since I started my career. I remember attending Craft Brewers Conferences and WBC awards ceremonies, thinking, “Wow, will I ever be part of this huge event?” The day I received the invitation to judge in Las Vegas in 2024 was one of the best days of my beer career. I was so excited telling everyone about it that I almost forgot to reply to the email and nearly missed out on the competition!

The news was so big in my country that I was interviewed by the most important local newspapers about my experience as a judge representing Argentina. That’s how significant being a WBC judge is to me. 🙂

Silvia De Tomas Ayllon

Lima, Peru

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

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.

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

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.