The Beer Judge Certification Program

Well….I did it again. This past Saturday I completed the BJCP test for the second time. My only hope is that the results will be much better this go-around. The CRHBC’s two newest members (Pat and Rachel Hyde) were there, too.

The purpose of the BJCP is to promote beer literacy and the appreciation of real beer, and to recognize beer judging and evaluation skills. I don’t know about you, but that sounds like a noble pursuit that can only help people like us (homebrewers and craft beer drinkers).

The test consists of a number of true and false questions, technical brewing essay questions, recipe formulation questions, and four or five compare and contrast style questions like:

For each of the three sub-styles style-1, style-2, and style-3, provide a statement describing the sub-styles as well as the differences and similarities between them by addressing each of the following topics:

· Describe the aroma, appearance, flavor, and mouthfeel of each sub-style as in the BJCP Style Guidelines.
· Identify at least one aspect of the ingredients (malts, hops, water chemistry) or background information (history, fermentation techniques and conditions, or serving methods) that distinguishes each sub-style.
· For each of the sub-styles, name at least one classic commercial example as listed in the BJCP Style Guidelines.
· Describe the similarities and differences between the three sub-styles.


After two hours the test proctor starts to bring out beers to be judged. Some of them are awesome; some have been doctored with a particular flaw. Your scores and comments are compared with a group of ranked BJCP judges that judge the beer at the same time.

While many (including myself) will call the test grueling, it’s well worth it. All in all the test took me nearly eleven pages of writing and three hours, but it’s done; and I feel as though I am on the way toward helping people to improve their brews (if only I could help myself!).

The simple fact is that the hobby needs more judges and homebrewers. The hobby needs better judges and better homebrews. The two groups need one another in order to get better. I understand that many brewers take issue with the BJCP guidelines, and I respect that. I can appreciate the brewer that doesn’t necessarily like to brew a particular style. However, if you’re not aiming for a mark, how do you know if you’ve hit it? How do you know that you’ve got your process sorted out? Others just don’t like judges or the judging process. I get it, and I’m O.K. with that. It is, unfortunately, a pretty subjective process. I mean, you can’t calibrate the human pallet, can you? I’ve also received some pretty crappy score sheets back with little explanation of scores (if I could even read it), or any assistance offered to help me make the beer better.

My goal is to become a good judge. I want be able to help my fellow homebrewer and, in the grand scheme of things, the hobby. I guess that my main reason for this rambling is that I would like to encourage each of you to step up and take the test. Considering the fact that this may be the last year for the Michigan State Fair homebrew competition, the Cass River Homebrew Club will organize Michigan’s largest competition. We’re going to need more judges.

If you’re interested in taking the test, let me know. You can find everything you’ll need at http://www.bjcp.org/examcenter.php. I’ve also developed a pretty helpful study guide that I would be happy to share. If enough of you are interested in taking the test, I’m willing to look into offering it in our area some time. Who knows, maybe we can arrange study groups or offer some style education during club meetings.

O.K. I think I’m done now. Let me know what you think.

Lee