Lauren Richard
Advanced Cicerone®
Beer Education, Beer & Food Pairing, Beer Judging,
Staff Training, Menu Curation, Festival Activations,
Guided Tastings, Media Talks, Draught Consultation,
Quality Control… and More
Do you know what you’re drinking?
As a bartender with a love for cooking, ingredients, and fermentation, beer has always fascinated me. I noticed an oversight in the industry and a lack of knowledge about what people were drinking, from the customer to the bar hand. This sparked an endless curiosity for beer education.
I've been part of Toronto’s beer scene since 21, growing up along side it, and witnessing its growth from 30 to nearly 400 breweries in the province of Ontario. Over a decade later, my travels across the continent have enriched my knowledge, and I'm eager to share it with you.
March 5th, 2025
Lauren Richard has been awarded a unique scholarship from Canada Malting Co., Great Western Malting, and Country Malt Group in partnership with the Pink Boots Society
The Pink Boots Society is aimed at empowering women and non‑binary professionals throughout the craft beverage supply chain. The program will take Richard from the barley fields to the taproom, offering a rare, behind‑the‑scenes look at every link in the production process.
Over several immersive days in the Pacific Northwest, she will tour Country Malt Group’s Vancouver, Washington distribution hub to explore Great Western Malting’s historic plant and micro‑malting innovation center, and brew on its one‑barrel pilot system using the Pink Boots malt blend. Hands‑on sessions with veteran maltsters will deepen her technical understanding of grain selection, kilning, and recipe development. The experience also includes a visit to Oregon Fruit Company’s puree facility, a cider house and farm tour, a hop farming experience to learn about hop propagation, and curated sensory workshops to refine her tasting expertise.
Networking is woven throughout the itinerary. Richard will connect with peers at a Portland Pink Boots happy hour, attend the SheBrew Brewers Brunch, and enjoy VIP access to the SheBrew Festival, a nonprofit event supporting the Human Rights Campaign. Surrounded by Portland’s vibrant craft scene, this scholarship promises to sharpen her skills, expand her professional network, and accelerate her career in beer education and production.
February 28th, 2025
Canada Beer Cup Confirms Key Judges for 2025 Competition - Lauren Richard Returns
TORONTO — The Canada Beer Cup is delighted to announce that Lauren Richard will return for a second consecutive year as Head Judge of the national awards program. Richard will again be joined by brewery‑competition logistics expert and Head Judge, Dave Cole, whose strategic oversight has helped streamline judging operations across the country.
New for the 2025 edition, respected cider advocate Barry Rooke will lead the launch of the Cup’s inaugural cider division, further expanding the competition’s commitment to recognizing excellence in Canadian fermentation.
“These appointments ensure that both our beer and cider categories are evaluated to the highest international standards,” said the Canada Beer Cup organizing committee. “With Lauren’s sensory experience, Dave’s operational expertise, and Barry’s specialized cider insight, the 2025 Canada Beer Cup is poised to be our most comprehensive celebration of Canadian craft yet.”
March 18th, 2024
Canada Beer Cup Names Lauren Richard First‑Ever Female Head Judge for 2024 Competition
TORONTO — The Canada Beer Cup organizing committee today announced that Lauren Richard has been appointed one of three Head Judges for the 2024 awards program, making her the first woman to hold the position since the competition’s inception.
An Advanced Cicerone®, accomplished sensory analyst, and seasoned beer judge, Richard brings more than a decade of expertise in beer evaluation and education to the role. Her leadership will guide the judging panel as it assesses entries from breweries across Canada.
“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,” said Richard.
The 2024 Canada Beer Cup will convene an international panel of judges to evaluate hundreds of beers and honour outstanding achievements in Canada’s brewing industry. Winners will be announced at the awards gala later this year.