Date: Mon, 17 Feb 1997 09:37:01 -0500
Message-Id: <199702171437.JAA01615 at synchro.com>
From: owner-judge-digest at synchro.com
To: judge-digest at synchro.com
Subject:   judge-digest V1 #1385
Reply-To: judge at synchro.com
Errors-To: owner-judge-digest at synchro.com
Precedence: bulk


judge-digest              Monday, 17 February 1997      Volume 01 : Number 1385

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       J u d g e N e t   -   t h e   b e e r   j u d g e   d i g e s t
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 Archivist:        Spencer Thomas     <spencer at umich.edu>
 Publisher:        SynchroSystems     <info at synchro.com>

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 contents:

 Only the best need apply?

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From: Bruce P Stevens <meadmanb at sprynet.com>
Date: Sun, 16 Feb 97 07:41:10 -0400
Subject: Only the best need apply?

With much trepidation , I 'll stick my neck out  again, for the first 
time in many  moons, to  discuss the concept of BOS judge selection. 
Don't hold up my request for BJCP sanctioning Russ, but methinks that you 
may have been exposed to mucho gamma rays in the recent past.

The experience level of the judges means squat when considering the 
selection of the panel. The organizer needs to give direction to the 
panel selected and insist that it be followed.

 This is not about the best judges finding the best beer, it's all such a 
subjective crapshoot anyhow at that time in the event? 

I believe that the whole point of selecting the BOS panel is to get a 
cross section of individuals present at the judging , to evaluate the 
beers on the table that day.  Now it is necessary to select one senior 
judge with whom the organizer has the cameraderie to guarantee an  
openminded review, according to those directions given by the organizer. 

Far be it from me to select a group of Master and National judges  who 
will argue and beat their chest's like gorilla's in heat to win out over 
a peer in front of the crowd.

 I much prefer to allow a diverse group of judges from different angles , 
 take up the sword and discuss the selection of BOS amongst themselves 
like adults. There will be a leader but it's only  necessary to move the 
process along, not to lead the discussion. 

We really need to start thinking about the abilities of individual 
palates as compared to the experience levels of old bucks in the herd 
from now on.  No gender slander intended!

The newer judges need to be allowed to butt heads with the know it alls, 
albeit while learning from them. If it happens that a fresher palate 
senses  certain aspects in an entry and no one else takes up the reins to 
ride herd for it , it is fitting that the individual duke it out with his 
peers for the sheer virtue of it. 

 Debate is necessary for a fair evaluation of the entrants and only a 
diverse set of snouts will be functional in deciding the best of show  on 
that particular occasion and setting. 

Experience in style can be learned........ but freshness of palate  and 
diversity of mind cannot be regained at 5PM on judgment day?              
                     With all due respect ,   Brews

PS - The process for selecting the BOS winner is also important to this 
discussion. I prefer the split into two panels and using the elimination 
principal to move the process along within an hour. The panels each get 
down to two or three semifinalists which can then be merged with the 
other panels . 

All the judges can then consider those 4 ,5 or 6 styles as a group for 
ranking into the top three for ribbons. It's also nice to know that your 
beer finished 4,5 or 6 in the crowd too . Out of 150 to 300 beers at some 
competitions these days ,that's a feat also. Maybe it's time to start 
awarding the top five or ten ribbons at these events.  The more the 
merrier


Bruce P Stevens - ex Chem E, ex RC , ex ecute the IRS and Free Mead for 
All?

Well ,how about no more taxes first and Free Beer for All instead?


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End of judge-digest V1 #1385
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