First time entering competition...

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by APreacher, Jan 22, 2013.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. APreacher

    APreacher Initiate (0) Jun 6, 2012 California

    I will be entering 3 different brews into a competition and looking for insight from folks that have experience from both sides (brewers/judges).

    A few of my beers fall into multiple categories, so would it be suggested to enter into both categories for better chances/exposure or just stick to one category?
     
    #1 APreacher, Jan 22, 2013
  2. VikeMan

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

    If you have a beer that is on the borderline between two categories, you can certainly enter it in both. The only downside is that it will cost you more. But when you say that you have a few beers falling into multiple categories, that makes me wonder if you are reading/understanding the style guidelines thoroughly. Can you provide an example, and why you think it fits multiple categories?
     
    #2 VikeMan, Jan 22, 2013
  3. APreacher

    APreacher Initiate (0) Jun 6, 2012 California

    http://www.bjcp.org/2008styles/catdex.php

    Chili Smoked Ale (fresh chili from garden + mesquite powder)
    Thinking of entering 21A & 22B

    Hazlenut Amber (made extract with fresh hazlenut + vodka) beer also includes agave syrup which bumps me from 21A to 23 correct?

    Black Cherry Ale (Fresh/Frozen cherries + agave syrup + dried elderflower) this a a mildly hopped black ale.
    20 & 23

    Thanks for looking.
     
    #3 APreacher, Jan 22, 2013
  4. VikeMan

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

    Sounds like you did not use smoked malt. If that's right, then not 22B. Edit: unless it really tastes like smoked malt was used, in which case you could get away with it.

    I would say so. But can you taste the agave?

    Is the agave syrup actually contributing any noticeable flavor? Same question for the elderflower.
     
    #4 VikeMan, Jan 22, 2013
  5. APreacher

    APreacher Initiate (0) Jun 6, 2012 California

    Kegging this week, so not sure on final flavors.

    I'm not trying to get away with anything as much as I am trying to follow some specific guidelines. The winner(s)
    have a chance to be brewed on commercial system and possibly entered into pro-am in GABF.
     
    #5 APreacher, Jan 22, 2013
  6. MMAJYK

    MMAJYK Initiate (0) Jun 26, 2007 Georgia

    Most comps will only let you enter one entry in 23. Some make exceptions, though.
     
    #6 MMAJYK, Jan 22, 2013
  7. hopfenunmaltz

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

    If you can't taste it, don't mention if in the other ingredients. If you say you added something,you will get dinged if it is not perceived by the judges.
     
    #7 hopfenunmaltz, Jan 22, 2013
    psnydez86 likes this.
  8. DrewBeechum

    DrewBeechum Pooh-Bah (1,954) Mar 15, 2003 California
    Pooh-Bah

    My rule of advice for entering competitions: Don't enter the beer you think you made. Enter the beer you made and taste.
     
    #8 DrewBeechum, Jan 22, 2013
    GreenKrusty101, psnydez86 and hopfenunmaltz like this.
  9. scurvy311

    scurvy311 Savant (1,135) Dec 3, 2005 Louisiana

    I have just recently listened to the Brew Strong podcast on entering competitions on itunes. I found it helpful, especially when it came to the shipping aspects of mailing in entries.
     
    #9 scurvy311, Jan 22, 2013
  10. APreacher

    APreacher Initiate (0) Jun 6, 2012 California

    Thanks for all the tips!!

    I haven't seen any info as of yet on category limitations. It does say you may submit up to 10 different beers.
    This is why I think I can submit into multiples. No charge for entering btw.
    Also, this is a local comp. (drop off).

    My rule of thumb for all edibles: Never serve something you wouldn't eat/drink yourself.

    I will look into the podcast too.
     
    #10 APreacher, Jan 23, 2013
  11. Beerontwowheels

    Beerontwowheels Initiate (0) Nov 22, 2009 Maryland

    The Bruery Batch 1000 homebrew comp?
     
    #11 Beerontwowheels, Jan 23, 2013
  12. APreacher

    APreacher Initiate (0) Jun 6, 2012 California

    Yesindeedie!!
     
    #12 APreacher, Jan 23, 2013
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.