First BJCP competition

[Phunhog]

I find the BJCP judging to be highly subjective. I had a tripel rank a 42 in the Best Florida Beer championship and not make it past the first round, and have that same beer given a 34 in a local club comp and medal silver.

I am studying for the BJCP tasting exam and you are exactly right! There are some absolute faults but many of them are very subjective. I had a Scottish 70 that got the second highest overall score in a local score. It went to the Best of Show round and placed 6th overall. I am starting to get to a place that comps are a great ego boost. Any beer over 35 could be a winning beer...just depends on the comp.

 

[Braufessor]

I find the BJCP judging to be highly subjective.

I think there is some obvious truth to this - individuals have their own preferences, perspectives and levels of expertise.
But, I have been pretty impressed with the consistency in judging I have gotten from one competition to the next - especially in the bigger comps. If I really want some good feedback on particular beers, I make sure I enter the same beers in 3-5 competions over the course of about 4 weeks or so - In that way I am getting the impressions of 6-10 judges and can sort of drop the high, drop the low and look at what the consistent comments are. I have received some great information by doing this, and am always surprised by how consistent some of the recommendations are.