Walt Chleva
How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?
I started off when a buddy took me to Dry Dock Brewing when we were in the military together (he was in the Navy and I was in the Marine Corps). Loved the fact that the beer was so good, and the brewery had an attached homebrew store where he bought his homebrew equipment. We brewed a few batches together before I got my own equipment. I was hooked after I won my first medal in a competition, but wanted to make the beer better, so I started working at the homebrew store for fun (volunteered at first just to learn more, then got on the payroll). Eventually, I got on the brewing staff after showing the head brewer I'd been watching him for a while and could brew all by myself. He gave me a shot and I did a good enough job, he allowed me to join the team at Dry Dock and brewed professionally there for five years, at a peak time in CO brewing history where many great brewers cut their teeth in that brewhouse.
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'm driven to continually advance my judging palate and sensory expertise. The competition brings together exceptional judges from around the world—some of the best noses and taste buds in the brewing community—creating an unmatched environment for learning, discussion, and growth. Collaborating with these experts sharpens my skills, exposes me to diverse perspectives, and deepens my appreciation for the nuances of beer styles and quality. To me, judging at the World Beer Cup means contributing to the ongoing elevation of craft beer worldwide. By delivering precise, constructive feedback to breweries, we highlight strengths, identify potential improvements, and support innovation and consistency. This collective effort helps raise industry standards and ensures the overall quality of craft beer continues to rise, benefiting brewers and drinkers alike.
What else would you like the world to know?
Craft beer is truly extraordinary—a vibrant, ever-evolving celebration of creativity, tradition, and precision that delights palates worldwide. From bold American IPAs to delicate German lagers and innovative Belgian sours, brewers across dozens of countries pour passion into every batch, consistently raising the bar for quality and flavor. I've been to every continent and it's inspiring to see how nations on every continent—North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and beyond—take immense pride in crafting world-class beers that stand shoulder-to-shoulder on the global stage. This shared dedication to excellence makes the craft beer community one of the most collaborative and forward-thinking in the beverage world. I feel deeply grateful and honored to judge at the World Beer Cup, the world's premier beer competition. Rubbing elbows with some of the finest sensory experts and palates anywhere, I get to help identify and celebrate the absolute best beers on Earth. Being part of this rigorous, passionate process—evaluating, discussing, and recognizing true excellence—is a privilege I never take for granted. It’s a joy to contribute to shining a light on the world’s greatest brews.
