We wanted to keep everyone aware of what we are planning on judging for each meeting! In order to get the word out sooner we decided to make the list now so it's ready when you are!

Coming up in April we are going to judge New England IPA's (21B). They tend to be lower on the bitterness scale with tropical and juicy flavors. New England IPAs also have a fuller or creamier mouthfeel and are usually sweeter.

June we will be judging Helles (4A) and Munich Dunkel (8A). Helles (which means Bright in German) is made with a unique yeast profile that distinguishes it from a traditional lager. Munich dunkel is a malty beer that features a deep, complex, rich Munich malt flavor. There are bready-toasty flavors that often seem like toasted breadcrusts.

In August we will be judging American Amber (19A) and Browns (19C). Amber beer showcases a medium-high to high malt character with medium to low caramel character derived from the use of roasted crystal malts. The American amber is characterized by American-variety hops, which lend the amber ale notes of citrus, fruit and pine to balance the sweetness of the malt. American-style brown ales have evident low to medium hop flavor and aroma and medium to high hop bitterness. Roasted malt, caramel-like and chocolate-like characters should be of medium intensity in both flavor and aroma for the American brown ale. 

October we are looking at Imperial Stouts (29C). The imperial stout is black in color, typically has an extremely rich malty flavor and aroma with full, sweet malt character. Typically coming in at over 9% ABV and among the darkest of styles.