I'm about to enter my second beer into competition this month and I was wondering how beers make the jump between an "Excellent" rating and a "World Class" rating? How does one brew a beer that matches the style guideline and actually stand out from the crowd. Does it depend on the rest of the beer entered into that particular style, is it matched against commercial beer in that category, is it more arbitrary and based upon the judges personal taste, or is it combination of all these things?
In fewer words: How much leeway is a beer given?
The reason I ask is that the beer I am entering is an ESB and while I think it is a fantastic beer and it seems to be on point as far as the style is concerned I think it tastes just like what I'd buy off the shelf for a good ESB. But is that "World Class?" Or does it need something that differentiates it from the rest? If so how do you do this without brewing something that doesn't exactly match the guideline.
Sorry for the rambling post. Let me know yall's personal experiences with getting that coveted 45-50 rating.
Thanks!
In fewer words: How much leeway is a beer given?
The reason I ask is that the beer I am entering is an ESB and while I think it is a fantastic beer and it seems to be on point as far as the style is concerned I think it tastes just like what I'd buy off the shelf for a good ESB. But is that "World Class?" Or does it need something that differentiates it from the rest? If so how do you do this without brewing something that doesn't exactly match the guideline.
Sorry for the rambling post. Let me know yall's personal experiences with getting that coveted 45-50 rating.
Thanks!