Competition question

[whiteboy87]

So I have entered into the National Homebrew Conference (excited!), but I am second guessing the style guideline that I chose. My beer is definitely an amber ale, but I have a mix of european and american hops. about 2/3 european and 1/3 American. Everything is a perfect match for the American Amber Ale guideline EXCEPT most of my hops are european. Any ideas of a better category? Does this matter? The BJCP guideline says "Ingredients: Pale ale malt, typically American two-row. Medium to dark crystal malts. May also contain specialty grains which add additional character and uniqueness. American hops, often with citrusy flavors, are common but others may also be used. Water can vary in sulfate and carbonate content."

Im confused...

 

[TerranceKwong]

Don't worry Im sure the beer is good but if you aren't best friend with the judges you are ****ed. Just keep brewing!

 

[Darwin18]

I'd stick with the Amber Category if everything else in your recipe and the style guidelines line up. I personally wouldn't waste my money and send a beer like that to NHC if you're not sure it will do well; beers like that, you should probably enter into local competitions to get a feel for how they generally do in competitions.

 

[Braufessor]

It does not matter what is in the beer. It only matters what the beer tastes like. They don't look at your recipe or anything like that.
Does it taste like an American Amber ale? If it does, enter it as such.

Others that it "might" taste like are ESB maybe. Or if it was low hopped possibly an irish red. Maybe an Alt, but I doubt it.

Maybe go buy a couple bottles of american amber, buy a couple ESB's (Not in clear or green bottles) and taste them alongside your amber..... which is it most similar to?

You say that you "used" some european hops...... but does it "taste" like a european beer? that is all that matters - what it tastes like.