At the heart of the beer industry, women and non-binary leaders are not just breaking barriers – they are reshaping the future of brewing. While International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey toward gender equality, we believe it’s essential to spotlight the contributions and achievements of these trailblazers all year round.
Their leadership, vision, and determination are creating opportunities and forging new paths, challenging the status quo, and making room for the next generation of women and non-binary people to thrive in the traditionally male-dominated industry. Celebrating these remarkable individuals every day highlights the progress we’ve made and the continued work needed to build a more inclusive and diverse beer industry for all.
Today we shine a spotlight on Mirella Amato, who in a landmark achievement for the global beer community, on 6 January became the first person globally to hold both the Master Cicerone® and BJCP Grand Master certifications. These are the two most prestigious and rigorous beer credentials in the world.
Theses credentials make Toronto-based Amato the most qualified beer judge in Canada and a standout figure in the international beer landscape.
“This represents a huge milestone for me,” Amato told Beer & Brewer. “I started studying with the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) 17 years ago, and have been making my way up the ranks, through study, experience and service to the community.”
“Having both titles, for me, speaks to a desire to have a well-rounded understanding of beer. I feel it shows my commitment to the industry as well as my expertise.”
Mirella Amato
A career sparked by flavour
Amato’s beer journey began not in a brewery, but with a fascination for flavour.
“I was drawn in by craft beer, with its many flavours and styles,” she told Beer & Brewer. “In my late teens, I was already saying that I wanted to write a book about craft beer. At the time, though, the industry wasn’t what it is today and a career in beer didn’t seem like a realistic option.”
She eventually took the leap, diving into beer education just as the craft beer movement gained momentum globally. Today, Amato is Senior Business Development Manager for Beer at the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and was instrumental in developing the organisation’s Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Beer.
“Our Level 1 Award in Beer is fantastic, and I’m not just saying that because I contributed to the development of the course materials,” she said. “It’s a six-hour course, so very approachable, and designed to empower beginners and give them just enough information to understand the beer landscape as well as why they prefer certain styles of beer.”
“For those seeking a deeper understanding, the Level 2 Award in Beer provides more in-depth information. I feel beer education is key to the industry’s growth – especially as people face an overwhelming number of choices in the market. Being able to communicate about beer confidently and clearly is essential to unlocking sales.”
Lifting the standard for beer education
Reflecting on how beer education has evolved over her career, Amato said resources used to be sparse and scattered.
“For the longest time, beer education was difficult to come by and resources were scarce,” she told Beer & Brewer. “When I started my beer studies, I essentially had to teach myself. I was able to find a few small courses here and there – all in different cities and, some of them, in different countries – to try and gather the information I thought would be useful to me in my work. It took a large effort, resulting in a high barrier to entry. Thankfully, that’s starting to change.”
Amato’s distinctive, beginner-friendly approach to education has shaped everything from her workshops to her award-winning book, Beerology: Everything You Need to Know to Enjoy Beer… Even More.
“That’s actually been the focus of my work,” she told Beer & Brewer. “When I started in beer, my main role was to offer public tastings, workshops and classes to help consumers and bar staff better understand and appreciate beer. Over the years, I learned to look at beer through the eyes of a beginner and developed a distinct approach to beer education.
“I was delighted to also be able to bring this approach to WSET, when they brought me on as a consultant to help develop the WSET Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Beer.”
Advocating for inclusion in beer
Amato is also a passionate advocate for diversity in beer, having witnessed – and contributed to – major change in the industry.
“When I started in beer there were very few women in the industry, and most of them worked in laboratories in the quality control department of breweries,” she told Beer & Brewer. “I’m now seeing women in all facets of the industry, which is great.”
“Some barriers still remain, and I would love to see more women in ownership and decision-making roles. The more diversity we have as an industry, the stronger we will be.”
Mirella Amato
She encourages women and non-binary people interested in beer to get involved and assures them there’s support.
“What I would tell women/non-binary people thinking about a career in beer is that they are not alone,” she said. “There are a number of organisations that are in place to support them. One example is the Pink Boots Society, of which I’ve been a member since it was founded in 2008. Its only mission is to bring educational opportunities to women and non-binary people so that they can advance in their careers. It’s also a great support network to help navigate the industry.”
At the heart of it all: A love for beer
“I love beer,” Amato told Beer & Brewer. “Beer brings people together. It’s a social beverage. It’s one that can really be studied, but it can just as easily be enjoyed mindlessly.”
“There’s something about the rhythm of sipping through a pint that is meditative, in a way. I do enjoy a range of beverages but, sometimes, only a beer will do!”
Mirella Amato
She continues to spread that passion worldwide, appearing as a speaker and judge at major events including the World Beer Cup and the Craft Brewers Conference in Indianapolis, and Crafted for Action in Atlanta.
“Beer education has greatly enriched my life and it’s great to see an increasing number of people taking the time to better understand this multifaceted and delicious beverage,” she said. “It’s so empowering!”