Keith Villa
How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?
I love the science and the art of brewing. My entire professional like has been dedicated to beer. I have my Ph.D. in Brewing from the University of Brussels, Belgium. I have written numerous articles and one book on brewing. I have one patent and 2 patents pending on beer fermentation and flavor. I have judged brewing competitions since 1993, and have been a certified beer judge since 1994. I have been a certified draft beer technician since 2000. I created the biggest craft beer brand in the U.S. in 1995, which is Blue Moon Belgian White.
Why do you judge at the World Beer Cup? What does judging at the World Beer Cup mean to you?
It's a privilege to judge at the World Beer Cup. I have judged at the WBC since the first one at the Sonnenalp Hotel in Vail in 1996. Judging at the WBC allows me to personally taste some of the best beers in the world and to be part of the process for recognizing these beers. It also gives me a chance to give critical technical feedback so that the brewers can address any flavor issues appropriately.
What else would you like the world to know?
I love beer! Both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beer.
