Since its origins in the 80s, there is a passionate community that seeks not only to create, but also to understand and perfect the way we celebrate beer and other artisanal concoctions. That mission, which combines tradition and science, is impregnated in an organization that has managed to adapt and exalt the art of taste and classify these beverages in constant evolution.
What is under the surface of a good beer judge?
Behind each competition and professional tasting, there is a meticulous training process that goes beyond simply drinking. The idea is to turn fans and experts in true censors trained to distinguish nuances, aromas and profiles of ingredients with almost scientific precision.
Many layers in the elaboration of the expert palate
To understand why an Alberta beer has that peculiar aroma or what causes those fruit notes in the cider, the future judges are going through a path that includes learning to identify each component. Training covers from elaboration techniques to the identification of defects that could ruin a good production.
Among the key skills is structured tasting, where candidates learn to order their impressions – a task that requires constant practice and an attentive ear for subtleties.
Styles Guides: The Bible of the Modern Judge
A fundamental aspect of this trip of perfection are the guides of styles, which act as maps to recognize and catalog each variety, from the most traditional to the most innovative. The most recent version, published in 2015, is a key resource for those who wish to immerse themselves in this world with a solid and updated base.
In addition, this guide is not only in English; For a few years, there has been a version translated into Spanish, which was the result of the collaborative work of experts in different regions of Latin America, expanding the scope and accessibility of knowledge.
A collaboration that breaks linguistic barriers
This effort included thorough reviews and a community of judges from Chile, Peru and Colombia that reviewed and perfected the translation, making sure to reflect the original essence and adapt to the peculiarities of regional styles. Also, for the first time, the names of the styles are presented in Spanish, further facilitating understanding and learning.
For those who want to investigate more, the full version in Spanish is available for download, providing a key consultation tool for fans and professionals.
Beyond beer: the secrets of the cider and the hydromiel
The same enthusiasm for precision and classification extended to other Craft concoctions, such as cider and hydromiel. The style documents, translated and adapted in the same line as beer, allow producers and judges to explore in depth the peculiarities of these fermented drinks, with the same rigor and passion.
Tools to evaluate with precision
In addition, in 2017, the in charge of the competitions updated the evaluation sheets, optimizing the process so that the judges can carry out their work more quickly and effectively, without losing precision. These sheets facilitate that details, such as aromatic intensity or the presence of defects, are systematically registered, allowing a fair and consistent comparison in each competition.
The objective is that the evaluation is not only technical, but also retains the essence of each beer, cider or hydromiel that reaches the table of the judges.
Looking to the future: the evolution of the art of tasting
As Craft culture continues to grow, so does the need for well -trained and enthusiastic professionals who can transmit their passion and knowledge. The community of judges and experts in these styles evolves with each review of guides, each new course and each event, helping the appreciation of these drinks to become an authentic art.
Beyond being a simple sensory evaluation, the work of the expert judge appears as a bridge between producers, consumers and experts, promoting a more informed and passionate market. The key is to continue learning, experiencing and sharing that love for good beer, cider and hydromiel that transcends borders and generations.
