Brewing And Beer Judging Education

[BJCP Education Director]

Hello all,

I have previously been on this site with the alias Kingoftheharpies. Since my last post...a while it seems...I have been appointed as the BJCP Continuing Education Director.

My job is to make sure brewers/judges knowledge does not stagnate nor flow downhill. My proposal and program has been approved and passed of which it will be up and running shortly.

My post here is just to say hey and to shoot me an email anytime you would like questions, comments or hopefully suggestions.

Most of my compatriots are quite myopic in the sense that they dont think outside the box. In my position I have to be open and flexible and knowledge is knowledge whether coming for Convicts, Kiwi's or Loud Mouthed Americans.

I look forward to helping you guys become better brewers and judges. In extending my hand across the ocean and take it readily and hope you all forgive me for Pres Bush as I have already forgiven you for Yahoo Serious, Steve Erwin and Mick Dundee

 

[nonicman]

You're forgiven Congratulations on the appointment, I look forward to reading your posts (the past posts have been great).

 

[BJCP Education Director]

Nothing like me typing to fast and spelling education wrong on the title! ehehehe Talk about moronic!

 

[Guest Lurker]

How can you claim to be an education director when you couldnt even get Pedro elected at school?

 

[dickTed]

So what's wrong with Mick Dundee then?

 

[die sudhausanlage]

Mick Dundee and even Steve Irwin are easily tollerated compared to STEVE ERKEL and FRAN FINE

DS

 

[BJCP Education Director]

I they are aliens...they dont count.

 

[Trough Lolly]

The ONLY reason I started reposting to this site is b/c I know Australia is trying hard to work with the BJCP, as is South Africa, to standardize the home brew judging competitions.
[snip]

Quote was lifted from the Yeast Farming topic

G'day Kristen,
I'm well aware of the push by many in the Australian brewing fraternity to have a go at working with the BJCP - the brew club I'm a member of is quite active in this regard and there are several club members who are prepared to enter the BJCP program - and they've signed up, so good luck to them.
The point that should be noted, is that there are many brewers around the world, who are not all waiting, like savages, to be saved from damnation by the BJCP. Sure, having a certification program to standardise judging is a fine ambition and I know you guys have honorable intentions, based on my participation in the AHB forum and other like minded US sites, but many members of this forum and the Australian brewing community are low profile homebrewers who are happy to participate in this forum to further their knowledge on a subject that we are all interested in but prefer to remain as a hobbyist at home with the occasional guest.
If you really only reposted so you could push the BJCP cause further, then I would suggest that you are, to use our vernacular, "barking up the wrong tree". By all means, put in a topic proudly announcing that there are moves afoot to bring the BJCP to the great unwashed in Oz and SA, and that you're happy to provide more info to those who want to know more, but leave it at that mate.

You see, we are perhaps a tad more subtle compared to the "shock and awe" approach that recently seems to be the easiest and preferred approach with you guys. I won't degenerate this post into questioning who you are, but do you understand how confronting it is for somebody to (re) enter the forum, trumpeting a rather provocative and self congratulatory logon name and then punch out a stack of "I'm an authority on this subject too" posts?
I've read your posts and they are, by and large, good reads - and you might know a lot about brewing - but you don't have to "shout that fact from the rooftops" if you get my meaning. Your approach shows that you still have a way to go about learning how to tactfully bring your message to overseas brewers who may, or just as importantly, may not be interested in what you have on offer.

Sometimes education is a two-way street...
Rowan

 

[BJCP Education Director]

Education is definately a two way street. I most humbly ask for your forgiveness if my posts have seemed as, "I know it all and you are doing it wrong." I am not here to push the BJCP at all. Give it or take it, fine with me. What I am mostly concerned with is the education of homebrewers...BJCP or not.

I was very recently, Jan 1, appointed in the BJCP. The only reason I applied for the position was to change things. You need not be a medal winner or follow things the 'BJCP-way' to be a good/great brewer.

The BJCP is a means to an end for most people in the US trying to re-create a fair stylistic example of styles. My affiliation ends at education. I disagree with many of their ways.

My 'forceful' posts, again, have not ment to instill what 'you' are doing wrong however I understand they may have done so. There are many many many different ways to do things all of which may be correct. The things I talk about are not only from 'book-learnin' but from my past exploits.

I am no different from guys. I probably know less than most of you. Im here to learn as the rest of you.

My title is just that, a title. I am who I say, believe it or not. The only reason the title is listed is so you guys know you have a voice, pro or con against what may be coming towards you, insomuch as the BJCP. Love it or hate it, I CAN give you a voice. What I know is that there are many, this side of the pond and the other, that want to 'enforce' it. I dont agree to enforce it for its own sake.

Truthfully, great brewing happens without the BJCP and always has. However if I can help spread brewing knowledge in any form then I am very much lucky.

Again, have NO intention of pushing the BJCP in any form. What I may be able to do is put you in touch with someone that is a specialist and can tell you directly, rather from the horses ass...myself.

All apologies and most humbly yours,

Your servant,

Kris