Have you ever imagined yourself a real beer judge? Not just a person who imagines they know the difference between one beer and the next, but one who actually understands the difference between one beer and the next? A person who knows how each beer style is supposed to taste when perfectly executed? A person whose sense of “good beer” is based on empirical evaluation and not just personal opinion? Well, here’s your chance.
The Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) is the undisputed leader when it comes to doing exactly what the name suggests: certifying beer judges. To become a BJCP-certified judge takes some effort, and that involves learning a whole lot about beer. Seattle’s Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery is hosting a BJCP Exam Prep Course beginning on July 11th. If you want to become a BJCP judge, this kind of education is essential. Space is limited, so do not delay. Here is the announcement from the brewery:
Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery (8570 Greenwood Ave. N) is holding a BJCP Exam Preparatory Course beginning on July 11. This course will consist of ten classes over multiple dates that culminate in taking the BJCP exam. These classes mainly use BJCP-published material or professional literature (published books, periodicals, or studies) as their basis. The material consists of beer topics, style review, product examination and judging as well as off-flavor and sensory training.
The Beer Judge Certification Program, Inc. is a world-wide certifying organization for judges of beer and related fermented products. Judges are certified through an examination covering technical aspects of brewing, world beer styles, the purpose of the BJCP, and judging procedures, and by demonstrating practical judging skills. Existing homebrewers not seeking to become a certified judge but looking to better their brews will also benefit. Flying Bike is holding a certified homebrew competition in the Fall and other popular Seattle events include the National Homebrew Competition and Reuben’s Brews Pro-Am Contest.
Ten class sessions will be held on Saturdays starting July 11, each lasting two hours (11AM-1PM). No classes are scheduled on July 18 (PNA Summer Beer Taste) and September 5 (Labor Day weekend). The last class will be held on September 26.
The cost for the course is $175 for Flying Bike Co-op members and $200 for non-members. The course fee includes the BJCP Beer Judging Exam (tasting), which will be scheduled at a later date, but not the Beer Judge Entrance Exam. Registration and payment is required by Friday July 3rd. Space is limited to 20 students so sign up early! Please email the Flying Bike Member Driver Beer team at beer@flyingbike.coop if you are unable to use the online payment so that they can reserve your spot.
