John Haggerty

Ohio, United States

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

I started in the beer industry in 1993 while working in the kitchen of a brewpub in Seattle, The Big Time Brewing Co. I thought to myself, “Self, if you are going to work here you might as well learn how to do something cool, like make beer!” So really, I didn’t know much about beer to begin with…I mean other than I liked to drink it. There wasn’t much beer on offer in the late 80’s and early 90’s where I was living in southwest Ohio. So when I moved to Seattle in 1991 that was a real revelation. Anyway, one thing lead to another and here I am 33 years later! I love what beer can do for a community of people—it brings them together and helps them interact and have fun. Beer is a convivial beverage and it is the community that always develops around drinking a pint that I really love.

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

I love to participate in the WBC because I like being part of the evaluation process of the greatest beer event on the planet! I also find that there is incredible dialogue and interaction amongst the judges on how they think and feel about beer. It is very insightful and enlightening from a brewer’s perspective. I find that I gain all sorts of ideas from simply sitting at the tables and discussing beer with my fellow judges. Additionally, I always find it recharges me and when I return to the brewery I have a renewed energy for what it is we do on a daily basis I find it to be a tremendous honor to be asked to help evaluate the beer entries in the competition. I take it quite seriously and am ecstatic that I have been asked to be part of such an internationally esteemed panel of beer professionals.

What else would you like the world to know?

The act of drinking a beer is really quite a simple exercise. It can be infinitely enjoyable particularly when you have a great group of friends and colleagues at hand to enjoy a point with! However, making a beer is infinitely complex. The people that do this for a living are extremely dedicated craftspeople. To accomplish what they do is a magical blend of science and creativity. Take time to get to know your local brewers. Offer them your feedback and input but keep in mind that the work that goes into it is backbreaking and physically and mentally challenging. That deserves your respect even if you don’t care for their beer’s particular outcome.

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.

Tian Zhou

Shanghai, China

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

My journey into beer began while I was studying in the United States. At 21 (of course), I tasted my first American IPA in Maine, and it completely changed how I understood beer. After graduation, I spent 45 days driving across 22 U.S. states, visiting breweries of all sizes.

What stayed with me most from that road trip wasn’t just the beer, but the people. I found that people who love beer are open, sincere, and generous with their stories. Conversations started easily, friendships formed quickly, and sharing a beer felt like a natural way to connect. That experience shaped how I see beer to this day.

I began homebrewing while starting my career in brand marketing, working with companies such as DJI and WeWork. Looking back, my beers weren’t that good, but my colleagues were kind enough to finish them anyway, and ask for the next batch.

In 2020, I left my previous career and founded Beer Matters. It began as China’s first craft-beer-only podcast and has since grown into a broader media and community platform. Beer matters to me because craft beer represents values I deeply believe in—independence, diversity, community, and creativity – beyond simply good-tasting 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 brings together some of the most experienced and respected beer judges in the world. Judging alongside them allows me to continually calibrate my sensory perception and deepen my understanding of beer styles at the highest level.

It is also a truly global platform, where beers from nearly every major brewing country are evaluated side by side. This offers a rare opportunity to see how craft beer is evolving worldwide, including how different regions interpret classic styles, how local ingredients influence innovation, and what trends are shaping the industry today.

China’s craft beer scene is developing rapidly, with many brewers actively exploring a distinct local identity. As a long-term observer and documenter of this process, including through my recent book on the rise of Chinese craft beer, the World Beer Cup is an essential learning opportunity for me. The insights I gain at the judging table help me bring a clearer global perspective back to China.

Judging is also a two-way exchange. I’m glad to share perspectives from the Chinese craft beer scene, including beers that incorporate local elements such as tea. This exchange keeps judging relevant and helps the global beer community move forward together.

What else would you like the world to know?

We are living in a strange era of de-globalization, where exchanges between countries are becoming more fragile and opportunities for direct dialogue feel increasingly limited. In moments like this, I believe it is up to each of us to make a greater effort to stay connected with one another.

From my perspective, beer remains a simple and sincere way to keep those connections alive. I’m deeply committed to sharing what is actually happening in Chinese craft beer today. It is a scene that is far more diverse, experimental, and thoughtful than many people expect.

We are not just making beer; we are exploring local identity through ingredients such as tea, domestic hops, and fermentation techniques rooted in long-standing traditions. At the same time, we remain genuinely open to dialogue and eager to connect with the wider world.

If you are curious about Chinese craft beer, or planning a trip to China and looking for brewery or bar recommendations, I’m always happy to connect. Conversations still matter, and sharing a pint is often the best way to start one.

Masafumi Morita

Nagano, Japan

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

I entered the industry about 20 years ago. Back then, the Japanese market was dominated by　pilsners from the major breweries. However, I was a huge fan of flavorful British ales. I felt a calling to spread this diversity of beer styles, so I decided to become a brewer.

I reached out to several small breweries to pitch myself, and fortunately, I landed a job. My career started with kegging.

Brewing diverse styles of beer and connecting with people through them is my life’s work and my greatest source of happiness.

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

I am passionate about the craft beer industry and want to contribute to its growth. The judging process offers valuable perspectives that improve my brewing, and the time spent with fellow judges from around the world is truly irreplaceable. It is also a privilege to share ideas with the industry’s best brewers and experts at the World Beer Cup. I have been fortunate to participate for over a decade. Without this experience, the caliber of our beer would not be where it is today.

What else would you like the world to know?

Beer is just a beverage; it has no power to heal injuries or illnesses. However, we live in truly challenging times filled with stress, and a good craft beer can be a true oasis. I also feel that the craft beer industry adopts a more democratic, artistic, and organic approach to its craft. I am hopeful that this spirit will gradually make the world a better place. I encourage you to seek out local craft brewers who embody this great spirit. If you resonate with their vision, please support them.