Ryan Witter-Merithew
How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?
Beer turned from a hobby into a career in 2003, when I attended an open house at Heavyweight Brewing in Toms River, New Jersey. That day, I met people who shared the same level of passion I felt for beer, and for the first time, I felt fully accepted. I left knowing this was what I wanted to dedicate my life to. I began homebrewing and consuming every piece of information about beer I could find. I discovered ProBrewer, applied to every entry-level position I could, and eventually got my opportunity at Duck-Rabbit Brewery in North Carolina. From there, my path took me to Denmark, then England, and eventually back to the United States, where my wife and I co-founded our own brewery. We later sold the business, and I went on to take a leadership role at what I believe is the best brewery in the world. To me, beer represents friendship and adventure—history, curiosity, imagination, perseverance, science, and a bit of luck and magic. I have given my life to this industry, and it has rewarded me with memories that carry me through both the good times and the difficult ones.
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 have worked hard to develop my skills as a taster, and I recognize the effort and care behind every beer submitted. Those entries represent countless hours of work, and I believe the judging process deserves to be approached with focus, humility, and respect. Judging at the World Beer Cup carries real weight. There is love and labor poured into every glass, and selecting winners is not a small task. Each beer that does not advance carries hope with it, and while awards can validate the work of the brewers who earn them, not winning can be deeply disappointing for others who worked just as hard. I judge because I want to contribute thoughtfully—to help ensure that the best beers rise to the top, and that meaningful, constructive feedback encourages brewers to continue refining their craft and returning to the competition.
