Craft beer is in a constant state of evolution, with a proliferation of categories and styles that have made the evaluation process both more exciting and challenging than ever before. Breweries entering beer competitions not only seek the prestige of winning medals but also benefit from invaluable feedback provided by certified judges. These judges, with their specialized training and expertise, play a pivotal role in the craft beer industry.

Marty Nachel, who we’ll hear more from later, is a veteran beer judge with over three decades’ experience, and exemplifies the dedication and skill required in beer judging. Having been among the earliest recipients of BJCP certification in the United States, Marty continues to participate as a judge in large and prestigious commercial events such as the Great American Beer Festival, World Beer Cup and Best of Craft Beer Awards. 

The logistics of organizing these large beer competitions have become increasingly complex, particularly with the challenges posed by the contraction of the craft beer market and the financial strain on breweries. Despite these hurdles, competition organizers have adapted, incorporating technology such as apps with electronic feedback forms and QR codes to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. 

When a global pandemic inserted itself into the practice of Beer Judging, additional resources and planning were required to mitigate the harm that COVID-19 and other transmissible diseases posed to Beer Judges and event personnel, stewards, and volunteers. Nachel learned that lesson the hard way. He continued to serve as a Judge since the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was at a recent out-of-country competition that he first contracted the virus. 

“It was in October of 2023; the location in a first world country. It was easy to be complacent and nonchalant about protecting ourselves. There were only four of us – that I’m aware of – who were infected. This could have easily turned into a super-spreader event”, according to Nachel.

As Marty exemplifies in his book “How to Judge Beer Like a Pro”, a good judge is impartial. Evaluation should not be based on hedonic enjoyment of a beer, but first determining if a beer has flaws, then comparing it to the beer style guidelines. A judge must view a competition with the same discernment. Risk must be measured compared to reward, and judges should modify their choices accordingly. 

Here are some ways that competition organizers can do their part:

• Implementing health screening measures such as temperature checks and symptom assessments for judges and staff before entering judging venues can help identify individuals who may be infected with COVID-19 or other infectious illnesses and prevent them from participating. 

• Enforcing rigorous sanitation measures at judging venues, including regular disinfection of surfaces and equipment, can mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Providing hand sanitizers, masks, and gloves to judges and staff members can also promote hygiene and safety.

• Venue room size and spacing of tables can facilitate social distancing and minimize the risk of crowding. The creation of additional judging sessions can help manage capacity and ensure a safer environment.

• When feasible, conducting judging sessions in open-air settings can reduce the risk of airborne transmission. Open-air venues provide better ventilation and more space for social distancing compared to indoor locations. Where open-air venues are not feasible, indoor spaces with efficient ventilation systems or the option to open windows and doors can help improve air circulation and reduce the risk of respiratory transmission.

• Providing clear and transparent communication about the safety measures implemented for the competition can help reassure judges and participants about their well-being. Sharing information about health protocols, sanitation practices, and risk mitigation strategies can promote trust and confidence in the competition's management.

The advent of a global pandemic has introduced additional considerations for beer judging, necessitating careful planning and resource allocation to ensure the safety of judges and event personnel. Covid-19 virus is just one of many contagious illnesses that can rapidly circulate at large gatherings. The loss of sense of smell and taste is a very real fear for Beer Judges, who rely on theaw finely honed senses.

Health screening measures, stringent sanitation protocols, and the implementation of social distancing measures should become standard practice in mitigating the risks associated with large gatherings. Beer competitions can also utilize technology such as streaming video for contactless award ceremonies and immersive social hours.

Beer judging protocols continue to evolve; the integration of technology and the prioritizing of safety measures can show our industry's commitment to adaptability and sustainability. The challenges posed by the pandemic catalyze innovation, driving the beer judging community toward a more mindful and sustainable future.

How to Judge Beer Like a Pro, written by Marty Nachel is a book that should be read by anyone interested in learning how to evaluate beer. Links and practical information on how to identify and describe off flavors are helpful for Beer Servers who are curious about how to improve their sensory vocabulary. This information would be useful to anyone interested in learning more about how to better understand what makes good beer.