First Non-Family taste Testing

[mlyday]

Ive been brewing a little over a year and have shared some of my brew with family at the holidays, they all said they liked it and that it was good, but I never really knew if they were just saying that to be nice.

Well last week my wifes work had a chili cookoff, and I brought two of my kegs in. An oktoberfest and a bock. Most of these guys are BMC drinkers so I figured I wasnt going to get too many taker. A few of them say that they were "Dark Beers" and started to walk away. I told them they werent bitter at all ( I like nice malty beers), and so they tried them. Everyone said they were good, but again you never really know if they are just saying that to be nice.

As the cookoff went on there was a steady stream of people taking 2nds, 3rds, and 4th glasses of the beer. Even the two that almost walked away. Im assuming that they were telling the truth.

I saw one of the guys at the mall last night and the first word out of his mouth were about how great the beer was. Even before hello.

Ive always thought about entering a competition, but was worried my beers werent up to snuff. I always thought they were good, but I made them, so I had to like them.

Im thinking about bottling up the vienna lager I have lagering now and see what the judges have to say.

 

[moorerm04]

Hey it worth a shot man.... You never know you could win such a competition!

 

[BargainFittings]

The proof is in the drinking. I always know I've done well if the kegs are empty.

Sounds like you are doing well and entering multiple competitions will give you a feel for any consistent issue your batches might have.... or not if you are doing everything right.

 

[born3z]

Yeah, the judges will let you know if you're doing anything wrong and you can improve and build based on their critiques.

 

[mlyday]

Ive had my good batches and my not so good ones. Adding a chest freezer and temp controller and doing big yeast starters have made the beers much better. My first all grain is lagering right now. I think ill bottle some and keg the rest. If its good Ill give a competition a try.