Silvia De Tomas Ayllon

Lima, Peru

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

I am part of the second generation of a brewing family in Peru that started in 2003. My parents taught me the art of making beer when I was 9 years old, studying and learning from it. This is how I fell in love with that passion, with its community, and everything that revolves around it. Over the years I have founded projects such as the Latin American Craft Beer Cup, Peruvian Beer Cup, Brewmart school, Brewpub Cebichela and my Two Broders Brewery. I also became a beer judge in 2014, participating in multiple competitions in Latin America. Beer matters to me, because it is part of the story of my family, of my life and it has taught me a lot over the years. I feel respect, admiration and I work hard to share with others how important it is, that they learn to value it, but above all to understand it.

¿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 always dreamed of being part of the World Beer Cup, ever since I was young I always admired everyone who was part of it, and the experience one must have to be chosen for this great competition. I always followed in detail each event organized by the Brewers Association, learning from it and using it as a reference for the Peruvian market.

I judge beers in this competition, because it brings together the best beers and breweries in the world into one place. The level of analysis and professionalism that exists in each tasting session is incredible. Since beers are of a high level, it allows you to have different points of view and understanding about the every beer. You get to meet judges from all over the world! This is a very reason important reason for me to be part of it, get to know different cultures, exchange ideas, they make me personally a better person every day.

I am very happy to be part of this great competition that marks important milestones in the history of beer worldwide.

Sebastian Hohentanner

Tokio, Japón

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

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!

¿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?

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.

Wolfgang Lindell

Sor-Trondelag, Noruega

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

Teniendo raíces alemanas, es justo decir que siempre hemos celebrado la cultura de la cerveza. Mi principal lugar de reunión en la universidad era un bar cervecero en los años noventa y me inspiró mucho ver al cervecero trabajando con el oficio. También me interesó cómo la tecnología puede oscurecer la realidad, por lo que busqué disciplinas que me mantuvieran conectado a tierra con el mundo que nos rodea. Hice prácticas en una maltería, me licencié en ciencias naturales y, finalmente, seguí trabajando en el sector y asistí a la escuela de fabricación de cerveza, convirtiéndome en maestro cervecero en 2006. La cerveza y la elaboración de cerveza me importan porque son a la vez un arte y una ciencia, una conexión directa con el mundo natural, con las materias primas agrícolas, con la cultura y la historia, y con las personas.

Todos necesitamos sustento diario con comida y bebida, por lo que es estupendo formar parte del viaje humano en común.

¿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?

Después de trabajar 20 años en el sector, es estupendo poder devolver algo. La comunidad de la cerveza está viva y es fuerte, y tenemos que cuidar de los nuestros y reconocer y fomentar la excelencia. También es estupendo estar con otros colegas inspirados, lo que permite un buen debate e iluminación sobre la situación actual de nuestra industria.

Evangelos Gletsos

New Mexico, United States

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

While sunbathing in Boulder, Colorado, in 1994, I’d heard an ad for the GABF and thought, “Man, I’d love to go to that!” Within four months I’d taken up homebrewing. With my degree in chemical engineering, I’d turned homebrewing into a profession (working for the Rock Bottom), and won a GABF medal in 2007. My next step was to become a BJCP certified beer judge. Within a few years, I was accepted to be a GABF judge, and shortly thereafter, a World Beer Cup judge. For me, brewing beer is a multi-millennia art that transcends borders, cultures, languages, races, and religions. It is a common bond that can make friends of strangers in moments, and celebrations magical. Sitting down and having a pint with a companion or a group of friends is one of life’s great pleasures and should be practiced often the world round.

¿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 judge at the World Beer Cup for many reasons. First and foremost to bring accolades and recognition to the best beers and brewers in the world, period. Furthermore, I like to provide positive feedback to the hardworking brewers out there to make their art the best it can possibly be. My hope is that through their efforts and my feedback, constantly improving quality and flavors are available to more and more beer lovers. I am honored and humbled that I have been given the responsibility to judge the World Beer Cup and take the utmost care to provide the best and most constructive comments back to the brewers. I feel that every medal I’ve ever awarded at the World Beer Cup has been solidly deserved by a brewer that has put a masterpiece on display. Finally, with all honesty and modesty, I REALLY, REALLY LOVE TASTING THE BEST BEERS IN THE WORLD.