New Zealand: For the first time on the judging panel of The Olympics of Beer

New Zealand will be represented for the first time on the judging panel of the World Beer Cup - "the Olympics of Beer" - which will be held next week in the American city of Seattle, RealBeer.co.nz communicated on April 6.

Luke Nicholas, brewer of the award winning beers in the Cock and Bull pubs, will join 112 international beer judges from across the globe to award gold, silver and bronze medals to beers judged in 85 style categories.

The World Beer Cup is a global competition held every two years and this year the entries have grown by 45% to include 2,257 beers from 541 breweries in 55 countries to become the largest international professional beer competition in the world. They will be judged April 10-11.

Luke Nicholas says he is delighted and honoured to become this country's first World Beer Cup judge. "This is a fantastic chance for New Zealand to be represented on the biggest stage in the beer world. Our brewers make some world-class beers and it will be great to have a Kiwi voice on the judging panel," he said. To become a judge Luke needed to be nominated by two current or previous judges from the World Beer Cup.

International beer judge and US brewmaster, Jon Graber was one of the judges to nominate Luke. He said “Luke’s medal-awarded beers, which he brews, are of world-class quality and drink-ability, and would fair very well in any international competition”

“I found him to be discerning, and a skilful beer taster. His knowledge of beer styles runs deep. He will bring a knowledgeable palate and valued perspective to any table at which he judges” said Graber.

The Cock & Bull has won 130 medals for their beers since they opened in 1995. This includes an unprecedented double winning of the Supreme Champion beer of New Zealand trophy.

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