BJCP Hurdle

Tasting exam: drink examples of the classic styles, and fill out the score sheet. Do it often, so that you become proficient and time is not a problem. Don't leave blanks, cover all aspects that are under each category (aroma, appearance...).

Learn to recognize defects. Comment on the defect and how to correct.

Hope you get proctors with similar taste perceptions.

 

I would add that you want to do this with others. Either others who are preparing for the tasting exam or, even better, experienced judges. Raise this question at your next brewclub meeting. I can pretty much guarantee that a ranking judge will be more than happy to assist, especially if you can get a group together.

 

I did that, and the class did all of the categories. More independent study would have helped. Practice!

 

If you get a chance to judge, or even steward, in an actual competition, that is by far the best training. You can see how your palate compares to credentialed judges.

So how did the hefeweizen taste?

 

I had been drinking a lot of sours before I took the test and totally missed the vinegar spiked saison. Thought it tasted great!

In all seriousness: write down as many descriptors as you can as your score will be based on how well your perceptions match up to the proctor's (and they have longer sheets so they can include a lot). Also, write down things you can't taste if the style guidelines say they shouldn't be present, it shows good understanding of the styles.

 

actually it's Wolksvagen.

 

I was taught the V (Fau) is pronounced as an F, and the W (Ve) is pronounced as a V.
FolksVagon. At least thatis how they pronounced it when I worked in the state of Hesse, Germany. Or Fau Ve for short. The Ve is more like Vay.

Edit there are regional differences in Germany.

Edit2 a good chart for the letters.
http://www.german-lessons.net/lesson-1-introduction-german-alphabet-and-pronunciation

 

There are examples of high quality scoresheets prepared under exam conditions on the BJCP website. It shows what you should be shooting for.

http://www.bjcp.org/examscores.php

 

It's pretty hard to make drinking beer not fun, but the BJCP sure tries.

 

...and Deutschland is pronounced 'Doich lahnd', not 'Jerm-ehn-ee'

FWIW, the subjectiveness and pretentious pontificating is not BJCP policy. It was an individual trying to show off.

 

What's the point of pretentious pontificating if you're not showing off?

 

Its fun

 

Needless to say but it is not fun if you are on the receiving end of the pontification.

Cheers!

 

Agreed. My comment above was sarcastic (damn internet). I have been on the receiving end of BJCP scoresheets filled out by a specific, local, pretentious pontificator, and it was quite unpleasant. Might have bitch slapped him if it were in person.

 

Now I'm trying to think - just how many of your beers have I judged.