Tasting & Evaluation
BJCP Judging Basics
What Is the BJCP
The Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) is a nonprofit organization that trains and certifies beer judges worldwide. Founded in 1985, it provides standardized style guidelines and a structured evaluation framework used in thousands of homebrew competitions annually.
The BJCP Scoresheet
Every BJCP-sanctioned competition uses the same 50-point scoresheet divided into five sections:
Aroma (12 points) — malt, hops, fermentation character, and other aromatics. Judges describe intensity, quality, and appropriateness for the declared style.
Appearance (3 points) — color, clarity, head formation, retention, and lacing. While worth few points, appearance problems can signal deeper issues.
Flavor (20 points) — the most heavily weighted section. Malt and hop flavors, fermentation character, balance, bitterness quality, finish, and aftertaste. This is where style accuracy matters most.
Mouthfeel (5 points) — body, carbonation, warmth, astringency, creaminess, and other tactile sensations. Should match style expectations.
Overall Impression (10 points) — the holistic assessment. Technical quality, style accuracy, drinkability, and whether the beer is an outstanding example of its declared style.
Scoring Bands
| Score | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 45-50 | Outstanding | World-class example of the style |
| 38-44 | Excellent | Exceeds style expectations, minor suggestions only |
| 30-37 | Very Good | Generally within style, some areas for improvement |
| 21-29 | Good | Misses some style marks or has noticeable flaws |
| 14-20 | Fair | Significant off-flavors or style miss |
| 0-13 | Problematic | Major flaws, possibly undrinkable |
Most competition entries score between 25 and 38. A score of 30+ typically earns consideration for advancement rounds.
Certification Levels
The BJCP offers a progression path through written and tasting examinations:
Apprentice — pass the online entrance exam (200 multiple-choice questions on beer styles, ingredients, and brewing process). Recognized — complete judging experience requirements and the tasting exam. Certified — demonstrate higher scoring consistency and expanded experience. National and Master — elite levels requiring extensive judging portfolios and exam scores above 90%.
How to Get Started
Study the BJCP Style Guidelines (free PDF at bjcp.org). Take the online entrance exam — it costs $10 and can be retaken. Begin judging at local homebrew club competitions as an apprentice. Seek mentorship from experienced judges. Practice blind tasting with friends using commercial and homebrew samples.
Writing Useful Feedback
Good feedback is specific, constructive, and actionable. Instead of writing "malt is off," write "moderate diacetyl character (buttery slickness) suggests an incomplete diacetyl rest — try holding at 65 F for 48 hours after terminal gravity." Every criticism should include a suggested fix.
Describe what you perceive, then evaluate whether it fits the style. A banana ester is a flaw in an American Pale Ale but expected in a Hefeweizen. Context is everything.
Competition Strategy for Entrants
Enter your beer in the most accurate style category. Read the style description carefully — judges evaluate against those specific parameters. Brew to the center of the style range rather than the extremes. Condition and package carefully; many entries lose points to oxidation or poor carbonation from transport.