Brewing expert appointed Chair of Scottish Beer Awards
Professor Dawn Maskell, Director of the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt University, has been appointed Chair of the judging panel for the Scottish Beer Awards, one of the UK’s biggest brewing competitions.
As the awards celebrate their 10th anniversary, Professor Maskell steps into the role previously held by Hilary Jones, former technical director of Scottish & Newcastle, who has chaired the judging panel since the awards were founded in 2015.
I hope to bring a reassuring and critical eye to the judging process and work with the organisers to ensure that brewers across Scotland get involved in these important awards.
A recognised leader in the global brewing industry, Professor Maskell brings extensive experience to the role. She leads a world-renowned academic team at Heriot-Watt, educating brewing students from Scotland and across the globe. Her long-standing involvement with the Scottish Beer Awards includes serving on both the business and taste judging panels since 2016.
Commenting on her appointment, Professor Maskell said: “It is a real honour to chair the judging of the Scottish Beer Awards.
"The competition is vitally important for Scottish brewers to celebrate their many achievements across the year and learn from others across the sector.
"I hope to bring a reassuring and critical eye to the judging process and work with the organisers to ensure that brewers across Scotland get involved in these important awards.”
Hilary Jones, who will remain involved as a judge, welcomed the appointment: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my work as Chair in these important awards and I am delighted that Dawn has agreed to take up the role in the award’s 10th year. I have every confidence that working with all the other judges, she will maintain our rigorous and fair approach to judging as well as bringing her own highly valued insights.”
The 2025 Scottish Beer Awards will be presented in October and, for the first time, will be held as part of Beer Matters—a one-day industry trade show and conference for brewing professionals. The awards will be revealed during a special after-party for conference delegates. This year’s line-up, to be announced soon, will feature industry speakers from the UK, Europe, and the USA.