Darrah Bryans, Head Brewer, Brew Moon Restaurant & Microbrewery, Cambridge, MA

Age: 34. Why she's rising: With only six years in the brewing field, Bryans is one of the few women in North America to earn the esteemed title of Master Brewer; goes to great lengths to brew beers that compliment the restaurant menu. Background: Set off on a career in International Policy. Masters from Monterey Institute for International Studies, but left to become a brewer's apprentice at a brew pub in Washington, D.C.; later attended Doemens Fachakademi in Munich, Germany, one of the world's best brewing schools. In addition to achieving Master Brewer status, she also received degrees of Maltmaster and Production Manager. Wins praise for: In 1998, Brew Moon beers won two gold medals at the World Beer Cup Competition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Signature beers: Toasted Head IPA, Cherry Lambic, Scotch Ale, Abbey Normal Ale. Mentor: Martin Virga, former head brewer at Capitol City Brewing Co., Washington, D.C. What the future holds: Long-range goal is to have her own brewery.