Jessica Mason

• Drinks Business journalist responsible for writing news and features across print and online. Has written for over 20 trade and consumer titles, including a sweep of show guides for the TFWA Dailies in Cannes and Singapore. Also an events and conference presenter, consultant, an apprentice brewer, wine and cocktail tasting note scribe, awards judge as well a contributing author to two whisky and beer book compilations for the 1001 series and the Good Beer Yearbook 2023. She was also the only female writer cited in the 2021 edition of the Good Beer Guide.

• South East

• PTC accredited Postgraduate Diploma in Business Journalism; 2:1 English BA (hons), King Alfred's, Winchester.

• Presenting, drinks awards judging, food awards judging, other drinks writing - across wine, spirits, cocktails, ciders, soft drinks, pubs, bars and restaurants as well as the travel retail industry.

What is the one thing you'd like to tell visitors to the Guild's website?

Beer Editor at The Drinks Business. Responsible for writing news and features across all drinks categories for the flagship magazine and website.

A drinks writer and champion for the industry for over 13 years and someone who has worked in magazine publishing for over 25 years (in the roles of both a publisher and a journalist) gathering a wealth of experience within the drinks sector in partocular. This involves having written for over 20 trade and consumer titles, including a sweep of show guides annually for the TFWA Dailies in Cannes and Singapore.

These days, most know her on social media as Drinks Maven, using the handle @drinksmaven which offers another platform and means to be seen as respected voice on new trends in the drinks industry.

An events and conference presenter, consultant, an apprentice brewer, wine and cocktail tasting note scribe, awards judge as well a contributing author to two whisky and beer book compilations for the 1001 series.

Also the only female writer cited in the Good Beer Guide 2021. Plus, writing within the very first Good Beer Yearbook (2023) was selected by CAMRA to be adapted into a short film after its words resonated with the campaign.

What you can offer as a writer/beer lover?

Genuine passion and enthusiasm for beer! Usually twinned with along with a selection of the words that will help to transport it to becoming many people’s favourite drink. Business journalistic experience too, natch. Knowledge of who owns what in business and brand terms as well as years of knowledge on the big moves within the industry and the elements that shaped the craft beer revolution.

But, most importantly, an uncanny knack for being able to tap into the heart of the topic.  A gift for making people feel things.

Added to this, being a respectful deadline keeper is a given, as is proficient use of Quark & InDesign and a use of all social media platforms.

Beer talks, awards judging, presenting and writing in all its forms from business through to tasting notes.

What do you like most about being a Guild of Beer Writers member?

The sense of belonging it gives to be a part of something. The fact that a shared interest brings together all people, much like the pub. Also the fact that spending time with other people who love beer and pubs does not feel like work at all. There are so many chances to learn from one another, that is what is brilliant too.