Shaun O’Sullivan

California, Stati Uniti

Come è entrato nel settore della birra? Perché la birra è importante per lei?

After several career changes in my twenties—from being a photographer for a local Los Angeles weekly covering music and politics, to working as a CNN assignment desk editor, and then as a legal clerk at a high-powered corporate law firm—I found my passion in homebrewing, with the goal of one day opening my own brewpub.

Discovering my destiny and community within craft beer has been incredible, and I still can’t believe I get paid to do this.

Perché giudica alla World Beer Cup? Cosa significa per lei giudicare alla World Beer Cup?

I often tell aspiring beer judges that becoming a judge at the World Beer Cup can make you a better brewer and person. The experience involves interacting with fellow international beer judges, honing the skills of listening and being open to discussion. It’s a humbling experience that requires judges to set aside their egos, as we all strive toward the common goal of recognizing the best beers.

Mirella Amato

Come è entrato nel settore della birra? Perché la birra è importante per lei?

Lavoro nel settore della birra da oltre 15 anni. Sono stata attratta da questo settore perché volevo far conoscere e apprezzare le birre artigianali locali. La birra è una bevanda così varia e può essere apprezzata a molti livelli. C'è sempre qualcosa da imparare e tuttavia, per quanto complessa e sfaccettata, rimane accessibile.

Perché giudica alla World Beer Cup? Cosa significa per lei giudicare alla World Beer Cup?

Sono onorato di essere giudice alla World Beer Cup dal 2010. Per me è un luogo in cui condividere le mie conoscenze e la mia passione. È un luogo dove imparare dai miei colleghi e continuare ad affinare il mio palato. È un luogo dove assaggiare le ultime interpretazioni degli stili e individuare le tendenze emergenti. È una comunità di persone che la pensano come me, provenienti da tutto il mondo, con cui non vedo l'ora di riconnettermi ogni anno per sapere cosa succede nel mondo della birra a livello internazionale.

Jessica MI

Città del Messico, Messico

Come è entrato nel settore della birra? Perché la birra è importante per lei?

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!

Perché giudica alla World Beer Cup? Cosa significa per lei giudicare alla World Beer Cup?

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!

Ben Edmunds

Oregon, United States

Come è entrato nel settore della birra? Perché la birra è importante per lei?

My journey in beer began as an enthusiast of beer around the year 2000, initially as an extension of my interest in local food. Brewpubs in small towns around the East Coast seemed like hubs of local food and culture. I began homebrewing and really caught the craft beer bug when I moved to Colorado. Fast forward a few years: I decided to make a career out of my hobby, and I’ve been in the beer industry ever since.

To this day, I still am wowed by how broad and diverse beer is as a beverage. I view my profession as being part of a centuries-long tradition of craftsmanship, and the practice of brewing — of being a brewer — is at once humbling and satisfying. I find myself challenged to refine and improve my technical and creative skills again and again.

Perché giudica alla World Beer Cup? Cosa significa per lei giudicare alla World Beer Cup?

It’s difficult to imagine gathering a more talented and knowledgeable cohort of beer industry experts in a single place to taste and discuss beer. Getting to sit at the judge tables with my peers is an incredible privilege, and I know that engaging in those conversations makes me a better, more precise brewer.