Like before (https://www.nationalhomebrewclub.ie/forum/index.php?topic=18756.msg184264#msg184264), we've grouped styles into customized categories for judging + awarding medals:
The 2023 NHC National Brewing Championships medal categories (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KV9gqqPF_LuTwTkFiTHw9PkNK9FEXFJilsMD7-9fWxQ/edit?usp=sharing)
What are you on about?Styles are baked into the BJCP Guidelines (https://www.bjcp.org/bjcp-style-guidelines/), but the categories aren't:
"
Individual styles can be grouped in any fashion... to balance out the number of entries in each award category."
So we do that?Yes, styles are chopped + changed into bespoke categories.
For example, British Strong (17C) and American Strong (22B) are together under
Strong Ale.
How?This section of the Guidelines, mostly:
QuoteAPPENDIX A: ALTERNATE CATEGORIZATIONS
3. Styles Sorted Using Style Family ............................73
Why?Fairness.
This way, there is no easy win and no "group of death."
If you have any questions or other concerns, feel free to contact me. And good luck, everyone.