The Knighthood of the Brewers Paddle, a direct descendant of the secular Belgian Guild of Brewers, welcomed their newest honorary member to its ranks earlier this month: Lotte Peplow, Brewers Association (BA) American craft beer ambassador to Europe.

The enthronement ceremony took place on November 1, during an evening gathering of beer judges for the 2022 Brussels Beer Challenge, in which Lotte was recognized for her outstanding service to the brewing industry.

“As I stood witnessing the swearing-in of Belgian brewers and industry notables, I had no idea what was in store for me,” says Lotte. “Suddenly, my name was called out and I was soon officially sworn into Knighthood myself for services to the beer industry! It was a huge honor and a complete surprise to be ‘knighted.’ I will cherish my heavy and impressive medal with pride. I can’t thank the organizers highly enough for this amazing accolade and will be forever grateful.”

Lotte got her start with the BA in 2006 when she helped organize a beer and food pairing event in London in partnership with the Export Development Program—a U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded marketing program. As American craft beer ambassador to Europe, Lotte works to identify opportunities for international expansion of American craft beer, educate and inform the trade and industry about American craft beer, and raise awareness about the quality and diversity of beer styles from America’s small and independent craft brewers. A Certified Cicerone and beer sommelier, Peplow also writes about beer, judges, and brews, and is a keen beer and food pairing advocate.

Congratulations to you, Lotte!