Question for BJCP judges

[Broothru]

And yet.....

An old adage says that we taste with our eyes. If a fill level looks ('tastes') less than desirable, subjective opinion may objectively shade scores not directly covered by criteria.

Like or dislike are susceptible to shading by non-objective factors. Seeing a low fill may cause someone to 'think' oxidation which they then look for (confirmation bias). We're all capable of falling into that hole, especially when evaluating subjectively. Not a flaw or failing. Just part of the human condition.

 

[Qhrumphf]

I just print the label at home, hand it across the counter, and say nothing to anyone.

 

[TheMadKing]

I just print the label at home, hand it across the counter, and say nothing to anyone.

Same here, I've never answered one question from anyone about shipping beer

 

[WesBrew]

I just print the label at home, hand it across the counter, and say nothing to anyone.

Same for me and so far it’s good. I write fragile/ vinegar or something /this side up ….print my own label at home for ups. Hand it to them, no questions no issues

 

[BrewMan13]

I've never used USPS for reasons already mentioned. I had been going with UPS, but they destroyed a (well-packed) entry for a comp recently. To their credit, I didn't get scolded for shipping beer, as they even repackaged the unbroken bottles. But I got an extra charge, so double the shipping charge to get half the bottles broken and nothing delivered...thanks. Used FedEx once with good results, and going with them until I have a reason not to (they also have a "home delivery" option that is cheaper).
And as others have said, print at home with no questions. I write "glassware" if I have to declare the contents.

 

[bwible]

I’ve seen styrofoam mailers made specifically for shipping bottles. Our local competitions usually get a couple of those. I personally have never shipped beer to a competition. I’ve only entered local competitions and dropped off entries at one of the local homebrew shops.

 

[bwible]

Carbonation, possible (but not guaranteed). Oxidation, maybe (far less likely if the beer is bottle-conditioned).

Losing points on appearance over fill level? Only a complete jerk judge would do that. The Bottle Inspection section does not, and should not, affect any points (for Appearance or otherwise). We are judging the beer in the glass/cup, not the bottle; the Bottle Inspection is simple a checkpoint, one that may or may not have some relevance to an issue noted later in the actual evaluation, but should not affect your score in any way whatsoever.

Oh yeah. Some of them shine a light through the bottom to look for sediment. I guess to pre-judge whether its bottle conditioned or counter pressure filled. They comment on fill level. And the infamous “neck ring” comment, which automatically means your beer is infected before they even remove the cap and sample it.

 

[CascadesBrewer]

An old adage says that we taste with our eyes. If a fill level looks ('tastes') less than desirable, subjective opinion may objectively shade scores not directly covered by criteria.

I recall an article or maybe it was one of the AHA presentation. The guy said that he had started filling his bottles as much as possible but started to get some negative "high fill" comments, so he switched back. I agree that it is probably best to avoid doing something that has a chance of making a judge thing you don't know what you are doing (even if filling high is actually a sign that you DO know what you are doing). The closer you beer look like it just came off a commercial filling machine, likely the better.

 

[Oleson M.D.]

I purposely fill on the high side, for the reasons stated above. And the only (ONLY) shipper we use is FedEx.