The AHA regionals for the West Coast were recently completed in Lodi CA. Over 500 entries were judged in two days. Nothing too different about this one except for the judges had to exercise certain restraint on pouring (only one bottle was available and some went to a further round that weekend), so re-capping was necessary for the half full bottles.

This was another opportunity for mentoring newer judges. I realize most are new compared to me, but a competition is always an opportunity to guide other judges who might be very new (less than a year of judging). Even a simple reminder such as “get sniffing that beer” was used, as this seemingly obvious first step once the beer is in the cup is too often delayed. I am not sure why people wait any length of time to get judging an entry.

Also, patience is important for the senior judges, especially when one judge is finished writing while the other judge is still working on it. Sometimes this is an opportunity to write more (check the cues under the headers to see if you commented on everything). Many times the newer judge is put at ease when you are able to detect and agree on the particulars of a given beer. And they might appreciate you pointing out the specifics that you are noting.

Before I forget again, I will apologize for poor handwriting on my part. As entrants receive my e-mail address on score sheets I hope they will give me feedback on my evaluations. Or even to have me decipher my handwriting.

Hope to see you at the next beer competition. For me it will be the West Coast Brewers Festival judging. Commercial competitions are different in a few ways.

David