I'm going to be entering a beer in my first competition this week! When I went to enter the beer online, they asked for "pertinent style information (for the judges)". What does this mean? Should I put facts about the beer, malt, hops, yeast, SRM, alcohol % etc.? Or should I put tasting notes? Both? Thanks for the help!
The specialty styles generally require info about the specific beer. As someone already mentioned, read carefully the style guidelines for the beer you're entering. They're available here:
http://www.bjcp.org/2008styles/catdex.php
Note that some styles, such as 21a Spice, Herb, Vegetable use the word "must", as in "THE ENTRANT MUST SPECIFY THE UNDERLYING BEER STYLE AS WELL AS THE TYPE OF SPICES, HERBS, OR VEGETABLES USED. IF THIS BEER IS BASED ON A CLASSIC STYLE (E.G., BLONDE ALE) THEN THE SPECIFIC STYLE MUST BE SPECIFIED."
Other styles use the word "may", such as 21b Xmas beers, as in "THE ENTRANT MAY DECLARE AN UNDERLYING BEER STYLE AS WELL AS THE SPECIAL INGREDIENTS USED. THE BASE STYLE, SPICES OR OTHER INGREDIENTS NEED NOT BE IDENTIFIED. THE BEER MUST INCLUDE SPICES AND MAY INCLUDE OTHER FERMENTABLES (SUGARS, HONEY, MAPLE SYRUP, MOLASSES, TREACLE, ETC.) OR FRUIT."
It's very important that you carefully read the guidelines and enter the correct information. Tasting notes are never appropriate. Process notes are rarely needed.
If you're entering a specialty category that requires additional info, post the type of beer and the category, and I'll be happy to assist you.
Good luck!
Michael Shannon
BJCP National judge