Bernardo Sequeira
How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?
I first discovered that people could brew their own beer while studying abroad, and that simple idea stuck with me—I knew I wanted to do it too. During an internship, a coworker invited me to a poker night where we had craft beer, and later to visit a small homebrew setup. That experience changed everything. I started brewing right after that and haven’t stopped since. Back then, no one believed I could turn it into a career—especially coming from a country with no brewing tradition. Thirteen years later, I’m proud to say I’ve built a life around something I truly love. Beer matters to me because it combines science, creativity, and community. Being able to make a living doing what I’m passionate about is one of the most fulfilling parts of my life.
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 I believe it represents one of the highest milestones in a brewer’s career. As someone who is not only a judge but also a full-time brewer, being part of this competition connects me to the global standard of excellence and gives me the chance to both contribute and keep learning. For me, judging at the World Beer Cup is one of my proudest accomplishments—something that crowns years of preparation, effort, and commitment to this craft. It validates the journey I began over a decade ago when I decided I would dedicate my life to beer, even when few believed it was possible. Being part of this prestigious panel is both a personal triumph and a professional responsibility that I carry with joy and gratitude.
What else would you like the world to know?
I come from El Salvador, a small country where beer culture is still developing, and being part of the international brewing community means the world to me. Every opportunity I’ve had—whether as a brewer, judge, or educator—carries the weight of representing my country and proving that passion, discipline, and knowledge can come from any corner of the world. I’m also a father and a husband. My children are growing up seeing that it's possible to turn a personal passion into a professional path through consistency and effort. Brewing is not just my job—it’s a way of life that has shaped who I am, personally and professionally.
