Werner Glossner

Bavaria, Germany

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

I was born into a brewing family and had no chance of avoiding beer, but fate has been damn good to me.

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

It is the international encounters — around a table, over evenings and days with tasters from all over the world, that is the World Beer Cup.

Evangelos Gletsos

New Mexico, United States

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

While sunbathing in Boulder, Colorado, in 1994, I’d heard an ad for the GABF and thought, “Man, I’d love to go to that!” Within four months I’d taken up homebrewing. With my degree in chemical engineering, I’d turned homebrewing into a profession (working for the Rock Bottom), and won a GABF medal in 2007. My next step was to become a BJCP certified beer judge. Within a few years, I was accepted to be a GABF judge, and shortly thereafter, a World Beer Cup judge. For me, brewing beer is a multi-millennia art that transcends borders, cultures, languages, races, and religions. It is a common bond that can make friends of strangers in moments, and celebrations magical. Sitting down and having a pint with a companion or a group of friends is one of life’s great pleasures and should be practiced often the world round.

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 for many reasons. First and foremost to bring accolades and recognition to the best beers and brewers in the world, period. Furthermore, I like to provide positive feedback to the hardworking brewers out there to make their art the best it can possibly be. My hope is that through their efforts and my feedback, constantly improving quality and flavors are available to more and more beer lovers. I am honored and humbled that I have been given the responsibility to judge the World Beer Cup and take the utmost care to provide the best and most constructive comments back to the brewers. I feel that every medal I’ve ever awarded at the World Beer Cup has been solidly deserved by a brewer that has put a masterpiece on display. Finally, with all honesty and modesty, I REALLY, REALLY LOVE TASTING THE BEST BEERS IN THE WORLD.

Damon Scott

Colorado, United States

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

I discovered craft beer at a local restaurant owned by a homebrewer. While wrapping up a degree in chemistry (with no idea what I would do with said degree), I dove into homebrewing. I suddenly realized there was something tangible I could make, using my creative spirit and my analytical brain. Brewing provides the opportunity to learn about farming, plant physiology, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and so much more. I realized early on that one is never bored while working in the brewing industry!

Beer matters to me because it allows me to make something that other people can experience viscerally.

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 truly an honor. I always find myself judging with incredibly experienced and knowledgeable people, who are simultaneously humble and approachable. The judging process constantly challenges my own assumptions about how I perceive the complex matrix that is beer. Judging also provides context through which I can view the beer I make, and evaluate it more objectively.

It is easy to get caught up in your own small world as a brewer. Nothing tears off the blinders like judging at the World Beer Cup. Tasting incredible beers inspires me to make better beer and question my assumptions. That perspective is invaluable.

Emily Vegas

Thüringen, Germany

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

For me, beer is everything; it’s both my profession and my hobby. When I’m not working at the brewery, I’m judging competitions, reading books about beer, taking courses, or simply enjoying some beers. My life has meaning, thanks to beer.

I started working at Polar Brewery in Venezuela in 2015 after graduating as a biologist. I began as a brewer apprentice and then moved to Germany, where I worked at Doemens Academy in the laboratory and pilot plant. There, I took a course to become a brewmaster and graduated in 2019. After becoming a brewmaster, I started working at the Institut Romeis, performing chemical and analytical controls for breweries in Germany and around the world.

In 2021, I began working for Oettinger Brewery as a quality assurance specialist (microbiology and chemistry), and since January 2023, I’ve been working for Paulaner, also in quality assurance. During my first two years in Germany, I served as a steward for the European Beer Star Competition, and in 2021, I started judging various beer competitions, including the Austrian Beer Challenge, Concours de Lyon, African Beer Cup, World Beer Cup, and Women’s Trophy.

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

I had already judged in several competitions in Europe, and I dreamed of participating as a juror in the largest competitions in the world and in other countries outside Europe. That’s why I applied for the World Beer Cup—it’s one of the most important competitions globally. I also wanted the opportunity to meet amazing professionals from around the world and learn more about beer. It’s truly wonderful, and I’m very proud of it.