Jorge Ramos
How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?
I got into beer out of curiosity that slowly turned into passion. What started as drinking beer in Puerto Rico became homebrewing, then studying styles, ingredients and the stories behind them. Beer matters to me because I see it as an art form, a form of expression. Every beer is a message. It’s what the brewer is trying to say through liquid, about a place, a moment, or an idea. When you’re with a beer, you’re using all your senses: sight, smell, taste, mouthfeel, even sound and memory. It asks you to slow down and pay attention. Beer gave me a way to represent where I come from while connecting with people everywhere.
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 want to honor the brewers' story and effort. Every beer is a message and my job is to listen carefully, taste deeply and give feedback that respects what they were trying to express. Judging is about focus, fairness, and respect, it’s never about personal preference. It’s about understanding the beer, the intent and how well it comes through in the glass. For me, it’s more than an honor to judge at the World Beer Cup. It’s also about connection, being able to represent Puerto Rico on this international stage is incredibly meaningful. It’s a way to celebrate creativity, passion and how beer brings people together from all over the world.
What else would you like the world to know?
Beer teaches us to slow down, engage our senses and connect with people and cultures around the world. It’s a way to celebrate creativity, spark conversation and bring people together, one glass at a time. Salud!
