I'm interested in entering some competitions now. I've entered one before, did pretty well but didn't win, and judged one too, but nothing BJCP. I was curious as to whether it's a good idea to enter certain styles based on the fact that there will generally be less entries and/or the style is difficult to brew.
For example, one beer I have going right now--the Pious old world--seems to do pretty well in comps. Just hazarding a guess, I believe this might be due to the fact that the beer is great, it's difficult and expensive to make, and it takes months to mature. This would lead me to believe that Belgian strong ales might be a good general category to brew. I also love them, and it's a shame to have to part with a few bottles, but if it must be done, so be it.
I tend to either brew Belgian or American, and American styles are so popular and hop-focused that it seems difficult to set yourself apart from the pack. Thoughts?
For example, one beer I have going right now--the Pious old world--seems to do pretty well in comps. Just hazarding a guess, I believe this might be due to the fact that the beer is great, it's difficult and expensive to make, and it takes months to mature. This would lead me to believe that Belgian strong ales might be a good general category to brew. I also love them, and it's a shame to have to part with a few bottles, but if it must be done, so be it.
I tend to either brew Belgian or American, and American styles are so popular and hop-focused that it seems difficult to set yourself apart from the pack. Thoughts?