Jessica MI

Ciudad de México, México

¿Cómo entró en la industria cervecera? ¿Por qué le importa la cerveza?

My mind was blown when I tried my first craft beer back in 2007. Since then, I couldn’t stop searching for those “different” beers. I became more and more involved until I ended up taking a course to become a beer sommelier, started homebrewing, and eventually became a beer judge. I attended various workshops, training sessions, and did plenty of studying. I launched my own brand in 2014, and now beer has become a very important part of my life—it has been my companion for many years.

Beer is such a versatile drink that brings people together. It’s a whole universe of options, and there’s a beer style for everyone!

¿Por qué participa como juez en la Copa Mundial de la Cerveza? ¿Qué significa para usted ser jurado en la Copa Mundial de la Cerveza?

I enjoy promoting beer culture and helping the industry grow and develop. I believe that through beer competitions, we can help the industry improve. Recognizing breweries that are doing a wonderful job is a great way to encourage them to keep up the good work!

I also wanted to be part of the panel of judges for the “Olympics of Beer” because participating in such a huge and important event is both challenging and something I truly enjoy!

Walter König

Baviera, Alemania

¿Cómo entró en la industria cervecera? ¿Por qué le importa la cerveza?

I’ve never done anything other than beer and music! I grew up on a farm in a small village in Bavaria. There was a princely brewery in this village that was founded in 1598. Our neighbor was a brewer in this brewery and I often visited him in the brewhouse. I was fascinated by this craft and quickly became enthusiastic about the profession. At the age of 15, I began training as a brewer and maltster in this brewery. After several years of practical experience as a brewer, my career path took me to the Technical University of Munich, where I graduated as an engineer in brewing and beverage technology.

In Bavaria in particular, beer is closely associated with traditions, festivals, rituals and everyday life. There are many different beer styles for every occasion and every season. Due to my background in agriculture, I am primarily fascinated by the beer raw materials malting barley, wheat and of course hops and the conviction that a good beer needs nothing more than three ingredients, nature and the skill of the brewer.

¿Por qué participa como juez en la Copa Mundial de la Cerveza? ¿Qué significa para usted ser jurado en la Copa Mundial de la Cerveza?

I would like the German beer styles to be interpreted and judged at the jury tables in the way they have evolved from their tradition. I also enjoy exchanging ideas with judges from other countries and beer histories and discussing other beer styles and trends in the brewing industry.

Every brewer who submits a beer to the competition is entitled to transparent and honest feedback on their beer. It is therefore important to me that well-trained and focused judges give each beer the necessary attention. The World Beer Cup offers optimal conditions for this thanks to its organization and the online-based evaluation system. And despite the concentrated work, there is still enough freedom and many opportunities to get to know each other and have fun.

Gabriela Montandon

¿Cómo entró en la industria cervecera? ¿Por qué le importa la cerveza?

My journey into the beer industry began as a hobby that eventually grew into a passion for both academic and craft brewing. As one of the first certified judges at the time, I opened a craft brewery and pursued a Ph.D. in the field, all while actively judging beers. These experiences allowed me to combine my love for brewing with my scientific curiosity. Over time, my interest in fermentation science deepened, leading me to focus on beer evaluation and sensory analysis. Today, I lead research projects at Fermentis, where I continuously explore the complex dynamics of yeast, fermentation, and flavor—an area that remains both challenging and rewarding in my career.

Beer matters to me because it represents much more than just a drink—it’s a blend of science, culture, and craftsmanship. With more than 15 years of experience evaluating beers and examining the intricate relationships between microbial dynamics and flavor expression, I have gained a profound appreciation for the creativity and precision that brewing requires. Beyond its technical aspects, beer connects people and tells a rich story of tradition and innovation. Being part of this ever-evolving industry is incredibly rewarding, and I feel fortunate to contribute to its growth and development.

¿Por qué participa como juez en la Copa Mundial de la Cerveza? ¿Qué significa para usted ser jurado en la Copa Mundial de la Cerveza?

Judging at the World Beer Cup allows me to contribute to the global beer community while applying my expertise in sensory analysis and beer evaluation. With more than 15 years of experience in the field, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the nuances in beer styles and flavor profiles, which I bring to the judging process. It’s also an opportunity to engage with other experts, share knowledge, and help maintain high standards of quality and innovation in the industry.

For me, judging at the World Beer Cup is both an honor and a responsibility. It’s a chance to be part of one of the most prestigious beer competitions in the world, where brewers showcase their passion, creativity, and technical skill. It also means helping to uphold the values of fairness and excellence in beer production. Personally, it’s a meaningful way to stay connected with the global beer community and to celebrate the diversity and craftsmanship that make the industry so vibrant.

Matthew Peetz

Colorado, Estados Unidos

¿Cómo entró en la industria cervecera? ¿Por qué le importa la cerveza?

Empecé a elaborar cerveza casera en la universidad mientras estudiaba la reparación celular utilizando la levadura como organismo modelo. Mi asesor de posgrado estaba a cargo del Rocky Mountain Microbrewing Symposium y pude conocer a expertos del sector mientras trabajaba como voluntario en el evento. Seguí trabajando con levaduras como profesional de la investigación en la Universidad de Colorado Denver antes de trasladarme al Brewing Science Institute. Utilicé mi experiencia en la propagación de levaduras para trabajar en la industria de los biocombustibles antes de fundar Inland Island con un compañero de trabajo. He pasado los últimos cinco años creando mi propia empresa, Propagate Lab, que suministra levadura a las industrias cervecera, destiladora y sidrera.

La cerveza es para disfrutarla. Puede transportarle a cualquier parte del mundo mientras saborea miles de años de experiencia humana e historia. Con cientos de variedades de levadura, lúpulo, grano y otros ingredientes, se puede producir casi cualquier sabor, textura y color de cerveza para su disfrute. Puede elegir el sabor, el color, la sensación en boca y el aroma. O puedes simplemente machacar las lagers. Eso es lo bueno de la cerveza.

¿Por qué participa como juez en la Copa Mundial de la Cerveza? ¿Qué significa para usted ser jurado en la Copa Mundial de la Cerveza?

La cerveza es una maravillosa combinación de cultura, historia, arte y ciencia. Los cerveceros trabajan sin descanso para crear algo que el público pueda disfrutar. Aquellos que son maestros de su oficio deben ser reconocidos al más alto nivel, que es ganar un premio de la Copa Mundial de la Cerveza. Los cerveceros se toman en serio lo que hacen y deben ser juzgados por jueces profesionales y con conocimientos. Tengo 10 años de experiencia en el sector, dirijo programas de formación sensorial en una universidad local y he viajado mucho por Europa. Creo que tengo la formación y la pasión suficientes para asegurarme de que cada muestra de cerveza se juzga como es debido.