Coconut Cup Results

[philm00x]

Hello Borg! Been busy here in Miami. Finally getting a chance to get on a computer to catch up on here and to share my experience in my first competition.

I wasn't expecting much for Bubs' Pale Ale, and the score actually seemed better than I thought it would be. One judge gave it an overall 31, and the other gave it a 28 overall, for combined 29.5 score. Both judges gave great scores on appearance and mouthfeel, so the mash process and carbonation is not a problem. Also, both judges mentioned good balance of hops and malt. However, both judges emphasized green apple flavor (acetaldehyde) in the finish, especially as it warmed up. A comment was made about possible infection or incomplete fermentation as the culprit for the acetaldehyde. I'm pretty sure there is no issue with infection, as I have brewed this beer twice and tastes the same to me. Perhaps I need to let it sit longer in the fermenter before bottling.

As for Chocolate Brown Ale, I was down that I did not place in the English Ale category, particularly because a Northern English Brown ale won it. Before hearing the results that Saturday, the judges brought out boxes full of competition entries that were not consumed during the judging process. One of the ones that a guy opened tasted an awful lot like mine, but another guy said it tasted just like his, and that actually turned out to be the winner. This beer actually went to the 2nd round (out of 2, before picking 1st, 2nd, and 3rd). It scored a 36 and a 33, for a combined 34.5, which I'm thrilled about! Flavor and mouthfeel were a hit with the judges, but both commented that it was a bit overcarbed for the style. Actually, one of them noted the bottle they opened was a gusher. I didn't think I had primed it too high, but maybe I'll try scaling it back a bit to the lower end (1.8ish volumes). One sheet stated the beer was pretty dry and malt presence was almost undetectable, and thus lacked complexity. All of that said, neither judge detected any off flavors or detectable brewing errors. I'm thinking I might change the yeast that I use with it to one that attenuates less, and make some slight changes to the quantities of each grain in the bill, but otherwise I'm really happy with this.

[Beer-lord]

Sounds pretty good to me and you have an idea what you need to work on.
Kudo's for taking a step to get better. I need to get off my arse and enter somewhere.

[Inkleg]

Congratulations on your first competition Phil, those are some damn good scores. I know the cats are happy.

[Funky Skunk Brewing]

Well done, Phil. You know the competitions are not all about the prizes, more for the feedback. It seems when there is green apple flavor (acetaldehyde) in any beer, the judges always go to the infection or fermentation length as the issue. That is really what prompted me to go through my entire system with a thorough cleaning and sanitation without even brewing. I will wash and sanitize again on a brew day as always as well. Nothing to hang your head on those scores either.

Solid scores against I'm sure was some stiff competition as always in these beers. Head up, take the feedback in and tighten up areas you think issues could have been. It's all about brewing better beer in the end as always. Any idea when you will enter another beer into a competition?

[philm00x]

I want to focus on improving Chocolate Brown. I'm down to my last 6 at home so when I get back from Miami, I'll jump on BeerSmith and work out some of the changes to the grist and carb numbers and maybe try to brew it again fairly soon. I also want to get my RCE brew with haerbob done up some time in the near future so I'll pick stuff up for that as well. When I do brew the brown ale again, I'll start searching for competitions and enter it into one that fits the timeframe of fermentation and conditioning.

To be honest, I'm down about not placing, but I'm not really too down about it. I really wanted to know what judges thought, and I got that in return. And as a bonus, I made out like a bandit in the raffles that proceeded the judging! Spent 15 bucks on tickets between my brother and I, and won a bunch of good loot, including equipment and hops! Post about this stuff will come soon when I get home.

[Funky Skunk Brewing]

Good pull there, Phil. Always nice to walk with some freebies

[philm00x]

This is everything I took home with me from the competition, as well as some beer and a glass from a visit to Miami Brewing Co. There's the 20-quart stainless Polar Ware kettle with spoon, Goose Island t-shirt, miscellaneous coasters/stickers/etc, some Miller "Chill" glasses, 3 bags of whole leaf hops including Citra (the giant bag), Nugget, and Centennial. Also brought home a six-pack of Miami Brewing's Shark Bait wheat ale that has become my new favorite commercial wheat beer. Not pictured (because it was already put to good use) was a $50 gift card to Sports Grill in Miami which is a really good wing joint/sports bar that I used for dinner with my wife, brother, and brother's GF. A great haul, I think!

[Ibasterd]

Congrats Phil. I'm impressed that you just entered. I'm sure that you will learn and improve. If you need a second opinion on those brews, just send them my way!

[BigPapaG]

Good job Phil!

Any time you can score in the thirties you know you have very good beer!

Now you have some considered feedback and are on your way to the minor adjustments that will take these from very good to outstanding!

[philm00x]

Andrew: Hehe thanks, man. I've got a few brown ales left. Bottle share/party sounds good to me!

BPG: Thanks to you as well! I figured mid 30s score would be pretty decent. I was really happy with the beer, and actually I got some insight from the guy at my LHBS today. Might use a little bit of Biscuit malt and switch to S-04 yeast. Should give it the little extra complexity that the judges were looking for.

[FedoraDave]

Scores in the 30s are outstanding, Phil. You're making good beer, and the comments will help you make better beer.

Congratulations!

[gwcr]

Great scores Phil! Congrats!

[Funky Skunk Brewing]

Scores in the 30s are outstanding, Phil. You're making good beer, and the comments will help you make better beer.

Congratulations!

The point of every competition un my eyes. Better beer is never a bad thing

[philm00x]

Thanks for the words of encouragement, guys!