BJCP Competition Question

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by Ultra-Plinian, Jan 21, 2014.

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  1. Ultra-Plinian

    Ultra-Plinian Pundit (877) Mar 1, 2013 Connecticut

    Hi there. Joining my first Home Brew Competition and there's not a lot of info other than to say that they are using the BJCP guidelines. My Double IPA is pretty straightforward, 14C. But where would I put the following? First, I made a Russian Imperial Stout that I did with Chocolate, Oak, Bourbon and Espresso. To me this looks like it would go into the Russian Imperial Stout category, 13F, even though it has all the other stuff in it. Second, where would I put my Grapefruit Double IPA? Would it be in the Double IPA category, 14C, the Fruit Beer category, 20, or in the Specialty Beer category, 23. I put the rinds of 4 Grapefruits into the last 10 minutes of the boil to extract the oils and aroma, then after fermentation I put the juice and pulp from those 4 grapefruits into the beer itself, then dry hopped. Came out really tasty, but wasn't sure where to put it. Like I said I haven't done this before and I want to follow the rules so that my beers get judged and I get feedback. I want to make the best beer that I can. Thanks for your help! Cheers!
     
    #1 Ultra-Plinian, Jan 21, 2014
  2. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    In general, if you add enough of a special ingredient that it is noticeable, and is contributing some flavor/aroma that's not called for in the base beer, then you're looking at Fruit Beer, or Specialty, or Wood Aged, or whatever special category fits.
     
    #2 VikeMan, Jan 21, 2014
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  3. hopfenunmaltz

    hopfenunmaltz Pooh-Bah (2,635) Jun 8, 2005 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah

    You normally get one entry per subcategory. You have 14C covered with a straight up DIPA.
    I would try the grapefruit IPA in 20, specify the base as DIPA, and hope the grapefruit stands out so that the judges taste it and not say it is Cascade hops.

    If you get the oak and Bourbon more in the RIS, consider 22C, if you also get the chocolate and expresso, then I would use 23. Make sure you can taste the ingredient if you list it.
     
    #3 hopfenunmaltz, Jan 21, 2014
  4. udubdawg

    udubdawg Initiate (0) Dec 11, 2006 Kansas

    it is certainly a little confusing when there are beers listed in 13F "classic examples" with most of the things you listed added.

    basically you've got a 22C or 21B with 13F base; my SOP with these is when both possibilities show up to move the beer to 23. as Jeff said though, make sure you taste what you added, or don't mention it.
     
    #4 udubdawg, Jan 21, 2014
  5. Ultra-Plinian

    Ultra-Plinian Pundit (877) Mar 1, 2013 Connecticut

    Thanks...it's definitely chocolate and espresso and subtle on the oak and bourbon.

    I have never done this before and really am looking for the feedback...but how are the awards given? Medals? Ribbons? Certificate?
     
    #5 Ultra-Plinian, Jan 22, 2014
  6. hopfenunmaltz

    hopfenunmaltz Pooh-Bah (2,635) Jun 8, 2005 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah

    Awards will depend on the competition, so one can't say for sure.

    Edit - you will get your score sheets back. Sit down with the beer, the scoresheet, and read the comments and see if you find what they say.
     
    #6 hopfenunmaltz, Jan 22, 2014
  7. epic1856

    epic1856 Initiate (0) Aug 11, 2006 California

    Usually it's one of the 3 you mentioned. Most competitions now will scan your scoresheet and send it by email. It will look something like this; http://www.bjcp.org/docs/beer1.pdf If you placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd they will ship out your medal, certificate, ribbon, and any prizes a couple of weeks later.

    I organized a competition a couple months back and the BOS winner got to brew their beer at one of the local breweries.
     
    #7 epic1856, Jan 22, 2014
  8. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    Some do medals. Some do ribbons. Many (most?) do both... ribbons for category winners, and medals for best of show round. Usually there's some sort of donated swag too.
     
    #8 VikeMan, Jan 22, 2014
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