Can you guys explain to me how the mini-BOS works? (Again, this is my first comp and the website rules don't really explain that part well - unless I'm missing it.) How many beers get selected for the mini-BOS, and what are the criteria? And in the mini-BOS, are the previous scores looked at, and used to determine the three places, or is it just based on tasting at this time (that's what the second bottle is for, right?)?
I submitted 5 beers, and was lucky enough to get a bronze in Austin for my American Amber Ale. So, before seeing my score sheets, I just assumed it was the highest scoring of those five...
Turns out, two of the others scored higher, and also went to mini-BOS, but didn't place:
Hef: 38.5, mini-BOS
Kölsch: 36.5, mini-BOS
American Amber: 35.5, mini-BOS, Bronze to nationals
Imperial IPA: 34
Roggenbier: 31.5
The Hef was the only one I've brewed before (one of the best beers I made last summer, so purposely rebrewed for the comp), the other we're all first attempts at each style (well, my very first batch was an extract clone of Fat Tire from AHS, so I guess technically this one would be my second American Amber, but first that's my own recipe). And the IIPA was actually a Double White IPA, but I underdid the Orange peel and coriander, compared to the hops, and you couldn't really taste it - so I just entered it in IIPA instead of Specialty, thinking it would do better there.
So, needless to say, I'm pretty happy with my results, and I'm definitely glad I entered the comp! I've heard scores in the thirties are pretty good, so I'm stoked to have scored all five there, for my level of experience. Did get some good feedback and input on each beer, so a big thanks to all who take the time to judge! I hope to eventually train my palate well enough to start judging someday as well... Cheers.