Hi Ozbrewer.
This is the exact philosophy behind the WestCoast Brewers Local Comps that we run in Perth. You could easily run something similar at any get together I can send a copy of our score/discussion sheets etc if you like.
In the Clubs hey-day (before my time) comps used to be very formal, with only a couple of judges doing all the work. Points were tallied and trophies given ay the end of the season. This kind of fell by the way side as people grew disheartened with results & having to brew beers to fit the guidelines required for the next meeting.
When I took on running the comps some changes were made. The new comps became a lot less formal with a more interactive discussion of the beers and an emphasis on participation
- Firstly. There are a lot less comps, maybe two or three a year with a very broad range of styles loosely covered in each comp. for example our next comp is All Light(er) Ales
- Everyone at the meeting is a judge. Blind tastings (Beers are entered at the start of the meeting. The steward then orders and pours then in a different room ) of each entry are assessed by everyone around a table. Discussion is encouraged about the beers good and bad points. This works really well as knowledge from the more experienced can be passed on to the newbie. For example: can you taste that buttery flavour in this one. yeah what is it. thats diacetyl. Aah I wondered what that was..etc do you recon thats a toasted or a roasted flavour
.
- After the discussion everyone scores the beers (except the steward) as they see fit on their own private score card. At the end of the comp all scores are averaged and the winner is revealed. There are some points awarded for style as in most comps, but not many. People are encouraged to brew to an AABA Style though most dont! and just pick something close on the night or bring along their own style guide to be judged against. A lot less formal
- Commercial examples are also randomly thrown into the comps. This is a great way for the more frugal members to try some amazing beers. (Im also the treasurer and spend plenty of the clubs cash at the International beer shop
)
- Prizes usually entail more beer. Foe example Ill buy a mixed case of weihenstephaner. First place gets first choice of beers. Last place gets whatever is left emphasis on participation.
- And their good fun
If anyone in Perth is interested in coming along (as a guest) to our next meeting (13th June) and be a part of the comp (dont need to enter a beer If you havent got anything you can still judge) you are more than welcome.PM me Ill be entering my Mash paddle Aussie Ale or American Ale. Depends whats left by then
Asher for now
:beerbang:
