Dominic Charbonneau

Quebec, Canada

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

Like most brewers, I started as a homebrewer, and decided to offer more flavor to the people by starting my brewery. To do this, I needed to understand and know beer styles and taste them, so I studied and traveled to taste every style of beer. This led to earning Beer Judge Certification Program and Cicerone credentials, which now help me every day in the brewery.

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

Judging the World Beer cup is like judging at the Olympics. It is a huge competition where the best of the best are represented. The challenge of finding the appropriate beer for the style in every flight is incredible and a great training for developing my tasting skill, and of course to help brewers understand their product.

Gabriela Montandon

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

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.

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 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.

Leigh Maberry Hostetler

Texas, United States

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

I entered the beer industry through an internship opportunity for QA and lab work. This was shortly after my first ever craft beer: a classic American pale ale, that completely blew me away with the complexity and delicious flavor craft beer could offer. As a microbiologist and anthropologist, my skill set seemed perfectly matched for the brewing industry. The love for the sensory sciences was a natural progression during my tenure in the industry because at the end of the day, beer is intended to taste cohesively good, which is something analytical data can’t always demonstrate. Beer has been a collaborative effort for millennia and I am excited by the contributions I can offer to encourage growth throughout the industry.

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 to expand my knowledge and palate for international classifications and flavors. I judge to meet fellow judges and learn from their wide range of occupations, experiences, and sensory backgrounds. The World Beer cup judging opportunity allows cultural divides and geo-political barriers to be loosened allowing for equal trade of beer enthusiasm and expertise. Bonus: Critically evaluating beer and diving deep into what four simple ingredients can provide and honoring our industry peers creativity is simply fun and rewarding!

What else would you like the world to know?

On average, 75% of the beers we taste throughout judging are good beers. Just because you don’t win an award doesn’t mean you aren’t making great beer. Keep up the good work brew crews and let’s craft beer thriving!

Agus Blanco

Madrid, Spain

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

My journey began behind the bar, serving patrons and forging connections with both the bartending team and the final drinker. This experience sparked a passion for understanding spirits like whisky and, especially, beer. I saw myself as a bridge between the consumer and the producer, eager to be the door that welcomes people into the world of flavors.

For over a decade, I’ve continuously honed my communication skills in the realms of beer, whisky, and now mezcal. My passion evolved into expertise, allowing me to train both brewers and judges at Lúpulo Digital’s tasting gym. I help them hone their sensory skills to craft and appreciate exceptional beverages. My focus lies in optimizing flavor and aroma profiles for breweries, ensuring their beers capture consumer hearts (and taste buds!).

In 2023, I had the honor of judging prestigious international competitions across the globe, expanding my knowledge of diverse beer styles and trends (Brazil, Germany, South Africa, Belgium, Spain). Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue this journey in 2024 (U.S., Italy, Mexico, etc.).

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 was a challenging yet enriching experience. Exchanging knowledge with fellow judges, from all corners of the globe and brewing generations, is truly special. The Brewers Association’s legacy as a craft beer revolution leader makes connecting with these judges even more meaningful. The vast knowledge and diverse perspectives at the WBC have challenged and broadened my understanding of beer. This event highlighted the ever-evolving world of beer, a community brimming with creativity and pushing boundaries. I’m grateful for this experience and excited to see the BA continue fostering innovation and inspiring future generations of beer lovers.