BJCP Information

Beer Judge Certification Program style guides, resources, and more

BJCP: What’s the Big Deal?

Ever wondered who decides what makes a Kölsch a Kölsch, or why your “IPA” got dinged for being more like an amber? That’s where the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) comes in.

The BJCP is the crew that sets the standards for judging beer, mead, and cider. They write the style guidelines everyone uses, train judges to keep competitions fair, and give brewers like us feedback that actually makes us better. Basically, they’re the reason homebrew competitions don’t feel like a drunk uncle yelling “this one tastes good!”

Why It Matters to Us Homebrewers

Know Your Styles – Brewing to a style isn’t about stifling creativity. It’s about learning the foundations so you know when (and how) to break the rules.
Better Feedback – Judges trained through the BJCP can tell you why your beer is amazing… or why it needs work.
Community – Competitions, judging, studying styles… it’s all part of connecting with fellow beer nerds.

Must-Have BJCP Resources

Style Guidelines

Beer Style Guidelines – The holy text. Every recognized beer style, broken down into aroma, flavor, mouthfeel, appearance, and history.
Mead Guidelines – Because honey deserves its time in the spotlight too.
Cider Guidelines – From crisp English cider to funky modern perries.

Competitions

Competition Center – Info for entering, judging, or running a comp.
Competition Calendar – Find the next place to show off your brew and snag some medals.

Wanna be a Judge?

How to Become a Judge – It starts with an online exam and ends with you writing tasting notes like a pro.
Study Materials – Flashcards, cheat sheets, and more for leveling up your palate.
Perks of Judging – Taste lots of beer, sharpen your skills, and sound extra smart at bottle shares.

Extra Nerdy Stuff

Scoresheet Template – See exactly how judges take notes on your beer.
Training Resources – Off-flavor kits, study guides, and everything you need to avoid the dreaded “band-aid” feedback.

Why we care as a club

We brew, we share, we compete, and we improve — and the BJCP gives us a common language for all of it. Whether you want to chase medals, get honest feedback, or just brew better beer, knowing your way around the BJCP makes you a stronger brewer (and a more annoying friend to drink with).

Current BJCP Club Members

Master
National

Kelsey Booth
Zach Belles

Certified

Brian McKray

Recognized