Flavio Boero

Genoa, Italy

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

When I was young I was fascinated by the fermentation of wine by following my father in his small production. In 1973 I had the opportunity to work for an Italian brewery named Poretti Industries. I started in the lab, and part of my job was collaborating with the lab manager in researching off-flavor in beer. At that time we were the only brewery in Italy that used gas chromatography to do basic research on the brewery sector. I also worked for this brewery when it was acquired by Carlsberg, but my passion for beer increased when I became interested in craft beer production in Italy.

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

I think the renaissance of beer started in the U.S. Right now, the World Beer Cup best represents the evolution of beer, and leads the beer movement around the world.

Ai Tani

Osaka-shi Kitaku Oyodonaka, Japan

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

“Almost 30 years ago, small-scale brewing began in Japan. At that time, imported German and Belgian beers were occasionally available in Japan. Small-scale brewing had begun, but there were few high-quality beers and few good brewers. I decided that I would grow as a professional and spread the word about the existence of high-quality beer in Japan. This is why I entered this industry.

Twelve years ago, I decided just acting as a judge was not enough to advance quality standards, so I started running my own bottle shop and beer pub, selecting good quality beer, and providing it to consumers while maintaining quality. Since five years ago, I have also owned a brewery, and while deepening my awareness of beer, I also improve brewing, sipping and serving skills, and support the management of breweries and restaurants.

Beer has a long history and has recently evolved from technological developments and scientific advances. From the current situation, where Japanese historical food and liquor culture is evolving through beer, we believe that we can find an opportunity to build a new beer culture in Japan.

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

Being able to judge at the World Beer Cup, the world’s premier competition, is a source of pride. It is a good opportunity to measure my judging skills.

It was also a great experience how the judges are organized at the World Beer Cup. I believe it is the best competition in the world. The fact that many Japanese have won awards has become a guideline for quality improvement for Japanese brewers. It is also a great place where you can exchange information with beer judges from all over the world.

I was able to talk about my role as a judge and my thinking about evaluation at a high level. I would like to take it back to Japan and use it to educate beer judges and give advice on the growth of the market.

What else would you like the world to know?

If you ever come to Osaka, Japan, please visit our brewery, Craft Beer Base.

Sebastian Hohentanner

Tokyo, Japan

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

I was born and raised in Munich, Germany, so good beer was always a given for me—available almost anytime, anywhere, especially in our beautiful beer gardens. However, while studying in Japan, I learned that this wasn’t the case everywhere. Searching for a good Bavarian-style hefeweizen in Japan started my journey into the world of craft beer. It led to a career in the Japanese beverage industry, supplying breweries with brewing equipment, ingredients, and education to create some of the best beers we have in Japan today.

In my daily work, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to connect the brewing culture of my birthplace with the brewing culture of the place I choose to live. Nothing brings people together like beer!

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

The World Beer Cup is the most prestigious and well-established beer competition—a model for beer competitions worldwide. Therefore, it’s an honor and a privilege to judge at the World Beer Cup. Judging beers with industry veterans and colleagues from around the globe in such a well-organized, professional setting creates a unique opportunity to continuously learn about beer and sharpen sensory skills. I especially appreciate the discussions with fellow judges during and after the competition. Everyone’s openness to share knowledge and experience, help one another, and enjoy beer in a friendly and collegial atmosphere is amazing. I hope to participate in and contribute to the World Beer Cup for many years to come.

Fernanda Ueno

São Paulo, Brazil

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

I began my brewing journey in 2009 at Cervejaria Colorado in Brazil, starting as an intern and becoming head brewer. After earning a degree in food engineering, I completed the Master Brewers Program at UC Davis in 2015. I then led innovation projects for AB InBev’s craft breweries across South America and Europe.

In 2021, I moved to Europe to manage brewing and quality for ABI’s craft brands—including Camden Town, Bosteels, Birra del Borgo, and La Virgen—as well as co-packers and Beyond Beer products, until 2024.

Throughout my career, sensory analysis and beer judging have been part of my daily work. I’m passionate about experimenting with new ingredients, flavors, and techniques, exploring not just beer but also beverages like sake and coffee.

I’m also co-founder and brewmaster of Japas Cervejaria, a female-owned gypsy brewery blending Japanese and Brazilian influences. We brew and distribute our beers in Brazil, the U.S., and Taiwan, using beer as a creative way to honor our heritage.

Beer continues to teach me and connect me with amazing people every day—and I’m proud to give back to the industry that inspires me so deeply.

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 both an honor and a way for me to give back to the brewing community that has shaped so much of my life. It’s a chance to support brewers by providing thoughtful, constructive feedback, and to celebrate the creativity, diversity, and technical skill that go into every beer. With a background in brewing, sensory analysis, and innovation across different cultures and styles, I see judging as a unique opportunity to keep learning while also helping to uphold the highest standards in our industry. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of such a prestigious event that brings together passionate professionals from around the world to share knowledge, elevate beer quality, and inspire one another.