Opinions on homebrew competition circuit

[TobyG]

Do it man. Both barrels.

My only compunction is that a lot of these comps would really struggle with judging if I did that. My only serious entry this year was the very first comp and I took 1st runner up BOS. After that, everything I entered was the occasional experimental brew because I didn't want to exclude myself from judging many categories since we're still relatively handicapped on judging (there are probably more certified judges in Houston than we have in the entire state).

 

[Gavin C]

My only compunction is that a lot of these comps would really struggle with judging if I did that. My only serious entry this year was the very first comp and I took 1st runner up BOS. After that, everything I entered was the occasional experimental brew because I didn't want to exclude myself from judging many categories since we're still relatively handicapped on judging (there are probably more certified judges in Houston than we have in the entire state).

That is a very laudable rationale you give for holstering your sidearms.

Congrats on the 2nd BOS. I hope one day to place in a BOS.

Just as an aside if your interested. Look at the results from this recent completion in South Carolina. It seems they have similar brewers there. Two massively successful individuals. 34 medals between them in a single competition.

 

[TobyG]

Congrats on the 2nd BOS. I hope one day to place in a BOS.

I've hit one of my goals already this year by placing at MCAB. Next year, I plan to focus on NHC (made it to finals last year, but was up against a lot of competition since over 90 percent of the entries were in the same subcategory).

Just as an aside if your interested. Look at the results from this recent completion in South Carolina. It seems they have similar brewers there. Two massively successful individuals. 34 medals between them in a single competition.

There are a few guys like that in Lone Star that will vary from comp to comp. I know several of them. Schoppe is always in the mix when he decides to dedicate himself. This year, he was really strategic about where he entered and focused on styles that were exploitable. It was really interesting to discuss and think about if you're into competitions for competitions' sake.

 

[Gavin C]

I've hit one of my goals already this year by placing at MCAB. Next year, I plan to focus on NHC (made it to finals last year, but was up against a lot of competition since over 90 percent of the entries were in the same subcategory).



There are a few guys like that in Lone Star that will vary from comp to comp. I know several of them. Schoppe is always in the mix when he decides to dedicate himself. This year, he was really strategic about where he entered and focused on styles that were exploitable. It was really interesting to discuss and think about if you're into competitions for competitions' sake.

I'd say it was great to pick the brains of the likes of Schoppe. Never met the guy but by all accounts he is a solid bloke.

I'm tying to enter some beers in this years blue bonnet comp in TX and the NHC. Going to enter some of the less popular categories. Fortunately I enjoy making and drinking many of those styles so hopefully I can stack the deck in my favor.

I am but a competition minnow however having entered 3 comps thus far. Big mountain to climb if one of those cool Blue Bonnet mugs is to grace my house. (Hidden away somewhere, the SWMBO wouldn't have it, LOL)

 

[TobyG]

Hit me up offline if you want some outside input. I usually judge the Houston area stuff and don't enter much these days, but I have entered a thing or two on occasion. My liter mug from Dixie Cup 1995 is one of my personal favorites.