Kevin Ely
How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?
I was a student of nutritional biochemistry at UC Davis, and fell for fermentation. I studied under Michael J. Lewis in the department of Food Science and Technology. Then I completed an academic apprenticeship at Ska Brewing in Durango, Colorado while living in the brewery attic and communicating with a pager so I could make a little cash running river trips on the Animas. Beer matters because it brings us all closer together. We're social animals and I believe good craft beer served in a beautiful setting can make us happier and heathier. With that mindset in 2017 I build Wooly Pig Farm Brewery with the help of family and community members on a 90 acre farm in the Appalachian foothills of Eastern Ohio. Here we brew lager beer, raise pigs and serve beer in our taproom and outdoor beer garden. People from our local community and from around the greater region gather here to drink beer, make friends and relax.
Why do you judge at the World Beer Cup? What does judging at the World Beer Cup mean to you?
Judging at the World Beer Cup is exciting, fun, and a great way to connect with so many wonderful souls of the worldwide craft beer brewing community. It is an honor to support a competition that serves the betterment and promotion of craft beer.
What else would you like the world to know?
Support local, drink local, and make as many friends as you can.
