German Wilfrido Orrantia Calderón
How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?
My path must be understood from the perspective of someone living in Mexico, where a true craft beer industry only began to emerge in the last two decades. Twenty years ago, I was documenting the few imported beers I could find and studying platforms like RateBeer and BeerAdvocate. I subscribed to specialized magazines and, starting in 2010, attended Congreso Cerveza México, where I first understood what a professional beer competition required. In 2012, I opened the first specialized import and craft beer bar and shop in my city. I trained at Siebel in sensory evaluation and began promoting beer culture in Mexico. In 2015, I became a certified beer judge, which has taken me to different parts of the world. Since 2020, I have also become a sommelier and sake sommelier, expanding my understanding of beverages, including Mexican wine and regional spirits like Sotol from Chihuahua. Beer has opened doors to cultures, countries, and friendships that transformed my life and allowed me to serve as an ambassador for my region.
Why do you judge at the World Beer Cup? What does judging at the World Beer Cup mean to you?
Shortly after discovering professional beer competitions and understanding what a medal truly represents, I began closely following international winners. I vividly remember when, in 2012, Mexican brewery La Chingonería won gold at the World Beer Cup with its chocolate beer “Hazmela Rusa.” That moment showed me the true scale of the competition—not just as an award, but as a global reference point. I realized the World Beer Cup was, in many ways, the Olympics of beer. Years later, becoming a judge at the most influential competition in the world became a personal goal. Judging three times at the International Beer Cup in Japan and now for a second time at the World Beer Cup are among my proudest personal milestones.
What else would you like the world to know?
Beyond the titles, what stays with me are the people and shared experiences. Sitting at a judging table with professionals I once only read about, sharing conversations after long sessions, exploring breweries in Colorado—those moments matter. Even when political or ideological differences may divide conversations, a good beer and an honest laugh bring everyone to the same table. Mexican humor and flavor always find their place, reminding us that beer connects us far beyond the glass.
