Judges

Nicolás Boan

Buenos Aires, Argentina

How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?

My uncle and aunt had been in the beer scene for over 15 years. During my final year of high school, I began working part-time with them, and my true eye-opening moment came when I served as a steward at that year’s South Beer Cup (SBC). Until then, I had no idea how broad beer could be. While studying at university, I became deeply involved in organizing all aspects of SBC and the Copa Argentina de Cervezas, the largest competition in our country. After several years of working as an organizer and completing sensory training, I decided to pursue judging myself, passing the BJCP examination and eventually obtaining the National Rank. Beer has been a core part of my life; I deeply enjoy my work and the opportunity to have a space where the industry connects, while highlighting the best beers being made is something I am very proud of.

Why do you judge at the World Beer Cup? What does judging at the World Beer Cup mean to you?

Judging at the WBC is an absolute honor. I will always be grateful to the people who vouched for me and helped me be considered for a place on this panel. Being part of this competition allows me to learn from some of the most talented people in the industry. It is an opportunity to stay up to date with evolving techniques, new styles, discover ingredients, and take a look at the creativity of brewers from all over the world. It is probably the best place to get a glimpse of the current state of beer quality. It is an overall extremely enriching opportunity. I get to meet people from all over the world, while being able to keep my palate as sharp as possible.

What else would you like the world to know?

Beer is about the people who make it, and I enjoy traveling as much as possible to see what everyone is brewing out there.