I was also disappointing to observe someone smoking while judging beer. Sorry, smoking and beer judging do not mix under any conditions. If you needed to smoke, might I recommend that you walk away from the judging table and come back. At least then we would not see it?

Just my opinion.

Nice site. I just heard about it. The style guidelines are constantly evolving, which is great b/c beer styles are as well. As for better reflecting diversity, the guidelines do allow for it with the categories: other low alcohol ale or lager, other strong ale or lager, specialty stout, other Belgian ales, specialty beer, and experimental beer. From a brewing perspective, I usually look at guidelines as a starting point. Sometimes I try to nail a classic style and other times I try to make a beer that suits my tastes, which usually means more full bodied and bitter than the usual.

Bill

I’m hoping to get an E-mail with that information as soon as possible. I’ll post it when I know. I only judged half the beers, and I wasn’t able to stick around for the awards. I’ll let you know soon.

Tim