Canada Beer Cup Announces Trio of Head Judges

March 18, 2024

The Canada Beer Cup, Canada’s only non-profit national beer competition, announces its 2024 Head Judge lineup.

“This year we are bolstering the competition’s early success by introducing a new head judge model, which aims to foster collaboration, inclusivity, professional development opportunities, and competition growth,” says Canada Beer Cup competition manager Hilary Hoogsteen.

The 2024 Head Judges are Lauren Richard (Toronto, ON), Dave Cole (Winnipeg, MB), and Joe Wiebe (Victoria, BC).“By selecting three highly qualified Head Judges from across the country, we are introducing new ideas centered around providing the greatest value to brewers, ensuring the Canada Beer Cup truly is the Canadian craft brewing industry’s own competition,” says CCBA Executive Director Christine Comeau. “We are proud that all proceeds from the Canada Beer Cup go into the lobbying efforts of the Canadian Craft Brewers Association to grow and support Canada’s craft brewing industry,” she continues. 

Leading the charge as Canada Beer Cup’s first female Head Judge is Lauren Richard. Lauren is an Advanced Cicerone, sensory expert, and experienced beer judge. “I am proud to be recognized at this caliber by Canada’s most prestigious national beer competition and look forward to applying the knowledge I’ve amassed in this setting,” says Lauren.

Next up is BJCP judge Dave Cole. Serving as the BJCP North Region assistant rep, Dave brings judging experience from over thirty competitions in addition to his Head Judge and organizational experience with five competitions including Prairie Beer Awards. “The Canada Beer Cup is all about furthering the industry,” says Dave. “After judging in 2023 and seeing the competition’s dedication to excellence and industry advancement, I was keen to get more involved.”

Joe Wiebe rounds out the Head Judge trio, and will also emcee this year’s Award Gala. As an award-winning beer writer and member of the North American Guild of Beer Writers, Joe will help carry on the Canada Beer Cup’s legacy as a springboard for brewers to gain exposure to noteworthy brews. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of this talented team,” says Joe. “With the support of the cross-Canada advisory panel, I look forward to working collaboratively to continue elevating the stature of Canadian craft beer.”

“The 2024 Canada Beer Cup will maintain the reputation of excellence that we’ve built, all while streamlining categories, giving brewers constructive feedback with more exhaustive score sheets, and striving for an inclusive and geographically representative judging panel,” says Hoogsteen.

Entries for the third annual Canada Beer Cup open May 2024, with the Award Gala set to take place both in-person (location TBA) and via livestream in October.

Interested beer judges can apply to be a Canada Beer Cup judge on the Canada Beer Cup website starting April 2024.

Breweries can find more information and how to enter at www.canadabeercup.com.

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