MASH Coconut Cup

[philm00x]

Sooooooo this is going to be the first competition I am going to enter. My only debate is WHAT to enter? I want to enter my Choco Brown but I also am thinking maybe I should enter Bubs' Pale Ale. The pale ale has been aging for a while (since December 22) and it is my understanding that hop-forward beers should be consumed young in order to take in the full aroma of the hops. Personally, I like the way that the beer tastes now, because the malt flavor isn't buried underneath the hops. I don't think that will impress the judges, however. It's very smooth, laces well, has excellent color, and has great tropical fruit flavor from the hops. Do you think it would still be worth entering? Or should I just stick with the one entry of the brown ale?

[Inkleg]

Since there are two separate categories, why not enter both. I don't enter to impress the judges, just to get honest feed back from people with better taste buds than mine. Not really concerned whether they like it, more than seeing if there any off flavors that may come from my process. Do it Phil, make Mr Bubs happy.

[BlackDuck]

I agree...enter the Pale Ale. What do you have to lose other than a few bucks and a couple of beers. You never know what the judges will say. Sometimes I think we home-brewers are our own worst critics....me included in that category.

[Funky Skunk Brewing]

Agree 100% with Inkleg and Blackduck. Go for both beers, Phil. Just a few extra dollars and another two bottles of beer, but you will be getting some great feedback from an impartial person(s) that will either confirm what you thought of the beer or give you great pointers on where it could be improved. Competitions are all about improving your brews and receiving the judges feedback. Good Luck!!!

[philm00x]

Thanks guys. I will enter them both. Chris, you're so right about us being our own worst critic. I guess I'm just nervous about trying to compete. Negative feedback is just as helpful as positive feedback, but that's what makes us improve as brewers and our processes.

[SomeGuyBrewing]

Do it! And good luck!
One of the best ways to get better is to know what we are doing wrong. Or right for that matter.
I'll be interested to see how you do. I am currently brewing some stuff to enter in my first competition at some point this year. Brew and learn, brew and learn.

[philm00x]

I officially registered both Chocolate Brown and Bubs' Pale today. Just gotta print out some stuff, pay the fees and ship the bottles out. No turning back now!

[FedoraDave]

Phil, you won't regret it.

Regardless of the results, you'll be getting valuable feedback, and it will help you brew better beer. I do understand your nervousness, though. I was the same way last year, when I entered my first comp. And I'm experiencing it again right now, as next weekend is judging time for Homebrew Alley VIII. It's natural to be a little apprehensive with any judging scenario.

But keep something in mind that I was told by my piano teacher when I entered my first evaluations under his tutelage:

These people want you to do well. And they want to let you know how you can improve.

It's not about the ribbons or what numbers you get; it's about becoming better at something you really love. Yes, there is the potential to score lower than 10 and have your beer declared "Undrinkable". But really? Really? You know your beer isn't undrinkable; you just want to know how really good it is based on BJCP standards. And you want to know how to improve it, or how to improve your process.

I think you'll be pleased with the results, and I think you'll get a lot out of the judge's comments, even if it's to have your process or recipe building skills confirmed.

[Inkleg]

Good on ya Phil.

[jimjohson]

good luck, phil!

[BlackDuck]

Good for you Phil....Good luck!!!

[philm00x]

Thanks, everyone! I'm really excited, especially now with the support of the Borg

[philm00x]

Paid my entry fees and got entry labels printed. The bottles are soaking in room temp very dilute star san solution so that I can remove the original labels. I haven't read anything concerning this, but do I need to include a printout of the recipes with my entries? This is a BJCP sanctioned and judged competition.

[BlackDuck]

I doubt you have to print any recipe/info out. There might a few categories that require some additional info though. For example, the Spiced Ale category might require some info on what spices were used. You should really check with the organizers. I have, and will again, enter the Ohio State Fair competition and they don't want any info for the categories I entered.

[philm00x]

I don't have any specialty beers that require further explanation, and from what I can tell on the website of the competition, I should be all good.