Giudici di livello mondiale

Chris Hotz

California, Stati Uniti

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

Ho iniziato a fare l'homebrewer nel 2004. Ho vinto un paio di medaglie alla National Homebrew Competition e mi sono impegnato maggiormente nel mio club locale di homebrew, il QUAFF. Nel 2013 mi sono iscritto al programma di certificazione per la produzione di birra presso l'Università della California San Diego (UCSD). L'anno successivo sono stato assunto alla Ballast Point Brewing come analista della qualità. Sono stato promosso a birraio R&D presso lo stabilimento R&D di Little Italy. Nel 2019 insegnavo le pratiche di finitura e i corsi sulle materie prime per il programma di certificazione della UCSD. Nel 2022 ho lasciato Ballast Point per diventare responsabile della qualità presso Societe Brewing.

La birra è stata una parte importante della mia vita da quando ho iniziato a produrre birra in casa. Amo la creatività e l'aspetto analitico della produzione di birra, così come tutti gli amici che mi sono fatto nel settore.

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

Da quando sono diventato giudice del Beer Judge Certification Program nel 2014, ho apprezzato molto la comunità dei giudici e la partecipazione a concorsi locali e nazionali. Ho stretto amicizie nella comunità e ho imparato molto sul dietro le quinte della gestione di un concorso. Partecipare ai concorsi mi ha reso un degustatore e un birraio migliore.

Marco Malaga

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

I was born and raised in Lima, Peru. At 15 years of age, a teacher at my high school asked all students what profession they wanted to pursue as grown ups. My answer was “I would like to brew beer.” My teacher replied in disbelief: “And what do you have to study to become a brewer?” My answer was, “I am not sure but I will find out and do it.” My main inspiration was realizing how beer and brewing was an inherent part of society since ancient times. I was later gripped by the science, engineering, and artistic sides of brewing. I started brewing at age 19, graduated as a food engineer at age 23 and have been brewing continuously for 32 years. Beer has allowed me to make a living, travel all over the world, and be part of the amazing world beer community.

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

Judging at the World Beer Cup is the utmost honor for a beer professional. Being able to taste the best beers in the world, side by side, and discuss them with some of the most knowledgeable beer professionals in the industry, is an absolute experience. Beer is continuously evolving and the WBC is certainly a place where you see that evolution. As a brewer it helps me understand where the industry is heading and how the boundaries of quality keep getting raised.

Lucy Corne

Cape Town, South Africa

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

I had been working as a freelance travel writer for several years when I moved to South Africa in 2010. I decided to diversify my writing portfolio, as travel is tricky and expensive in Africa. The craft beer scene was just about to take off, so I started writing a beer blog for a local travel magazine. The blog became a book, and later I was approached by a publisher looking for an editor for South Africa’s first beer magazine—a job I ended up doing for six years. Along the way, I took the BJCP exam (four times), passed the Certified and Advanced Cicerone exams, and spent a lot of time running beer appreciation courses for the industry and the general public.

I now run the African Beer Cup, Africa’s biggest beer competition, as well as South African National Beer Day, and am a partner in BeerEx Africa. I went from being a travel writer who occasionally wrote about beer to having beer pretty much take over my life—in the best possible way. It’s a wonderful, welcoming industry that I’m proud to be part of.

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

It is a matter of great prestige to judge in the World Beer Cup, and I’m honored to have been part of the judging team again in 2024—my second time judging in the competition. Judging alongside industry legends and experts is an endless source of knowledge, and it’s also a great networking opportunity.

Fernanda Ueno

São Paulo, Brazil

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

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.

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

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.

Dominic Charbonneau

Québec, Canada

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

Come la maggior parte dei birrai, ho iniziato come homebrewer e ho deciso di offrire più sapore alla gente avviando il mio birrificio. Per farlo, dovevo capire e conoscere gli stili di birra e assaggiarli, così ho studiato e viaggiato per assaggiare ogni stile di birra. Questo mi ha portato a ottenere le credenziali del Beer Judge Certification Program e del Cicerone, che ora mi aiutano ogni giorno nel birrificio.

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

Giudicare la World Beer Cup è come giudicare alle Olimpiadi. È un'enorme competizione in cui sono rappresentati i migliori tra i migliori. La sfida di trovare la birra appropriata per lo stile in ogni volo è incredibile ed è un ottimo allenamento per sviluppare le mie capacità di degustazione e, naturalmente, per aiutare i produttori di birra a comprendere il loro prodotto.

Tetsuya Kojima

Tokyo, Giappone

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

Beer has completely changed my life. About 25 years ago, I was just a craft beer fan. One day, I attended a beer festival in Tokyo sponsored by the Craft Beer Association and saw a flyer for a Beer Judge Seminar. I became interested in the beer judge qualification program in Japan, and a few years later, I took the seminar and got certified as a beer judge.

About 10 years ago, I received a phone call from Ryouji Oda, former president of the Craft Beer Association, asking me to serve as a lecturer at the beer tasting program and beer judge qualification program sponsored by the association. Now, I’m a lecturer for the association, teaching beer tasting and judging methods at seminars. I’m also a competition director at Japanese beer competitions, such as the International Beer Cup and the Japan Great Beer Awards.

In fact, I don’t work in the beer industry. My actual job is as a computer science professor at a college in Tokyo. However, beer occupies a significant part of my life. I am, and always will be, very happy to spend my life in the world of craft beer.

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

My first judging experience at the World Beer Cup was in Nashville in 2018. As a certified beer judge, I wanted to contribute to events like this to help raise the quality of craft beer. This was the primary reason I joined the World Beer Cup. Another reason was my desire to stay updated on global trends in craft beer, which remains a crucial part of my experience at the WBC. I hope to judge new beer styles at every World Beer Cup. It’s an excellent learning opportunity for me, and I can share my experiences from the competition with my students and fellow beer judges in Japan.

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.

Juan Camilo Riveros

Bogota, Colombia

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

Got a revelation on my first pint of Guinness and being from a country with only industrial lager for beer decided to start brewing my own. I studied culinary arts in Argentina and there also learned the basics of brew ing. After that the books of Palmer, Papazian, Talley, Daniels, Hieronymus, Bouckaert and Cantwell, and Michael Jackson were my sources. A lot of homebrewing came after that. Humanity and beer have a very close relationship most of the different cultures in the planet have beer whenever they are celebrating or mourning. It is comfort for a friend or just joy of being somewhere or with someone. Good beer brings us together and gladness our spirits.

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

Judging at WBC means a lot of different things for me. In a way is a validation of all my reading, tasting, and hard work in general. It is also an important way of learning from people more knowledgeable than me or from beer cultures that I am not so familiar with. In a more personal level there is a moment that comes from time to time when a table of judges just sync perfectly and complement each other, where knowledge is shared and we are able to do a great job. That moment is very satisfying. Last but not least, when I am judging beer I feel that each beer tells me a different story and sometimes you find exceptional ones that innovate and change the way that you look at beer as a whole.

Marek Kaminski

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

I have been working in the beer industry since early 2014, and later that year I co-founded a Polish craft beer brand, Browar Kingpin, where I have also served as brewmaster since 2018. I am a well-traveled international beer, cider, and mead judge with experience at the World Beer Cup, European Beer Star, Brussels Beer Challenge, Birra dell’Anno, International Beer Cup Japan, Concurso Brasileiro de Cervejas, and many other competitions. I have been the co-founder and president of the Polish Craft Brewers Association since 2018, and I also serve as an organizer, proctor, and grader for BJCP Beer, Cider, and Mead Judge certifications. Additionally, I am the BJCP EMEA Regional Director, a WSET Certified Educator for Award in Beer qualifications, a contributor to periodicals, and I run beer education classes and regular tasting events.

To me, beer embodies a rich blend of history, craftsmanship, and creativity. It’s a medium for exploring flavors, places, and stories, fostering communities, and celebrating cultural traditions. The art and science of brewing continually inspire me, offering endless opportunities for personal development and enjoyment.

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

I judge at the World Beer Cup because it is the largest and one of the most prestigious beer competitions in the world, where I get to meet many great beer professionals and taste some of the best beers in the world. It’s a great opportunity for me to both contribute to the evaluation as well as make new friends and master my skills. To be a judge at the World Beer Cup is to be part of the judging elite and to have my competences in the field recognized.

Marty Nachel

Illinois, Stati Uniti

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

Dopo aver assaggiato la birra durante il mio primo tour dei birrifici, mi sono reso conto di quanto possa essere buona la birra fresca e offerta in molti stili diversi. Ho capito subito che questo era il mio nuovo obiettivo nella vita. Ho iniziato a produrre la mia birra a casa e a presentarla ai concorsi. In seguito, sono diventato giudice di birra con il Beer Judge Certification Program (il primo nel mio Stato) e ho iniziato a scrivere come freelance sui temi della birra e della produzione di birra, il che ha portato alla pubblicazione di diversi libri. Ora giudico la birra come giudice professionista con credenziali internazionali.

La birra è importante per me non solo come bevanda preferita, ma anche come libagione da condividere generosamente con gli altri, e la considero un legame con la nostra storia umana.

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

Sono giudice alla World Beer Cup innanzitutto perché considero un grande privilegio valutare alcune delle migliori birre del mondo. In secondo luogo, apprezzo l'opportunità di incontrare e giudicare insieme ai miei colleghi di altri Paesi del mondo. Sono orgoglioso di far parte della comunità mondiale dei giudici di birra.

Cos'altro vorresti che il mondo sapesse?

Il mio obiettivo è quello di giudicare la birra in tutti i continenti in cui esiste un'industria birraria commerciale.

Ignacio Curto

Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

Ho iniziato a produrre birra in casa nel 2006 e nel 2013, con alcuni amici, ho avviato un progetto commerciale per poter bere le birre che volevamo. Ho lasciato il mio lavoro di ingegnere aeronautico in R&S per lavorare e vivere di birra (o almeno provarci, hehe).

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

È un grande piacere giudicare le birre, condividere esperienze e conoscenze con persone provenienti da tutto il mondo. Ogni volta che viaggio grazie alla birra mi sento ricompensato in molti modi: amicizia, piacere, nuove idee, conoscenza. La World Beer Cup è probabilmente la più grande opportunità per sperimentare tutto questo.

Jeremy Moynier

California, Stati Uniti

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

I worked in wine originally, but we drank a lot of craft beer while making wine! I worked on the Central Coast of California and ended up moving back to my hometown of San Diego. Craft was just starting to really take off and I ended up getting what I thought would be a temporary job at Stone Brewing in Escondido. That was 20 years ago! Beer matters to me because it brings people together whether that be a shifter after work or beers with friends over the weekend. Good quality and well-made beer is an experience and that experience is even better with friends.

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

I love to evaluate beer and the conversations you have with your fellow judges are awesome. I always learn so much from my peers and this is really special at World Beer Cup because of the international attendance. I feel fortunate I get to taste these beers and have meaningful conversations around them.