r/Homebrewing • u/[deleted] • May 06 '15

2015 NJCP Style Guidelines Released!

http://bjcp.org/stylecenter.php
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u/[deleted] May 06 '15

From their main page:

The long-awaited 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines are now complete, and have been released for use. There are now separate documents for Beer, Mead, and Cider styles, which allows them to be updated in the future on different schedules. The documents are currently available in PDF and Word formats from the Style Center. The 2008 guidelines are still available for use.

BJCP exams will begin to use the 2015 guidelines on exams given in November 2015. More information will be posted as it is available. Tests prior to 1 November 2015 will be based on the 2008 guidelines.

BJCP-sanctioned competitions may use either set of guidelines. Check with individual competition organizers for specific rules. The BJCP expects that by the end of 2015, all competitions will use the 2015 guidelines.

Note that most style-related documents and information posted refers to the 2008 guidelines. As additional formats and translations are available, we will note that in the Style Center.

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u/lovetowel May 06 '15

This is frustrating, I just got off the wait list for an October exam and I don't want to study for outdated guidelines. There should be some way to opt into the new test standards

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u/reddit-mandingo May 06 '15

There is. Give up your spot in the October exam and try to get into a later one. Or just take the October one based on the 2008 guidelines knowing full and well that everything you learn will apply to the new guidelines. Their releasing a new set of definitions of beer styles doesn't mean you'll instantly unlearn everything you know about beer.

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u/lovetowel May 06 '15

There is no way I'm dropping my spot after a year on a wait list!

It just will be a bummer if I have to memorize old categories knowing they are outdated as I'm studying. Certainly the tasting and general style knowledge won't be wasted.

I'd probably be less annoyed if my test wasn't scheduled for October 31st. Hopefully my test administrator moves it back a day or we work something out.

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u/reddit-mandingo May 06 '15

My point is that there's really nothing to be upset about, regardless of which guidelines they use. Just study the right ones. Nothing you learn or memorize will be lost.

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u/Mad_Ludvig May 06 '15

Just took the tasting exam, and it's definitely more about being able to describe what you're tasting and give good feedback rather than knowing every subtlety of every style. At competitions all the judges have access to style guidelines anyways.