The Most Prestigious Beer Competition in the World
About World Beer Cup
The Brewers Association developed the World Beer Cup Competition in 1996 to celebrate the art and science of brewing. Often referred to as “The Olympics of Beer Competitions,” the World Beer Cup is the most prestigious beer competition in the world.
Awards Ceremony
The Venetian Las Vegas
April 24, 2024
Meet Our World Class Judges
Wolfgang Lindell
Sor-Trondelag, Norway
How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?
Having German roots, it’s fair to say that we always celebrated the culture of beer! My main hangout in college was at a brewpub in the nineties and it really inspired me to see the brewer at work with the craft. I also became interested in how technology can obscure reality, to which I sought out disciplines that kept me grounded to the world around us. I interned at a Maltster, graduated in the natural sciences, and eventually continued to work in the industry and attended brew school, becoming a master brewer in 2006. Beer and brewing matter to me in that they’re both an art and a science, a direct connection to the natural world, to agricultural raw materials, to culture and history, and to people.
We all need daily sustenance with food and drink so it’s great to be a part of the communal human journey.
Why do you judge at the World Beer Cup? What does judging at the World Beer Cup mean to you?
After working 20 years in the industry, it’s great to be able to give something back. The community of beer is alive and strong, and we need to take care of our own and recognize and foster excellence. It’s also great to be with other inspired colleagues, which allows good discussion and illumination into the current state of affairs of our industry.
Ai Tani
Osaka-shi Kitaku Oyodonaka, Japan
How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?
“Almost 30 years ago, small-scale brewing began in Japan. At that time, imported German and Belgian beers were occasionally available in Japan. Small-scale brewing had begun, but there were few high-quality beers and few good brewers. I decided that I would grow as a professional and spread the word about the existence of high-quality beer in Japan. This is why I entered this industry.
Twelve years ago, I decided just acting as a judge was not enough to advance quality standards, so I started running my own bottle shop and beer pub, selecting good quality beer, and providing it to consumers while maintaining quality. Since five years ago, I have also owned a brewery, and while deepening my awareness of beer, I also improve brewing, sipping and serving skills, and support the management of breweries and restaurants.
Beer has a long history and has recently evolved from technological developments and scientific advances. From the current situation, where Japanese historical food and liquor culture is evolving through beer, we believe that we can find an opportunity to build a new beer culture in Japan.
Why do you judge at the World Beer Cup? What does judging at the World Beer Cup mean to you?
Being able to judge at the World Beer Cup, the world’s premier competition, is a source of pride. It is a good opportunity to measure my judging skills.
It was also a great experience how the judges are organized at the World Beer Cup. I believe it is the best competition in the world. The fact that many Japanese have won awards has become a guideline for quality improvement for Japanese brewers. It is also a great place where you can exchange information with beer judges from all over the world.
I was able to talk about my role as a judge and my thinking about evaluation at a high level. I would like to take it back to Japan and use it to educate beer judges and give advice on the growth of the market.
What else would you like the world to know?
If you ever come to Osaka, Japan, please visit our brewery, Craft Beer Base.
Dr. Amanda Reitenbach
Santa Catarina, Brazil
How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?
I began my journey in the beer industry from a scientific perspective, initially focused on producing scientific knowledge. Over time, my path shifted towards science, technology, and education, particularly within the realm of sensory sciences. For me, beer signifies the opportunity to share and apply evidence-based knowledge, contributing to the evolution and transformation of both society and the beer culture.
The beer industry, with its complexity and diversity, offers an intriguing platform for exploration, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence. It serves as a fusion point where science meets craftsmanship, tradition merges with innovation, and artistry blends with precision. Beer holds significance because it transcends being a mere beverage; it embodies a rich tapestry of history, culture, and craftsmanship.
Beer matters to me because it represents a dynamic world where science and culture converge to shape a constantly evolving and vibrant landscape. Through my involvement in the beer industry, I’ve witnessed the power of knowledge in enhancing beer quality, enriching consumer experiences, and fostering a passionate community. It’s not just a drink; it’s a catalyst for learning, sharing, and forging meaningful connections.
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 holds significant value for me on multiple fronts. Firstly, it’s an invaluable platform for honing and refreshing my sensory skills. Assessing a diverse range of beers challenges my palate, allowing me to stay at the forefront of sensory evaluation. It’s a continuous learning process that keeps me sharp and informed about global brewing trends.
Secondly, participating in the World Beer Cup is an extraordinary opportunity for international networking. It’s a chance to reunite with fellow professionals, forge new connections, and engage in cultural exchanges. The camaraderie among judges and the sharing of insights are priceless aspects of this experience.
Moreover, judging at the World Beer Cup offers a unique window into the global beer landscape. It’s fascinating to witness the evolution of the beer market across different countries and continents. It provides valuable insights into emerging styles, innovative techniques, and the ever-changing consumer preferences worldwide.
Judging at the World Beer Cup is not just an assessment of beers; it’s an immersive journey of sensory exploration, professional camaraderie, and global beer discovery. It keeps me passionate, informed, and deeply connected to the vibrant world of brewing.
Rick Kempen
Noord Holland, Netherlands
How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?
For well over thirty years, my life has been all about beer. Flunking out of university because of my side job as a waiter in De Pilsener Club turned out to be one of the best things to happen to me. In 1998, I joined Bier&cO, one of Europe’s leading beer import and distribution companies, dedicated to bringing craft beer from all over the globe to the people.
Having held various positions within Bier&cO, I eventually shaped its export department by representing a handful of American craft breweries. Together with a handful of others we pioneered the European market which helped start a European ‘beer revolution.’
Today, I am beer ambassador at Bier&cO, traveling around the globe, promoting and educating about a portfolio of special, exciting, and one-of-a-kind craft beers. I am a certified beer sommelier (Doemens Diplom-Biersommelier) and co-founded Dutch Beer Week as well as the Dutch Beer Challenge, a competition for Dutch beers. I like to see myself as a professional beer connoisseur who has had the pleasure of making a hobby out of his work. Beer, consequently, means everything to me!
Why do you judge at the World Beer Cup? What does judging at the World Beer Cup mean to you?
Judging at World Beer Cup means you get to learn from fellow judges from all over the world, all bringing their specific expertise. Talking with your peers is a rare opportunity to better yourself in beer. Also, it gives you the opportunity to taste beers from breweries who take their business and craftmanship seriously. They dare to have their beers evaluated by professionals, using their feedback to improve their creations. Contributing to that, and doing that by tasting some of the best beers in the world without knowing what they are, is a huge honor, privilege, and pleasure.
What else would you like the world to know?
Participating as a brewery, you not only compete for awards, but you get valuable feedback from a professional and skilled group of tasters. Do it!
Competition News
Taste the Victory: World Beer Cup 2024 Winners Announced
The World Beer Cup, the largest beer competition in the world, honored the best beers in 110 categories covering 172 different beer styles.
Registration for the 2024 World Beer Cup Commences November 7, 2023
Registration for the biggest battle of the beers, the World Beer Cup, is open from Nov. 7 through Dec. 7, 2023.