What does it take to become a beer judge, and how do you learn to assess a beer like a pro? In this episode of The Hop Addition, we're joined by Teddy G, one of our listeners and Patreon supporters, to explore his homebrewing journey and his experience working towards becoming a BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) judge.
Teddy takes us through the BJCP training process, explaining how to get started, what the exams involve, and the techniques judges use to evaluate beer. We also get into the world of homebrew competitions, how judging sessions work, and Teddy's top tips for brewing beers that stand out to the judges. Plus, we hear about some of the more unusual experiences from the judging table—including the occasional explosive beer!
Then it's time to put theory into practice. We crack open a German Pilsner and judge it live, scoring its appearance, aroma, flavour, mouthfeel and overall impression. Teddy has already judged the beer ahead of recording, so we'll compare our scores, discuss our reasoning, and reveal the results to see how closely we agree.
Whether you're interested in becoming a BJCP judge, entering homebrew competitions, or simply improving your ability to taste and evaluate beer, this episode is packed with practical advice and plenty of beer-focused discussion.
Huge thanks to our sponsor, The Malt Miller, for supporting The Hop Addition and the UK homebrewing community. Check out their dedicated Hop Addition recipe section, seasonal brewday-in-a-box kits, and latest homebrewing equipment at The Malt Miller.
Grab a beer, get your tasting notes ready, and join us for a deep dive into the art of judging beer. Prost! 🍻
