Looking for help as to which competitions to enter...

**fastricky** · 06-10-2009, 02:09 AM

I've quietly been stashing away beers I think are worthy of entering and now have a pretty solid army of bottles ready to ship.

How do I find a list of good competitions to enter? Cheers!

**Yooper** · 06-10-2009, 02:11 AM

Here's a good place to start! Competition Schedule

**fastricky** · 06-10-2009, 02:18 AM

Thanks Yooper, so do you just pick them arbitrarily?

chefchris · 06-10-2009, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastricky

Thanks Yooper, so do you just pick them arbitrarily?

That's what I do. Whichever one catches my eye ... and is not in another country.

**Yooper** · 06-10-2009, 02:24 AM

Some of them are not for me- the "big beers only" for example or the "real ale" competitions. That said, I'm NOT into competitions at all. I've entered two- the National, and the Green Bay Rackers comps.

I often have done beerswaps with others here at HBT for feedback, though. The good part of doing a competition is that the feedback is honest. Not that we'd lie, but I feel that some of the reviews here aren't as honest as they would be if we didn't "know" each other.

So, a competition is a great way to get feedback. You get back scoresheets with very helpful hints, and constructive criticism. You might get back, "Great flavor, but a bit thin on mouthfeel. Try mashing at a higher temp (AG) or adding some carapils (extract)" which is very helpful. I recommend entering a few and read the scoresheets.

**fastricky** · 06-10-2009, 03:53 AM

Good call Yoops, thanks!

ODaniel · 06-10-2009, 06:52 AM

Yep. That link, choose one closest to you (shipping cost) that seems like it will be a decent turnout. That's what I did.

**Homercidal** · 06-10-2009, 05:15 PM

And if you have any hoppy beers made up, you can send them to Yooperbrew and I for evaluation.

As that a '58 Les Paul in your avatar??