Passed the online entrance exam and headed to Columbus, Ohio this weekend for my tasting exam. I have been drinking and review beers consistently, looking out for flaws in homebrew, and reviewing the style guidelines for a few minutes every night. Any last minute advice on how to do well? Any cheat sheets or study guides with descriptive language to help with describing beers? There are a few nice examples of score cards on the bjcp website and I would love to see some of your examples if anyone is willing to share. Cheers, Bill
Good luck! I have volunteer judged in the past and can pick out diacetyl and DMS, but can't really help beyond what can be found with a google search. Let us know how it goes.
Good luck and don't get nervous and start to doubt your senses or your experience. Don't worry about whose looking at you or if that others seem to be in disagreement with your observations. Your personality is part of the review and be confident so as to let that shine through. I am pulling for you and I know you will pass.
Use the list of "cues" under each heading for completeness. This is key. For example, the scoresheet "Aroma" section says "comment on malt, hops, esters, and other aromatics". You should make a statement about each of those, even if it is to say "not detected". Use as much detail as you can, as well as intensity levels. "Some mild malt aroma" is better than nothing, but not nearly as good as "medium toasty/biscuity malt aroma". Good luck! Mike BJCP Exam Director
