Born and raised in the Bay Area, Kathleen Amaral always had a passion for agriculture and the alcohol industry. She started off with a Viticulture background, expanded her knowledge with a Master’s degree in Horticulture (specifically blueberries), and then found her niche in Sensory Science. Kathleen is currently an Assistant Production Sensory Manager with the Boston Beer Company (BBC) and manages the production sensory program in Cincinnati, OH. She assists with trials, internal panelist trainings, and above all else, protecting the profile of BBC products. As Angry Orchard is part of the portfolio, she chose to become a Certified Pommelier because she was determined to learn more about cider, orchards, and fermentation. She will incorporate these learnings to expand and enhance future product trainings and to protect the integrity/quality of the ciders within the beyond beer world.

Kyle Degener is an orchardist, cidermaker and the creator of Holy Beez, which is the only cider specific orchard in Kentucky.  His first experience with cider was 22 years ago while living in London, England, and that sparked his interest. He then developed a passion for growing apple trees in his backyard in Kentucky and making cider from those apples.  His family took that experience and started Holy Beez Orchard in 2016.  The goal is to bring harvest driven Kentucky grown cider to his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.  Becoming a Certified Pommelier™ was always something he wanted to achieve.  Kyle loves a challenge, has a thirst for studying the craft, and a desire to prove he belongs amongst the brightest in the cider industry.