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Rules
** Due to the logistical limitations of de-centralized judging we are capping paid entries at 100 and 2 entries per person, so pay your fees ASAP to ensure you hold your spots! Judge numbers permitting, we will increase the number of entries**
This competition is AHA sanctioned and open to any amateur homebrewer age 21 or older.
We are asking for 4 bottles of each entry to ensure we can effectively judge the competition virtually. If less than 4 bottles are submitted you may not be eligible for Best of Show.
All shipped entries must be received at the shipping location by the entry deadline - please allow for shipping time.
All entries will be picked up from drop-off locations promptly after the entry deadline; entries will not be accepted after the deadline.
All entries must be paid for prior to the entry deadline date. Any entries not paid for by then will be disqualified.
All entries must be handcrafted products, containing ingredients available to the general public, and made using private equipment by hobbyist brewers (i.e., no use of commercial facilities).
Entries made at Brew on Premises are allowed if the entrant(s) performed ALL the work required to make the entry, including packaging.
The competition organizers are not responsible for mis-categorized entries, mailed entries that are not received by the entry deadline, or entries that arrived damaged.
Qualified judging of all entries is the primary goal of our event. Judges will evaluate and score each entry according to the 2015 BJCP guidelines. The average of the scores will rank each entry in its category. Each flight will have at least one BJCP-certified judge.
More than one entry per sub-category per entrant is allowed. But please make sure the entries are uniquely identified on the entry form and the bottle labels. Example: Name one English IPA#1 and the other English IPA#2
The competition committee reserves the right to combine categories and restructure awards based on number of entries. Reasonable effort will be made to combine similar styles. All brews in combined categories will be judged according to the style they were originally entered in.
The Best of Show judging will be determined by a Best of Show panel based on a second judging of the top winners.
Bottles will not be returned to entrants.
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BJCP 2015 Judging Styles
If a style's name is hyperlinked, it has specific entry requirements. Click or tap on the name to view the subcategory's requirements.
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Number of Bottles Required Per Entry: 4
Judging Session Locations and Dates
Session 1
Saturday, November 7, 2020 10:00 AM, EST
Session 2
Saturday, November 7, 2020 1:00 PM, EST
Best of Show
Sunday, November 15, 2020 2:00 PM, EST
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Best of Show
Backbeat Brewing will select a beer from the Best of Show table to ramp-up on their system and pour at their taproom. The selected beer's brewer will be invited to be an Assistant Brewer for the brewing of their beer (pandemic permitting). Brettanomyces, sour, and barrel aged beers will not be considered for this award.
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Awards
BJCP judges under BJCP competition standards, rules, and regulations will judge all entries.
The 1st place entry in each beer category will advance to the Best of Show (BOS) round with a single, overall Best of Show beer selected.
Medals will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each category and for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in the Best of Show round.
Entries scoring under 25 points out of 50 may not be eligible for an award.
Score sheets will be available on the competition website a few days after the competition. Prizes will be shipped to winners.
Table and Best of Show medalists will be posted to the competition web site after the competition concludes and we have verified all data entry is correct.
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Awards Ceremony
Virtual - TBA
Sunday, November 15, 2020 12:00 AM, EST
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Young, unfiltered, unpasteurized versions of the traditional German beer styles, traditionally served on tap from the lagering vessel. The name literally means "cellar beer" - implying a young, fresh beer served straight from the lagering cellar. Since this serving method can be applied to a wide range of beers, the style is somewhat hard to pin down. However, there are several common variants that can be described and used as templates for other versions. Sometimes described as Naturtrub or naturally cloudy. Also sometimes called Zwickelbier, after the name of the tap used to sample from a lagering tank.
Entry Info: The entrant must specify whether the entry is a Munich Kellerbier (pale, based on Helles) or a Franconian Kellerbier (amber, based on Marzen). The entrant may specify another type of Kellerbier based on other base styles such as Pils, Bock, Schwarzbier, but should supply a style description for judges.
A strong, rich, and very malty German lager that can have both pale and dark variants. The darker versions have more richly-developed, deeper malt flavors, while the paler versions have slightly more hops and dryness.
Entry Info: The entrant must specify whether the entry is a pale or a dark variant.
A strong, malty, fruity, wheat-based ale combining the best malt and yeast flavors of a weissbier (pale or dark) with the malty-rich flavor, strength, and body of a bock (standard or doppelbock). A weissbier brewed to bock or doppelbock strength. Schneider also produces an Eisbock version. Pale and dark versions exist, although dark are more common. Pale versions have less rich malt complexity and often more hops, as with doppelbocks. Lightly oxidized Maillard products can produce some rich, intense flavors and aromas that are often seen in aged imported commercial products; fresher versions will not have this character. Well-aged examples might also take on a slight sherry-like complexity.
Entry Info: The entrant must specify whether the entry is a pale or a dark variant.
Recognizable as an IPA by balance - a hop-forward, bitter, dryish beer - with something else present to distinguish it from the standard categories. Should have good drinkability, regardless of the form. Excessive harshness and heaviness are typically faults, as are strong flavor clashes between the hops and the other specialty ingredients.
Entry Info: Entrant MUST specify a strength (session: 3.0-5.0%, standard: 5.0-7.5%, double: 7.5-9.5%); if no strength is specified, standard will be assumed. This subcategory is a catch-all for entries that DO NOT fit into one of the defined BJCP Specialty IPA types: Black IPA, Brown IPA, White IPA, Rye IPA, Belgian IPA, or Red IPA. Entrant must describe the type of Specialty IPA and its key characteristics in comment form so judges will know what to expect. Entrants may specify specific hop varieties used, if entrants feel that judges may not recognize the varietal characteristics of newer hops. Entrants may specify a combination of defined IPA types (e.g., Black Rye IPA) without providing additional descriptions. Entrants may use this category for a different strength version of an IPA defined by its own BJCP subcategory (e.g., session-strength American or English IPA) - except where an existing BJCP subcategory already exists for that style (e.g., double [American] IPA). If the entry falls into one of the currently defined types (Black IPA, Brown IPA, White IPA, Rye IPA, Belgian IPA, Red IPA), it should be entered into that salient subcategory type.
An IPA with the fruitiness and spiciness derived from the use of Belgian yeast. The examples from Belgium tend to be lighter in color and more attenuated, similar to a tripel that has been brewed with more hops. This beer has a more complex flavor profile and may be higher in alcohol than a typical IPA.
Entry Info: Entrant MUST specify a strength (session: 3.0-5.0%, standard: 5.0-7.5%, double: 7.5-9.5%).
A beer with the dryness, hop-forward balance, and flavor characteristics of an American IPA, only darker in color
Entry Info: Entrant MUST specify a strength (session: 3.0-5.0%, standard: 5.0-7.5%, double: 7.5-9.5%).
Hoppy, bitter, and moderately strong like an American IPA, but with some caramel, chocolate, toffee, and/or dark fruit malt character as in an American Brown Ale. Retaining the dryish finish and lean body that makes IPAs so drinkable, a Brown IPA is a little more flavorful and malty than an American IPA without being sweet or heavy.
Entry Info: Entrant MUST specify a strength (session: 3.0-5.0%, standard: 5.0-7.5%, double: 7.5-9.5%).
Hoppy, bitter, and moderately strong like an American IPA, but with some caramel, toffee, and/or dark fruit malt character. Retaining the dryish finish and lean body that makes IPAs so drinkable, a Red IPA is a little more flavorful and malty than an American IPA without being sweet or heavy.
Entry Info: Entrant MUST specify a strength (session: 3.0-5.0%, standard: 5.0-7.5%, double: 7.5-9.5%).
A decidedly hoppy and bitter, moderately strong American pale ale, showcasing modern American and New World hop varieties and rye malt. The balance is hop-forward, with a clean fermentation profile, dry finish, and clean, supporting malt allowing a creative range of hop character to shine through.
Entry Info: Entrant MUST specify a strength (session: 3.0-5.0%, standard: 5.0-7.5%, double: 7.5-9.5%).
A fruity, spicy, refreshing version of an American IPA, but with a lighter color, less body, and featuring either the distinctive yeast and/or spice additions typical of a Belgian witbier.
Entry Info: Entrant MUST specify a strength (session: 3.0-5.0%, standard: 5.0-7.5%, double: 7.5-9.5%).
An American IPA with intense fruit flavors and aromas, a soft body, and smooth mouthfeel, and often opaque with substantial haze. Less perceived bitterness than traditional IPAs but always massively hop forward. This emphasis on late hopping, especially dry hopping, with hops with tropical fruit qualities lends the specific 'juicy' character for which this style is known. The style is still evolving, but this style is essentially a smoother, hazier, juicier American IPA. In this context, ‘juicy’ refers to a mental impression of fruit juice or eating fresh, fully ripe fruit. Heavy examples suggestive of milkshakes, creamsicles, or fruit smoothies are beyond this range; IPAs should always be drinkable. Haziness comes from the dry hopping regime, not suspended yeast, starch haze, set pectins, or other techniques; a hazy shine is desirable, not a cloudy, murky mess.
Entry Info: Entrant MUST specify a strength (session: 3.0-5.0%, standard: 5.0-7.5%, double: 7.5-9.5%).
A complex, fruity, pleasantly sour, wild wheat ale fermented by a variety of Belgian microbiota, and showcasing the fruit contributions blended with the wild character.
Entry Info: The type of fruit used must be specified. The brewer must declare a carbonation level (low, medium, high) and a sweetness level (low/none, medium, high).
A fairly strong, malt-accentuated, lagered artisanal beer with a range of malt flavors appropriate for the color. All are malty yet dry, with clean flavors and a smooth character. Three main variations are included in the style: the brown (brune), the blond (blonde), and the amber (ambree). The darker versions will have more malt character, while the paler versions can have more hops (but still are malt-focused beers). A related style is Biere de Mars, which is brewed in March (Mars) for present use and will not age as well. Attenuation rates are in the 80-85% range. Some fuller-bodied examples exist, but these are somewhat rare. Age and oxidation in imports often increases fruitiness, caramel flavors, and adds corked and musty notes; these are all signs of mishandling, not characteristic elements of the style.
Entry Info: Entrant must specify blond, amber, or brown biere de garde. If no color is specified, the judge should attempt to judge based on initial observation, expecting a malt flavor and balance that matches the color.
Most commonly, a pale, refreshing, highly-attenuated, moderately-bitter, moderate-strength Belgian ale with a very dry finish. Typically highly carbonated, and using non-barley cereal grains and optional spices for complexity, as complements the expressive yeast character that is fruity, spicy, and not overly phenolic. Less common variations include both lower-alcohol and higher-alcohol products, as well as darker versions with additional malt character.
Entry Info: The entrant must specify the strength (table, standard, super) and the color (pale, dark).
The Historical Beer category contains styles that either have all but died out in modern times, or that were much more popular in past times and are known only through recreations. This category can also be used for traditional or indigenous beers of cultural importance within certain countries. Placing a beer in the historical category does not imply that it is not currently being produced, just that it is a very minor style or perhaps is in the process of rediscovery by craft brewers.
Entry Info: Catch-all category for other historical beers that have NOT been defined by the BJCP. The entrant must provide a description for the judges of the historical style that is NOT one of the currently defined historical style examples provided by the BJCP. Currently defined examples are: Gose, Piwo Grodziskie, Lichtenhainer, Roggenbier, Sahti, Kentucky Common, Pre-Prohibition Lager, Pre-Prohibition Porter, London Brown Ale. If a beer is entered with just a style name and no description, it is very unlikely that judges will understand how to judge it.
A luscious, sweet, malt-oriented dark brown ale, with caramel and toffee malt complexity and a sweet finish.
Entry Info: Entrant MUST specify a strength (session: 3.0-5.0%, standard: 5.0-7.5%, double: 7.5-9.5%).
An interesting and refreshing variation on the base style, often drier and fruitier than expected, with at most a light acidity. Funky notes are generally restrained in 100% Brett examples, except in older examples.
Entry Info: The entrant must specify either a base beer style (classic BJCP style, or a generic style family) or provide a description of the ingredients/specs/desired character. The entrant must specify if a 100% Brett fermentation was conducted. The entrant may specify the strain(s) of Brettanomyces used, along with a brief description of its character.
A sour and/or funky version of a base style of beer.
Entry Info: The entrant must specify a description of the beer, identifying the yeast/bacteria used and either a base style or the ingredients/specs/target character of the beer.
A sour and/or funky version of a fruit, herb, or spice beer, or a wild beer aged in wood. If wood-aged, the wood should not be the primary or dominant character.
Entry Info: Entrant must specify the type of fruit, spice, herb, or wood used. Entrant must specify a description of the beer, identifying the yeast/bacteria used and either a base style or the ingredients/specs/target character of the beer. A general description of the special nature of the beer can cover all the required items.
A harmonious marriage of fruit and beer, but still recognizable as a beer. The fruit character should be evident but in balance with the beer, not so forward as to suggest an artificial product.
Entry Info: The entrant must specify a base style; the declared style does not have to be a Classic Style. The entrant must specify the type of fruit used. Soured fruit beers that aren't lambics should be entered in the American Wild Ale category.
A harmonious marriage of fruit, spice, and beer, but still recognizable as a beer. The fruit and spice character should each be evident but in balance with the beer, not so forward as to suggest an artificial product.
Entry Info: The entrant must specify a base style; the declared style does not have to be a Classic Style. The entrant must specify the type of fruit and spices, herbs, or vegetables (SHV) used; individual SHV ingredients do not need to be specified if a well-known blend of spices is used (e.g., apple pie spice).
A harmonious marriage of fruit, sugar, and beer, but still recognizable as a beer. The fruit and sugar character should both be evident but in balance with the beer, not so forward as to suggest an artificial product.
Entry Info: The entrant must specify a base style; the declared style does not have to be a Classic Style. The entrant must specify the type of fruit used. The entrant must specify the type of additional fermentable sugar or special process employed.
A harmonious marriage of SHV and beer, but still recognizable as a beer. The SHV character should be evident but in balance with the beer, not so forward as to suggest an artificial product.
Entry Info: The entrant must specify a base style; the declared style does not have to be a Classic Style. The entrant must specify the type of spices, herbs, or vegetables used; individual ingredients do not need to be specified if a well-known blend of spices is used (e.g., apple pie spice).
An amber to copper, spiced beer that often has a moderately rich body and slightly warming finish suggesting a good accompaniment for the cool fall season, and often evocative of Thanksgiving traditions.
Entry Info: The entrant must specify a base style; the declared style does not have to be a Classic Style. The entrant must specify the type of spices, herbs, or vegetables used; individual ingredients do not need to be specified if a well-known blend of spices is used (e.g., pumpkin pie spice). The beer must contain spices, and may contain vegetables and/or sugars.
A stronger, darker, spiced beer that often has a rich body and warming finish suggesting a good accompaniment for the cold winter season.
Entry Info: The entrant must specify a base style; the declared style does not have to be a Classic Style. The entrant must specify the type of spices, sugars, fruits, or additional fermentables used; individual ingredients do not need to be specified if a well-known blend of spices is used (e.g., mulling spice).
A base beer enhanced by the flavor of additional grain.
Entry Info: The entrant must specify a base style; the declared style does not have to be a Classic Style. The entrant must specify the type of alternative grain used.
A harmonious marriage of sugar and beer, but still recognizable as a beer. The sugar character should both be evident but in balance with the beer, not so forward as to suggest an artificial product.
Entry Info: The entrant must specify a base style; the declared style does not have to be a Classic Style. The entrant must specify the type of sugar used.
A smoke-enhanced beer showing good balance between the smoke and beer character, while remaining pleasant to drink. Balance in the use of smoke, hops and malt character is exhibited by the better examples.
Entry Info: The entrant must specify a Classic Style base beer. The entrant must specify the type of wood or smoke if a varietal smoke character is noticeable.
A smoke-enhanced beer showing good balance between the smoke, the beer character, and the added ingredients, while remaining pleasant to drink. Balance in the use of smoke, hops and malt character is exhibited by the better examples.
Entry Info: The entrant must specify a base beer style; the base beer does not have to be a Classic Style. The entrant must specify the type of wood or smoke if a varietal smoke character is noticeable. The entrant must specify the additional ingredients or processes that make this a specialty smoked beer.
A harmonious blend of the base beer style with characteristics from aging in contact with wood. The best examples will be smooth, flavorful, well-balanced and well-aged.
Entry Info: The entrant must specify the type of wood used and the char level (if charred). The entrant must specify the base style; the base style can be either a classic BJCP style (i.e., a named subcategory) or may be a generic type of beer (e.g., porter, brown ale). If an unusual wood has been used, the entrant must supply a brief description of the sensory aspects the wood adds to beer.
A harmonious blend of the base beer style with characteristics from aging in contact with wood (including alcoholic products previously in contact with the wood). The best examples will be smooth, flavorful, well-balanced and well-aged.
Entry Info: The entrant must specify the additional alcohol character, with information about the barrel if relevant to the finished flavor profile. The entrant must specify the base style; the base style can be either a classic BJCP style (i.e., a named subcategory) or may be a generic type of beer (e.g., porter, brown ale). If an unusual wood or ingredient has been used, the entrant must supply a brief description of the sensory aspects the ingredients adds to the beer.
Based on the declared base styles. As with all Specialty-Type Beers, the resulting combination of beer styles needs to be harmonious and balanced, and be pleasant to drink.
Entry Info: The entrant must specify the styles being mixed. The entrant may provide an additional description of the sensory profile of the beer or the vital statistics of the resulting beer.
This style is the ultimate in creativity, since it cannot represent a well-known commercial beer (otherwise it would be a clone beer) and cannot fit into any other existing Specialty-Type style (including those within this major category).
Entry Info: The entrant must specify the special nature of the experimental beer, including the special ingredients or processes that make it not fit elsewhere in the guidelines. The entrant must provide vital statistics for the beer, and either a brief sensory description or a list of ingredients used in making the beer. Without this information, judges will have no basis for comparison.
A refreshing hop-driven pale ale showcasing fresh, juicy, fruity hop flavors and aromas. Moderate bitterness and low malt flavors only play a supporting role, preserving approachable drinkability. Deceptively soft, creamy mouthfeel gives way to a crisp, dry finish characteristic of all American IPA’s. Singularly hazy but still attractive to those who appreciate an intense hop experience.
Full Guidelines
Entry Info: NE-IPA will be judged according to the 21B Specialty IPA guidelines as a distinct Type of Specialty IPA. As with other Types, Entrant must specify the Strength as session, standard, or double. If unspecified, the entry will be judged as standard strength. The ABV ranges for strengths are the same as for other Specialty IPA’s. Entrant may specify Hop varieties used and/or method of use (e.g. bittering, whirlpool, dry hop), if entrant feels this information is critical to appreciating the beer. Supplying this information is entirely optional, and doing so may affect judging positively or negatively depending on the judges’ perception of expected varietal or process characteristics.
A refreshing hop-driven pale ale showcasing fresh, juicy, fruity hop flavors and aromas. Moderate bitterness and low malt flavors only play a supporting role, preserving approachable drinkability. Deceptively soft, creamy mouthfeel gives way to a crisp, dry finish characteristic of all American IPA’s. Singularly hazy but still attractive to those who appreciate an intense hop experience.
Full Guidelines
Entry Info: NE-IPA will be judged according to the 21B Specialty IPA guidelines as a distinct Type of Specialty IPA. As with other Types, Entrant must specify the Strength as session, standard, or double. If unspecified, the entry will be judged as standard strength. The ABV ranges for strengths are the same as for other Specialty IPA’s. Entrant may specify Hop varieties used and/or method of use (e.g. bittering, whirlpool, dry hop), if entrant feels this information is critical to appreciating the beer. Supplying this information is entirely optional, and doing so may affect judging positively or negatively depending on the judges’ perception of expected varietal or process characteristics.
A light and refreshing wheat ale with a clean lactic sourness that is balanced by a fresh fruit addition. The low bitterness, light body, moderate alcohol content, and moderately high carbonation allow the flavor and aroma of the fruit to be the primary focus of the beer. The fruit is often, but not always, tropical in nature. This beer is stronger than a Berliner Weiss and typically features fresh fruit. The kettle souring method allows for fast production of the beer, so this is typically a present-use style. It may be bottled or canned, but it should be consumed while fresh.
Entry Info: Entrant must specify the types of fresh fruit(s) used.
