Beer Judging 101: Sunday, Feb. 13

We seem to have sold out (or nearly sold out) three years in a row. See you next year!

Beer Judging 101: Tasting and Describing Beer

What is it that separates a truly world class brew from a mediocre one? Do you
ever wish you could better describe the flavors and aromas of beer?

Instructor David Teckam is a Grand Master II level beer judge in the BJCP, and a prominent beer educator.  Assisting with the event are Brian Cooper of the Mad Zymurgists homebrew club, and Gail Ann Williams of the Bay Area beer transit logistics guide, BeerByBART.com, both active BJCP judges.

Beer Judging 101 is a class for beer appreciators who want to expand their experience and descriptive ability. The only pre-requisite is an interest in craft beer and world beer styles, paired with your innate curiosity and a bit of casual tasting experience. This class will help you hone your natural ability to recognize and intelligently discuss various components in beer. In the process, you’ll learn some of the terms that judges use to describe beer’s many attributes.

This class will help you expand your understanding of beer flavors and aromas, and we’ll even help take the mystery out of the concept of “mouthfeel.” Naturally, the best way to learn is by doing. We'll sample and compare a number of world class examples, discussing ingredients and learning a bit about the brewing process. We will touch upon some of the major world beer styles, how they developed, and why certain beers fit into style profiles better than others. We will also examine the effects of aging on beer.

For those interested in taking it a step further, we will also briefly discuss the BJCP: the Beer Judge Certification Program. (This hour and a half long class is just an introduction to the skills required to judge homebrews or commercial beers in organized competitions.  Passing the BJCP exam to be ranked as a beer judge takes a considerable amount of organized or independent study, should you decide to take this further. We'll tell you more about the program. Meanwhile, if you are curious, you can read more here: bjcp.org )

The Beer Judging 101 class has been very popular in prior SF Beer Weeks. This year we offer two sections of the class to choose from:

Section One: Sunday 2/13/2011 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

or

Section Two: Sunday 2/13/2011 from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

The cost of $30 per person includes all beers and materials. You must be 21 or older.

Logistics: The Englander is a pub and restaurant in the East Bay area, easily accessible by BART trains. Please plan to use a designated driver or public transit. Check beerbybart.com for specific info about getting to the Englander using public transit.

We encourage everyone to eat before and/or after your participation in any beer tasting class. The Englander offers a variety of food choices in a comfortable sports pub atmosphere.

THAT WAS GREAT FUN.  Thank you for attending.

Happy Beer Week!