So I really hate when I'm right on the border of a style's guidelines and end up racking my brain over the correct category for a competition. Mainly b/c in the grand scheme of things, I don't want to be constricted by style guidelines, I just want to brew good beer. But...I would like to have a couple of beers place well too, so...
The saison I just brewed was 1.067 OG and finished at 1.004 FG, so the OG is just barely out of the high range for BJCP (1.065). But because of the high attentuation, the ABV (~8.3%) is definitely out of the suggested range, up to 7%. The guidelines mention stronger versions - "Strong versions (6.5%-9.5%) and darker versions (copper to dark brown/black) should be entered as Belgian Specialty Ales (16E).", but do I really want to enter this in Belgian Specialty Ales? Its a well-made saison and doesn't taste overly alcoholic because its so dry, so should I follow the rules to a T, or say screw it and let it go toe to toe with the other saisons?
The saison I just brewed was 1.067 OG and finished at 1.004 FG, so the OG is just barely out of the high range for BJCP (1.065). But because of the high attentuation, the ABV (~8.3%) is definitely out of the suggested range, up to 7%. The guidelines mention stronger versions - "Strong versions (6.5%-9.5%) and darker versions (copper to dark brown/black) should be entered as Belgian Specialty Ales (16E).", but do I really want to enter this in Belgian Specialty Ales? Its a well-made saison and doesn't taste overly alcoholic because its so dry, so should I follow the rules to a T, or say screw it and let it go toe to toe with the other saisons?