Paolo Bouquin
How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?
My journey into craft beer began in September 2012, during a weekend trip to London from Paris. Like many people, I believed beer could only taste like the mass-market continental lagers I drank during my student years. Then I was served an IPA straight from the tank—and it was love at first sip. In retrospect, I realize that what drew me most to craft beer and breweries wasn’t just the product itself, but the sense of community and shared passion that surrounded it. Nearly 15 years later, I still feel the same excitement for beer. Breweries have offered not only spaces for artistic expression and human connection, but also an incredible professional journey and long-lasting friendships across the world. I'm forever grateful for that first sip back in 2012.
Why do you judge at the World Beer Cup? What does judging at the World Beer Cup mean to you?
I like to challenge myself. I’m driven by a constant desire to learn and to foster connections with people in the industry who share the same passion. Being able to judge the work of some of the most respected and sought-after breweries is not only an honor, but also an opportunity to give back to the beer community by sharing the knowledge I’ve built over 14 years of hard work and dedication. As I prepare to embark on my Advanced Cicerone exam journey, there is no better way to begin than by sitting alongside some of the most influential people in the industry, exchanging notes, experiences, and points of view.
