How many competitions did it take you to win your first medal?

[dmtaylor]

No, not what I meant. I was surprised to learn the two are separate guidelines. I always thought the Beer Judge Certification Program and styles were the same as the Brewers Association Guidelines.

Two different organizations. In my view, BA used to steal BJCP but improve upon it. Then BJCP bloated too far. Then BA one-upped BJCP and bloated even worse.

Ugh.

[chanting to myself] BJCP 2008 forever!!! [/chant]

 

[ScrewyBrewer]

Two different organizations. In my view, BA used to steal BJCP but improve upon it. Then BJCP bloated too far. Then BA one-upped BJCP and bloated even worse.

Ugh.

[chanting to myself] BJCP 2008 forever!!! [/chant]

Nothing like a bit more confusion to keep brewers wondering how their beer was judged

 

[Brewbuzzard]

While it’s fun to win medals in beer competitions, a lot of it depends on many variables besides how good your beer is. You can brew a great beer but if your beer is tasted first your score maybe lower just due to the fact the judges have nothing to compare it to. Also I look at it if your beer is tasted after a really $hitty beer, your score maybe better than it should. Also all judges taste buds are different so one judge may like Citra hops and another May like Mosiac Hops better. Then there is the problem that there’s a lot of competitions where the judges are not certified but just filling in to help out. The best ribbon you can truly get is compliments from your friends.

So it sounds like your beers don't place well. It is true there is some luck involved, how do the judges feel, what beer did they just taste. As far as the BJCP certification goes it is not a guarantee that a particular judge is knowledgeable about every style and subcategory. Also, inexperienced judges are always (or should be) paired up with an experienced/BJCP judge. There cannot be a Delta between the judges scores greater than 7. The experienced judge will not let an inappropriate score from the inexperienced judge pass. The reason for two or more judges is to get a different perspective and an average in the scoring. I have been judging for 20 years and am not BJCP. I have judged with Grand Masters and my scores and opinions were well respected. It did make me a bit nervous but luckily they were the categories I know we'll.

Now for the original post, "1". I won a first place in my first competition. Specialty Ale category. Scottish export bittered and flavored with rosemary and licorice, Frog Spit Special Ale. It has won several metals but I haven't brewed in years. I still get requests now and then.

 

[VikeMan]

The best ribbon you can truly get is compliments from your friends.

That's certainly the easiest one to get.