Brewing the Perfect Beer Judge Certification: Everything You Need to Know
Have you ever tasted a beer and wondered how it was made? Have you ever thought about the different factors that affect the taste and quality of beer? If your answer is yes, then you might want to consider becoming a certified beer judge.
Beer judging is a serious business, and it’s not just about drinking beer. It’s about understanding the brewing process, identifying different beer styles, and evaluating the quality of the beer. If you’re interested in learning about beer and developing your tasting skills, then read on to find out how you can become a certified beer judge.
What is a Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP)?
The Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) is a non-profit organization that promotes beer education and organizes competitions for judging beer. The BJCP has developed a set of guidelines for evaluating beer, which is used to train and certify beer judges.
Why become a Certified Beer Judge?
There are several reasons why someone might want to become a certified beer judge. For one, it’s a great way to develop your palate and learn about different beer styles. It also gives you the opportunity to participate in beer competitions and meet other beer enthusiasts.
Moreover, becoming a certified beer judge can improve your career prospects if you work in the beer industry. You could become a brewery tour guide or work in a taproom, which would require you to have a deep knowledge and understanding of beer.
What are the Requirements for the Beer Judge Certification Program?
The BJCP has a set of requirements that you must meet to become a certified beer judge. Here are the steps you need to take:
Step 1: Attend an Exam Study Session
The first step in becoming a certified beer judge is to attend an exam study session. These sessions are usually held by local BJCP judges and provide an opportunity to learn about the beer styles and judging process.
Step 2: Pass the Online Entrance Exam
Once you’ve attended a study session, you need to pass an online entrance exam. This exam covers the basics of beer styles and the BJCP guidelines.
Step 3: Take the Beer Judge Certification Exam
When you pass the online entrance exam, you can then take the Beer Judge Certification Exam. This exam covers a broad range of beer styles and requires you to identify the beer style, evaluate the quality, and provide feedback.
Step 4: Re-Certify Every Three Years
After you’ve become a certified beer judge, you need to re-certify every three years by taking a new exam. This ensures that your knowledge and skills are up to date.
How to Prepare for the Certification Exam
Preparing for the certification exam requires time and effort. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
1. Practice Tasting Different Beers
Tasting different beers is the best way to develop your palate and learn about different beer styles. Make sure you taste as many beer styles as possible and try to identify their characteristics.
2. Study the BJCP Guidelines
The BJCP guidelines are the foundation of beer judging, so it’s essential that you study them thoroughly. Make sure you understand the different beer styles and their characteristics.
3. Practice Judging Beers
Once you’ve studied the BJCP guidelines, you need to practice judging beers. Find a local homebrew club or beer competition and volunteer to judge beers. This will give you hands-on experience and help you develop your judging skills.
4. Learn from Other Judges
Attend beer judging events and talk to other judges. Ask them about their experiences and learn from their feedback.
FAQs
What types of beers are evaluated in the certification exam?
The certification exam evaluates a broad range of beer styles, including ale, lager, stout, porter, and more.
How long does it take to become a certified beer judge?
It depends on your schedule and how much time you can devote to studying and practicing. It can take several months to prepare for the exam.
What are the benefits of becoming a certified beer judge?
Becoming a certified beer judge can improve your tasting skills, give you the opportunity to meet other beer enthusiasts, and even improve your career prospects if you work in the beer industry.
Do I need to have a background in brewing to become a certified beer judge?
No, you don’t need a background in brewing to become a certified beer judge. However, it’s helpful to have some knowledge of the brewing process and beer styles.