Kevin Ashford

California, United States

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

I discovered craft beer in college while bartending at a restaurant in Harrisonburg, VA. We had about 100 rotating bottles and cans, and I was able to try one at the end of each shift. I was amazed at the variety in beer, and became fascinated by its history and regionality. After getting my degree in international affairs, I discovered I really just liked people and wanted to learn of ways to bring them together. Beer seemed like a good way to do that. I decided to forego my opportunity to work on Capitol Hill in D.C. to fall back on bartending and learn more about beer. One of my regulars at this bar in Maryland was a seasoned brewer at our midsized regional brewery. When I asked him one day if any floor sweeping jobs were available, his ears perked up. He set me up with an interview with the Brewmaster and I was hired on the spot. I fell in love with beer making, and the rest is history. Beer matters to me because it has withstood the test of time. It is a champion of bringing us all together.

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

I judge at the WBC to honor brewers past, present, and future. I believe consumers have the right to enjoy high quality beer, and WBC challenges brewers to provide beer of the highest quality. Judging at the World Beer Cup is so important to me, because I really care about beer and its history. I want to ensure that classic styles remain abundant for generations to enjoy. It is an honor to adjudicate beers from all over the world and share the enthusiasm for the past time of beer making.

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.

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. 🙂

Satoshi Murabayashi

Tokyo, Japan

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

Twenty years ago, in Japan, I did not have a chance to taste the diversity of craft beer. On a business trip to the United States, I was totally shocked by the quality, appearance, aroma, and flavor of craft beer. After that experience, I joined the Craft Beer Association and realized that education is important to understand the value of beer; that the quality of beers are critically important for better moments; and that collaboration among global associations and competitions is so important. I am now contributing as a teacher and competition manager for the International Beer Cup in Japan and the Japan Great Beer Awards.

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

My first World Beer Cup was in San Diego in 2012. I wanted to contribute to this industry by tasting great beer and giving comments for their innovation. As a person from Asia, I would also share my local expertise with beer and judges here. In addition, I wanted to experience a world-class competition for learning and improving our competitions in Japan.