Homebrew Competitions: Judging Beer
Judging India Pale Ale entries at the Temecula Valley Homebrew Competition
What better way to celebrate the anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition than by judging a homebrew competition? It was 76 years ago yesterday that the federal government ended their so-called Great Experiment, a 13-year disaster that not only boosted the number of drinking establishments it sought to abolish, it also encouraged countless self-starters to take brewing, winemaking, and distilling into their own hands and into their homes.
Homebrewing has long held a place in America, and it continues today, now stronger than ever. To help homebrewers hone their craft, the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) was founded to provide standardized procedures for properly assessing beers. Founded in 1985, the BJCP currently has over 3,100 active judges and has sanctioned in excess of 3,800 competitions and more than a half-million beers since its inception.
Yesterday’s 1st Annual Temecula Valley Homebrewers Association Homebrew Competition welcomed its fair share of entries to be judged in any of 23 defined beer style categories (with an additional five categories open for mead, cider, and perry entries). And while entrants certainly like don’t mind being awarded a medal, the main reason for getting their beers evaluated is for constructive feedback and notes on improving their homebrews from accredited judges and fellow brewers.
“The purpose of the Beer Judge Certification Program is to promote beer literacy and the appreciation of real beer, and to recognize beer tasting and evaluation skills. We certify and rank beer judges through an examination and monitoring process.” — BJCP Mission Statement
To become a judge, all BJCP hopefuls must successfully pass a rigorous 3-hour examination (care to check out the 68-page exam study guide?), and learn to provide detailed notes on appearance, aroma, flavor, mouthfeel, and overall impression of beers in any given category. Judging classes are often offered in conjunction with exams, and are an invaluable tool for anyone serious or even curious about evaluating beer or learning more about the what, why, and how behind brews and brewing. Becoming a beer judge is a very rewarding process, and allows for great experiences and a chance to network with other people as passionate about beer as you are.
The BJCP website lists information on upcoming homebrew competitions and upcoming BJCP exams, and also hosts their BJCP Beer Style Guidelines for beer fans who may not do their own brewing or have any interest in formal beer judging, but still want to learn more about their favorite types of beer.
The purpose of the Beer Judge Certification Program is to promote beer literacy and the appreciation of real beer, and to recognize beer tasting and evaluation skills.
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