Do certain adjuncts restrict competition entry?

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mr_rogers

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I've brewed my third batch of "brain buster" a robust porter with vanilla beans oak chips and bourbon. My question is about the adjuncts. Does adding adjunct like bourbon and vanilla beans clearly remove my beer from a possible entry into the 12B category?
I've never entered a homebrew comp before but I've been working on this particular beer to get it into competition.
Thanks
 
It depends on how pronounced those flavors are. The judges are looking for dark roasty malt. If your additives obscure the malt flavor then you’re dead.

On the other hand, a robust porter could hide a lot of vanilla, oak and bourbon.

If it’s “Hmmn, that’s interesting, what is that?” You’re good.

If it’s “Oh my God, WHAT IS THAT?” That’s bad.

I once judged an Old Ale that tasted like it had been aged in a Cabernet barrel. It probably cost them a point or two but it wasn’t a big deal.
 
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