National Homebrew Club Ireland

General Discussions => Education, Careers & Opportunities => Topic started by: Partridge9 on October 30, 2018, 09:02:07 PM

Title: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Partridge9 on October 30, 2018, 09:02:07 PM
Please add you name here if you are interested in sitting the tasting exam 9th March 2019
Priority given to Course attendees ..

Please note - you must complete the online exam to qualify to do this tasting exam. However - you can add your name here if you intend to that soon

1.
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: mick02 on October 30, 2018, 09:02:44 PM
1. Mick02
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: helmet on October 31, 2018, 07:06:41 AM
1. Mick02
2. Helmet
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: BrewDorg on October 31, 2018, 10:02:59 AM
1. Mick02
2. Helmet
3. BrewDorg
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: KDeath on October 31, 2018, 10:07:23 AM
1. Mick02
2. Helmet
3. BrewDorg
4. KDeath
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: JDC on October 31, 2018, 01:38:20 PM
1. Mick02
2. Helmet
3. BrewDorg
4. KDeath
5. JDC
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: CClinton48 on November 05, 2018, 12:03:37 AM
1. Mick02
2. Helmet
3. BrewDorg
4. KDeath
5. JDC
6. CClinton48

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Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Jcdonnan on November 05, 2018, 12:28:08 PM
1. Mick02
2. Helmet
3. BrewDorg
4. KDeath
5. JDC
6. CClinton48
7. Jcdonnan
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Qs on November 07, 2018, 04:22:42 PM
1. Mick02
2. Helmet
3. BrewDorg
4. KDeath
5. JDC
6. CClinton48
7. Jcdonnan
8. Qs
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Padraic on November 20, 2018, 04:59:48 AM
1. Mick02
2. Helmet
3. BrewDorg
4. KDeath
5. JDC
6. CClinton48
7. Jcdonnan
8. Qs
9. Padraic
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: JDC on January 04, 2019, 01:35:48 PM
With 2 months to go until the exam, I'm sure that you want to get an idea of numbers for this.  My name is down, and I will do everything in my power to make it, but I have suddenly been double booked on 9th March (Nephew/Godson's confirmation).  Therefore, I'll reduce my commitment to 50/50 for now until I can suss out what impact me missing said event will do to family relations.  >:D :angel:

1. Mick02
2. Helmet
3. BrewDorg
4. KDeath
5. JDC (50/50)
6. CClinton48
7. Jcdonnan
8. Qs
9. Padraic
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Partridge9 on January 04, 2019, 06:24:43 PM
yea folks - an update on this one - we need 12 to make the exam viable ... so please put your name down if your up for it.
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Nico02 on January 05, 2019, 12:42:14 PM
1. Mick02
2. Helmet
3. BrewDorg
4. KDeath
5. JDC
6. CClinton48
7. Jcdonnan
8. Qs
9. Padraic
10. Nico02

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Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: pete.23 on January 05, 2019, 01:13:06 PM
Quote from: Nico02 on January 05, 2019, 12:42:14 PM
1. Mick02
2. Helmet
3. BrewDorg
4. KDeath
5. JDC
6. CClinton48
7. Jcdonnan
8. Qs
9. Padraic
10. Nico02
11. pete.23

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Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Partridge9 on January 06, 2019, 09:49:00 AM
We are close... any other takers for the exam...

I kinda want to nail everything down to be fair to everyone.
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: BrewDorg on January 06, 2019, 03:47:02 PM
Still haven't gotten around to the entrance exam. Anyone who has done it able to give a rough estimate on study time and effort required? Any advice on the most efficient way of going about it?
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: CH on January 06, 2019, 08:31:40 PM

1. Mick02
2. Helmet
3. BrewDorg
4. KDeath
5. JDC
6. CClinton48
7. Jcdonnan
8. Qs
9. Padraic
10. Nico02
11. pete.23
12. CH
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: molc on January 06, 2019, 08:41:51 PM
Quote from: BrewDorg on January 06, 2019, 03:47:02 PM
Still haven't gotten around to the entrance exam. Anyone who has done it able to give a rough estimate on study time and effort required? Any advice on the most efficient way of going about it?
Best way is to get the three pack and just give it a go to see where you stand. It's not bad but there are a lot of questions.

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Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: helmet on January 06, 2019, 08:43:44 PM
Quote from: BrewDorg on January 06, 2019, 03:47:02 PM
Still haven't gotten around to the entrance exam. Anyone who has done it able to give a rough estimate on study time and effort required? Any advice on the most efficient way of going about it?
Finally got around to doing the online exam the other day. I managed to pass somehow, but it's tough going. There are 180 questions that you have 60 minutes to get through. I only got about 170ish of them done and was rushing the last 15 or so that I did get done.

The only tip I'd have is to keep a couple of copies of the BJCP guidelines open in front of you. I did it on the laptop and used the search function to find the styles for the side by side comparison questions. There were plenty of "American Amber and Belgian Blonde ales have the same IBU range, true or false" style questions and I found having 2 docs open on the laptop was handy.
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Pheeel on January 06, 2019, 09:52:24 PM
I did it a couple of years ago. Didn't find it too hard but I had done a lot of going over the style guidelines and off flavours before. Worst case you fail and can try again
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Sokratees9 on January 06, 2019, 10:09:39 PM
I just passed the exam, but also just realised I can't make that date.  I'll have to look into another option, maybe somewhere across the water.
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Sokratees9 on January 06, 2019, 10:11:53 PM
I just noticed the exam date on here:

https://www.bjcp.org/exams.php

is the 9th of Feb.  I assume it is just outdated information...
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: BrewDorg on January 06, 2019, 10:46:58 PM
Good to hear fellas, thanks for the insight. Must get my ass in gear this week
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: KDeath on January 07, 2019, 09:38:48 AM
Won't be able to attend this I'm afraid

1. Mick02
2. Helmet
3. BrewDorg
4. JDC
5. CClinton48
6. Jcdonnan
7. Qs
8. Padraic
9. Nico02
10. pete.23
11. CH
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Partridge9 on January 07, 2019, 08:44:37 PM
Quote from: Sokratees9 on January 06, 2019, 10:11:53 PM
I just noticed the exam date on here:

https://www.bjcp.org/exams.php

is the 9th of Feb.  I assume it is just outdated information...

Technically its a feb exam but we had to push it out due to flights / proctors etc
..
So its March 9th - sorry for the confusion !

James

Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Partridge9 on January 21, 2019, 08:32:47 PM
Ok folks -

The Exam is all confirmed and proctor flights booked.
As Andrew mentioned - we are looking to have a sensory session / dummy exam the weekend before..

We might do two beers in exam conditions and then go thought a sensory session.
Or some combination of that - Either way- get your online exam sorted

With regards to BJCP Tasting exam.. please pay a deposit of 10 euro to reserve your spot
paypal to ...
bjcp@nationalhomebrewclub.ie
Please put your contact name / name and BJCP ID (if you know it) is the comments field.

We expect the price to be around 70 euro .. which includes BJCP and costs on the day.

We will do a seperate sign up for the prep class the week before - try to do that if you can.


James
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: CH on January 22, 2019, 09:18:04 PM
Done!
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: BrewDorg on January 22, 2019, 10:04:20 PM
Entrance exam passed this evening. Deposit sent across too. Are we supposed to know our BJCP number at this stage?
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: molc on January 23, 2019, 02:11:57 PM
No you get a tasting exam number that you put in the exam and then after the exam you get your BJCP number, regardless of results.
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: JDC on January 23, 2019, 07:57:20 PM
Quote from: Partridge9 on January 21, 2019, 08:32:47 PM
Ok folks -

The Exam is all confirmed and proctor flights booked.
As Andrew mentioned - we are looking to have a sensory session / dummy exam the weekend before..

We might do two beers in exam conditions and then go thought a sensory session.
Or some combination of that - Either way- get your online exam sorted

With regards to BJCP Tasting exam.. please pay a deposit of 10 euro to reserve your spot
paypal to ...
bjcp@nationalhomebrewclub.ie
Please put your contact name / name and BJCP ID (if you know it) is the comments field.

We expect the price to be around 70 euro .. which includes BJCP and costs on the day.

We will do a seperate sign up for the prep class the week before - try to do that if you can.


James

Cheers James, sorted out my family commitments so can make the exam ;D. Just paid the deposit (from wife's PayPal account).
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Partridge9 on January 24, 2019, 08:01:48 PM
great !
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Partridge9 on February 07, 2019, 09:09:43 PM
Folks just letting you know I got the 11 deposits so I am working away in the background getting it ready.
I was talking to Andrew and we are looking at the week before the exam for a sensory refresher and mock exam rolled into one.

I am away next friday for 10 days - so I will get everything finalised before I go.
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Kellie on February 07, 2019, 09:46:53 PM
Hi All,
Just an add on here, but anyone interested in judging at the Nationals, a chance to start building those points up!

Saturday 23rd March in Urban Brewing

Please sign up, we'd love to have you on board!

Kellie
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Will_D on February 08, 2019, 03:06:39 PM
Indeed Kellie!

It is a great way to get practice before the exam. If you are not yet qualified you would be paired up with an experienced judge.

Also as soon as you qualify as a BJCP judge you will get the points credired
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Partridge9 on February 13, 2019, 07:42:39 PM
Quote from: Kellie on February 07, 2019, 09:46:53 PM
Hi All,
Just an add on here, but anyone interested in judging at the Nationals, a chance to start building those points up!

Saturday 23rd March in Urban Brewing

Please sign up, we'd love to have you on board!

Kellie

Dont worry kellie - Im sure the exam candidates will oblige !  ;)
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Andrew on February 25, 2019, 09:03:17 AM
Just a reminder- there will be a BJCP mock exam and sensory refresher on this Saturday, 2nd March. 10:45am for kick off at 11am in JW Sweetmans (top floor). Just reply to this and let me know if you are coming so I can notify Sweetmans
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: pete.23 on February 26, 2019, 01:27:44 PM
1. Peter Town (Pete.23)
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Nico02 on February 27, 2019, 08:55:44 PM
Quote from: Andrew on February 25, 2019, 09:03:17 AM
Just a reminder- there will be a BJCP mock exam and sensory refresher on this Saturday, 2nd March. 10:45am for kick off at 11am in JW Sweetmans (top floor). Just reply to this and let me know if you are coming so I can notify Sweetmans

1. Peter Town (Pete.23)
2. Nicolas COitino (Nico02)

How long would it be the mock exam? I can make it till 12:30ish. Have to work at 13:00
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Partridge9 on February 27, 2019, 08:57:36 PM
Mock exam 1130-1215
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: SlugTrap on March 06, 2019, 01:12:17 PM
Just want to clarify the format:

We are told the style of each sample but do not have access to the style guidelines - is that correct?
Title: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: pob on March 06, 2019, 02:21:33 PM
Quote from: SlugTrap on March 06, 2019, 01:12:17 PM
Just want to clarify the format:

We are told the style of each sample but do not have access to the style guidelines - is that correct?
Yes.

Actually, you are told the beer has been entered as that style, you are to judge it as that style; it potentially may have been entered into the incorrect style/category.
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: CH on March 06, 2019, 10:05:09 PM
And so if I start rambling in the exam it's only into my earpiece to a mate outside with the style guidelines
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Qs on March 07, 2019, 09:54:18 AM
I'll have to spend Friday night scribbling the full style guide onto my arm.
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Partridge9 on March 07, 2019, 11:22:36 AM
There are no aids... no phones or printed guidelines..

You will get 6 exam sheets and a pencil & rubber, water and a spare glass (but you can bring your own pencil if you prefer)

There will be a small chat about the format and the beer will poured into glasses (out of sight)

You will get your first glass and told the style its entered it.. and the clock starts...

Then Every 15 mins - regardless of your progress -

You get a fresh glass of beers and and you are informed of the style (empties removed)

So glass at 11:00/11:15/11:30/11:45/12:00/12:15

You can imagine, if you fall behind - it will all go to shit.. as you have glasses with beer that can get mixed up.

at exactly 12:30 your sheet will be taken off you.

We will hide the beers so you wont know if its homebrew or commerical and you are expected to judge it like they are all homebrews...

The format is pretty straightforward, and the first couple of beers are usually a doddle... but as you progress that 15 minutes seems to be getting shorter and shorter... so practice like its 11 or 12 minutes TOPs

That would be my advice

Good Luck !


Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Partridge9 on March 07, 2019, 03:40:01 PM
Folks -
We have been instructed to say - no writing in the margins and sample size is roughly 100 ml

James
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: CH on March 07, 2019, 09:37:41 PM
Will 100 ml be enough to determine head retention and colour\clarity James? I know 200 is probably overdoing it
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Partridge9 on March 07, 2019, 09:48:37 PM
It is -

between 90 and 110 is the direction... we will literally have a measuring cup to get the samples right..
the guidelines from BJCP are getting very tight ..

dont worry its loads for judging  ;)
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: CH on March 08, 2019, 12:23:33 AM
Meanies
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: CClinton48 on March 08, 2019, 08:07:27 PM
Will there be a clock in the room for those who don't wear watches?

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Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Kellie on March 08, 2019, 09:11:33 PM
Good Luck tomorrow all!

I'll be thinking of you all, I can still remember back in 2014 taking our tasting exam! Once you start your first beer it'll all kick in! Trust me I spent the first 5 mins panicking  :)

Then thought to myself "Will ya relax there and just judge the bloody thing!"

My other piece of advice is don't over think it after the exam has finished, the proctors will give you there feedback and scores but as James said dont get hooked up on it, its about your content on the sheets!

Enjoy the challenge, look forward to hearing how you all get on.

Cheers
Kellie
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: SlugTrap on March 08, 2019, 09:22:29 PM
Can we pay fee in cash tomorrow?
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: CH on March 09, 2019, 01:03:59 AM
Do you not have a Paypal account?
I'm sure James will take cash if not you can give it to me and I can PayPal it to the club.
You are going for National Status yeah?
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: CH on March 09, 2019, 09:08:27 PM
Massive thanks to James for yet again organising the whole BJCP gig it's a huge amount of work in it and with massive support from Andrew, Rossa, Colm, Peter, Kellie & Bren, Ronan (who have I left out?).
It all benefits the club as we give better feedback and brew better beer.
I found the whole experience tough but rewarding and have learnt so much in the last 6 months.
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: CClinton48 on March 09, 2019, 11:15:52 PM
I too wish to thank everyone involved in the setup of this! It's been an amazing experience as good or bad as it may be! Thank you all!

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Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: helmet on March 10, 2019, 08:12:18 AM
Yeah, brilliant stuff folks, much appreciated. Roll on the results!
Title: Re: Tasting Exam March 2019
Post by: Qs on March 11, 2019, 06:26:56 PM
I'll echo that too. Thanks to James and all the lads who gave up their free time to come help us prepare over the weeks last year and everyone involved in getting the exams sorted on Saturday.