Cat (Kitty) Wiest
How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?
In 2012, knowing near nothing about beer, I responded to a Craigslist ad for a position at a nearby production brewery. After starting the job, I did deep dive into beer nerdism, reading about beer history, trying every interesting bottle I could get my hands on, expanding my palate and developing new tastes, while also enduring a trial by fire in a large production environment. Over the years, I worked in breweries of different sizes, serving different communities, and using different tools to get the brand message across. What stood out to me was community. I found community not just in the industry, but every time I go to a new place and sit down for a new beer at a new table. Modern humans have many opportunities to get together, but one of my favorites is getting together for a beer. These days, I work for Yakima Chief Hops at the Copywriting Manager. I love conveying and communicating industry and product news that gets brewers excited.
Why do you judge at the World Beer Cup? What does judging at the World Beer Cup mean to you?
Of all my judging experiences, international competitions are my favorite. I love being exposed to flavors, styles, and techniques far beyond my doorstep. This is my first year judging the World Beer Cup, and I am incredibly excited to see, smell, and taste what is happening around the world. It's an honor to sit beside distinguished palates from around the world, share sensory experiences, and learn from each other (and the beers)!
