Fwd: Re: [MR] reactions to competitions

[Neca D Johnson]

I am currently listed as a judge for brewing.  I have been brewing since I was
about 11 years old (my dad taught me :-).  He was active in the American
Homebrewers Association (AHA).  One thing he instilled in me about judging
other people's work is this:  You don't have to like it for it to be good.

To judge beer, you have to know about different types of brews, what they are
supposed to look & taste & smell like - what are innovations and what doesn't
fit in that category.  I have had beers that were given very high marks I
thought were yucky and I've had some beers I loved the taste of that didn't
fare so well.  Its not about how it tastes to me.  Judging anything is like
that I suppose.

But, just because I can brew a decent beer doesn't mean I am qualified to judge
other people's.  I might make the best russian imperial stout in the land and
not know diddly about weizens. I think I'm a pretty good judge because of my
experience going to AHA events and tasting other people's brews.

My point is this:  Even if you're good doesn't mean you're a good hjudge.  How
about a class at university on how to be a good judge?  That might give some
people pointers on doing a good (or better) job, and give others the confidence
to serve as a judge themself.  I know sometimes I feel its pretty gutsy of me
to judge somebody's work that may be better than me, but even if they are
better doesn't mean I can't offer suggestions or give them new ideas.

Neca