World Class Judges

Brian Watson

Hamilton, New Zealand

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

In 1990 I saw a job for a trainee brewer with Heineken in the newspaper. I was lucky enough to get the job and never looked back. I have been in craft since 1996 in the U.K. and just love the industry, the people in it and what craft sands for.

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

I judge to give back to the industry, catch up with people from different countries and cultures, learn from people, and experience the wider world of craft beer. I am passionate about craft beer and love the industry and those in it. Every time I travel I learn something, and hope to never stop learning.

Matt Reich

Virginia, United States

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

I began homebrewing in the early 1990s, learning under the tutelage of “The Complete Joy of Homebrewing” by Charlie Papazian. After several years and an ever-growing home brewery, I decided to take the plunge into the world of professional brewing. I went to Germany, where I trained under a Bavarian brewmaster for the better part of a year. Upon my return to the U.S., I signed on as head brewer of a regional craft brewery for nearly a decade. I’ve since transitioned to a support role for a large macrobrewery and have been in that position for 15 years.

Throughout all my experiences in the brewing industry, one constant has remained: the camaraderie and unity among everyone. Beer is the common bond that has held us—and all of civilization—together throughout history, and I feel honored to be part of this community.

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

As one would expect, this level of respect and support is deeply embedded in the World Beer Cup judging community. Each year, we are exposed to new beers, experiences, and innovative ideas from diverse brewers who are constantly raising the bar for beer quality and styles. I’m proud to contribute to our family of beer advocates and brewers.

Mirella Amato

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

I have been working in the beer industry for over 15 years now. I was drawn to the industry because I wanted to raise awareness of, and appreciation for, my local craft beers. Beer is such a varied beverage and can be appreciated on many levels. There’s always more to learn about it and yet, as complex and multi-faceted as it is, it remains approachable.

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

I’m honored to have been judging at the World Beer Cup since 2010. For me, it’s a place to share my knowledge and passion. It’s a place to learn from my peers and continue to hone my palate. It’s a place to taste the latest interpretations of styles and spot emerging trends. It’s a community of like-minded people from all over the world that I look forward to reconnecting with every year to hear about what is going on in the world of beer internationally.

Satoshi Murabayashi

Tokyo, Japan

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

Twenty years ago, in Japan, I did not have a chance to taste the diversity of craft beer. On a business trip to the United States, I was totally shocked by the quality, appearance, aroma, and flavor of craft beer. After that experience, I joined the Craft Beer Association and realized that education is important to understand the value of beer; that the quality of beers are critically important for better moments; and that collaboration among global associations and competitions is so important. I am now contributing as a teacher and competition manager for the International Beer Cup in Japan and the Japan Great Beer Awards.

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

My first World Beer Cup was in San Diego in 2012. I wanted to contribute to this industry by tasting great beer and giving comments for their innovation. As a person from Asia, I would also share my local expertise with beer and judges here. In addition, I wanted to experience a world-class competition for learning and improving our competitions in Japan.

Noel Sanchez

Stuttgart, Germany

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

I’ve been a beer enthusiast since an early age, mainly because of the close relationship between beer and heavy metal. It has always been my favorite beverage during fun times. Beer and music can bring people together in a curiously special bond. I greatly enjoy being an agent who promotes this wonderful human connection—and making a living from it.

In the mid-2000s, my interest in understanding beer more deeply was sparked when some relatives invited me to brew beer at home. A few years later, while working as a creative director, I participated in a brainstorming session to create the brand for the first microbrewery in Panama. Seeing the boom that craft beers were experiencing, I saw an opportunity to quit advertising and dedicate myself fully to the beer industry.

In 2014, I began my journey as a beer professional, studying and formally training with various organizations. Since then, I have managed to stand out in different fields as an entrepreneur, consultant, and educator. I also became a beer judge at competitions held in more than 20 countries, building a large network of colleagues and opportunities across the globe.

Today, I’m the regional sales director for BrauKon in Germany.

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

For me, having the opportunity to participate as a judge in the largest and most important beer competition in the world, next to internationally respected professionals, is an honor, a privilege, and a great reward for dedication.

Maria Sol Cravello

Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

While studying at university, I worked in a microbiology lab. I was fascinated by microorganisms and wanted to learn more about them. After earning my degree in food science, I was determined to find a job that combined microorganisms and food. How bacteria and yeast transform flavors and aromas was—and still is—impressive to me. Fortunately, I discovered the fantastic world of beer.

My first job after graduation was as sensory lead at the largest brewery in Argentina. Today, 12 years later, I still dedicate my career to educating and spreading beer knowledge and appreciation at every opportunity.

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 has been a dream of mine since I started my career. I remember attending Craft Brewers Conferences and WBC awards ceremonies, thinking, “Wow, will I ever be part of this huge event?” The day I received the invitation to judge in Las Vegas in 2024 was one of the best days of my beer career. I was so excited telling everyone about it that I almost forgot to reply to the email and nearly missed out on the competition!

The news was so big in my country that I was interviewed by the most important local newspapers about my experience as a judge representing Argentina. That’s how significant being a WBC judge is to me. 🙂

Matthew Peetz

Colorado, United States

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

I started homebrewing in grad school while studying cellular repair using yeast as a model organism. My grad advisor was in charge of the Rocky Mountain Microbrewing Symposium and I was able to meet industry experts while volunteering at the event. I continued to work with yeast as a research professional at University of Colorado Denver before moving to the Brewing Science Institute. I used my expertise with propagating yeast to work in the biofuel industry before founding Inland Island with a co-worker. I have spent the last five years building my own business, Propagate Lab, which provides yeast for the brewing, distilling, and cider industries.

Beer is meant for enjoyment. It can transport you to anywhere in the world as you taste thousands of years of human experience and history. With hundreds of yeast, hop, grain, and other ingredient varieties, almost any flavor, texture, and color of beer can be produced for your enjoyment. You can pick apart the flavor, color, mouthfeel, and aroma. Or you can just slam down crushable lagers. That is what is so great about beer!

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

Beer is a wonderful combination of culture, history, art and science. Brewers work tirelessly to create something that the public can enjoy. Those that are masters of their craft should be recognized at the highest level, which is winning a World Beer Cup award. The brewers are serious about what they do and should be judged by knowledgeable and professional judges. I have 10 years of industry experience, lead sensory training programs at a local University, and have traveled extensively in Europe. I believe that I am well trained and passionate enough to make sure that every beer sample is being judged as it should be.

Fernanda Meybom

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

I have always liked beer and my grandmother was a homebrewer.As a chemical engineer,I became more familiar with the fermentation process and the beer industry. After my graduation and a sommelier course, I decided to learn more about sensory analysis. I got involved with beer competitions and local homebrewers associations, including organizing competitions and conferences.I’m a master’s candidate in food engineering and beer science. I recently co-authored a chapter about pairing beer and food in Guia da Sommelieira de Cervejas (Beer Sommelier Guide), and co-authored a chapter about probiotic beer in Protocols in Technology of Probiotic Foods and Beverages for Springer Protocols. I’m also the technical advisor at the Regional Council of Engineering and Agronomy of Santa Catarina in Brazil. I am an active BJCP Certified judge and for the last 10 years I have judged in international beer competitions in Chile, Spain, Mexico, South Africa, Belgium, Argentina, and Uruguay. I’m the co-founder of Passaporte Cervejeiro, a company that organizes beer travel groups to Belgium. I have taught several courses in Brazil. Writing and cooking are my passions, and after five years as a columnist for Revista da Cerveja (Magazine of Beer), I now share recipes at my own website.

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 one of the largest and most prestigious competitions in the world, and winning a medal there is celebrated as a significant competitive achievement. Being selected for the judging team is therefore a great honor and an achievement for beer professionals, as well as a great responsibility to select the worthiest beers from among the entries. Being part of the World Beer Cup is a great validation of my hard work, study, and preparation in the beer industry, and a wonderful way to use my beer evaluation skills.

Vasilios Gletsos

Vermont, United States

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

I was a puppeteer, touring around performing and started discovering classic beer styles from around the world. Also, I was really DIY oriented and fell in love with making beer at home. I got really into it after leaving Vermont and moving to Oregon, where I soon made the crossover into commercial brewing. Beer is deeply woven into the fabric of human social, cultural, scientific, and agricultural life. I love that about it and also how it stimulates my mind body and heart.

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

I really love the opportunity to meet new people who care as much as I do about this profession, and to reconnect with old friends. I enjoy testing my perceptions of beer and gaining new perspectives from other judges, as well as from the beers we judge. I also love the honor of tasting the best efforts of hard-working brewers.

Craig Thomas

California, United States

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

My first brewing job was meant to be a stepping stone into distilling. However, as I pursued my master’s in brewing and distilling at Heriot-Watt University, I began appreciating beer more and more. To me, it felt like a more experimental, exciting, and forward-thinking craft. The diversity of ingredients, techniques, and historical traditions delivered a broader, more compelling story of flavor and experience than distilled spirits did. There is so much to learn, and each moment of learning is aided or reinforced by sensory experiences that have created very impactful memories for me.

Since graduating in 2014, I’ve done my best to shape my career path by putting myself in situations where I can absorb knowledge from people with different types of expertise. I’ve had the privilege of traveling the world tasting beer while working with Bill Simpson and AROXA. I’ve brewed with some of the best at Firestone Walker Brewing Company, tested my practical and theoretical sensory knowledge as part of the ASBC Sensory Subcommittee, and explored beer dispense in order to earn Master Cicerone. Now, at Abstrax Hops, I’m reevaluating everything I thought I knew about beer. New frontiers never end!

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

There is no other place where so many diverse, knowledgeable, and experienced people gather to taste and talk about beers and beer styles. What better spot to challenge preconceptions, discuss new techniques, and discover new trends? Furthermore, the competition brings in a plethora of world-class examples across so many styles. It is the only place where one can repeatedly experience technical precision and artistic expression in equal measure—sometimes at the same time. Competitions like the World Beer Cup are outlets where a brewer’s intent can be fully grasped and appreciated, as these beers are labors of love, often produced fresh and free from the constraints of distributor deals, consumer preferences, cost-of-goods quandaries, and dispense dilemmas.

Lucy Corne

Cape Town, South Africa

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

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.

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

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.

Shane McNamara

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

My journey into the beer industry began with homebrewing in Brisbane, Australia, over a decade ago. This led me to undertake a course in brewing science at Ballarat University, and eventually complete a master’s in brewing science at Nottingham University. My passion for beer and brewing education has driven my career path, leading me to also become the first Australian Master Cicerone. This journey from homebrewing to professional brewing, has taken me all over the world and eventually to my current role as global director for beer passion and beyond-beer innovation at AB InBev.

Beer matters to me because it represents a perfect blend of art and science. It’s a product that brings people together, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences. Through my education and career, I’ve come to appreciate the intricacies of brewing and the cultural significance of beer. It’s not just a beverage; it’s a way to connect with history, traditions, and people from around the world. The continuous evolution and innovation within the beer industry keep it exciting and inspiring for me.

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 allows me to contribute to the global beer community by recognizing and celebrating excellence in brewing. It’s an opportunity to support the industry by providing valuable feedback to brewers, helping them improve and innovate. Judging also keeps my sensory skills sharp and broadens my understanding of different beer styles and brewing techniques. It’s a privilege to be part of such a prestigious event and to witness firsthand the diversity and creativity that brewers bring to the table.

Being involved in World Beer Cup is an honor and a responsibility. It means being part of a global community dedicated to the highest standards of brewing excellence. It’s a chance to taste and evaluate beers from around the world, learning from each one and contributing to the continuous improvement of the industry. For me, it’s not just about awarding medals; it’s about celebrating the passion, craftsmanship, and innovation that go into every beer.