2015 National HomeBrew Championship

[ZombieHoppingTime]

I'm totally split over which category to enter my Maple pecan brown ale. I'm tempted to stick it in 21A (Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beer) as Rogues Hazelnut brown nectar is in the examples of style. Just not sure whether the maple might knock it out.

Really want to avoid 23 like the plague! The category is a lottery/nightmare. Then again i'll be sticking a fruit beer in and would then be effectively competing with my self as there is usually the possibility that fruit and vegetable categories will be joined together.

Any thoughts or advice?

[Saruman (Reuben Gray)]

Does the judging actually start at 9am? I have no public transport option to get in that early. Earliest bus gets me to Galway at 10:25

[Hop Bomb]

We need a lot of judges to travel. It'd be cheaper if there was a minibus to bring ye here & back that night. Just a suggestion.

[Rossa]

Does the judging actually start at 9am? I have no public transport option to get in that early. Earliest bus gets me to Galway at 10:25

No. We will see how many entries we have and how many judges and work the timetable out but I'd say approx 10.00/11.00

[Rossa]

I'm totally split over which category to enter my Maple pecan brown ale. I'm tempted to stick it in 21A (Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beer) as Rogues Hazelnut brown nectar is in the examples of style. Just not sure whether the maple might knock it out.

Really want to avoid 23 like the plague! The category is a lottery/nightmare. Then again i'll be sticking a fruit beer in and would then be effectively competing with my self as there is usually the possibility that fruit and vegetable categories will be joined together.

Any thoughts or advice?

I heard  Zamil  Z say that he advises a person in a position where they don't know what category to put an entry in to taste the beer and decide as it is very hard for others to tell without tasting it. They may have aimed for one style but in fact are hitting the numbers spot on in another.

Not sure if that is any good for you though

[Rossa]

Does the judging actually start at 9am? I have no public transport option to get in that early. Earliest bus gets me to Galway at 10:25

I'll pair with you so. 10.10 train for me.

I'm afraid that's not how the judging pairing works.

[Bubbles]

I'm totally split over which category to enter my Maple pecan brown ale. I'm tempted to stick it in 21A (Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beer) as Rogues Hazelnut brown nectar is in the examples of style. Just not sure whether the maple might knock it out.

Really want to avoid 23 like the plague! The category is a lottery/nightmare. Then again i'll be sticking a fruit beer in and would then be effectively competing with my self as there is usually the possibility that fruit and vegetable categories will be joined together.

Any thoughts or advice?

My 2c, for what it's worth...

The idea of the guidelines is to attempt to remove a lot of subjectivity in judging beers. The BJCP does this by specifying narrow/strict criteria based on classic or traditional examples of the various beer styles. So, I think you're always better going for the more cautious option. In other words, don't give the judges an excuse to ding you before they've decided if they like the beer or not.

That said, only you can gauge how prominent the maple flavour is in your beer. If you think the maple syrup is up-front then Cat 23a might be a more sensible place for your beer. Best thing you can do at this stage is to bring your beer to a local meet and get some opinions on it.

[Will_D]

Just a note:

Have registered as a judge for Dublin.

Re. Galway: Would love to go but a lot depends on Mrs D.

[Shanna]

More than likely all drop off points will refrigerate the comp entries, but if it's a concern, you'd best check beforehand.

I doubt any drop off points will offer the service of conditioning bottles for entrants. All beers should be fully conditioned before being deposited at the drop off centres.

Have the drop points been announced yet? If not, it would be great if somebody would post details or if so a link to the details.

Shanna

[Rossa]

More than likely all drop off points will refrigerate the comp entries, but if it's a concern, you'd best check beforehand.

I doubt any drop off points will offer the service of conditioning bottles for entrants. All beers should be fully conditioned before being deposited at the drop off centres.

Have the drop points been announced yet? If not, it would be great if somebody would post details or if so a link to the details.

Shanna

They are being finalised and will be on the comp site along with all the rules. They don't open until entries close.

[Rossa]

There is a list here, towards the end

http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.com/competition/entry

Again, that list is provisional.

[lordstilton]

Fatted calf in Glasson closed last week so that's gone from the list

[Rossa]

Fatted calf in Glasson closed last week so that's gone from the list

cheers.

In general, I wouldn't be worrying too much about them yet as that list will be confirmed in time for the drop offs.

[molc]

So we get the entries confirmed and paid by the 6th February, then drop off after that date?

[Rossa]

So we get the entries confirmed and paid by the 6th February, then drop off after that date?

The drop points are closed along with the entry deadline on Feb 8th.

You can drop your beers off now to any drop point on our list (once they haven't shut down ) and we will be adding more drop points to the list as we get them.


I'd wait until the end of January myself as I wouldn't be sure how they will be stored.