• MN Brewers Cup Competition: Judge Application

    Please complete this form by Saturday, February 1, 2025, to apply to be a judge.

  • About the Minnesota Brewers Cup:

    The Minnesota Brewers Cup is a prestigious annual beer competition showcasing Minnesota's craft brewing community. It aims to recognize excellence in brewing across various beer styles, celebrate the creativity and passion of local brewers, and promote Minnesota's craft beer industry. The event brings together professional brewers, beer enthusiasts, and industry experts to evaluate and reward the best beers in the state based on BJCP guidelines.

  • Position Overview:

    The Minnesota Brewers Cup seeks passionate, experienced, and knowledgeable beer judges to evaluate entries in this highly regarded competition. Judges will evaluate various beer styles, ensuring each entry is scored according to established guidelines. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals with a deep appreciation for craft beer, a strong understanding of brewing processes, and the ability to offer thoughtful, constructive feedback. BJCP certification desired, but judges with beer sensory training are also welcome! All judges must be 21+.

  • Key Responsibilities:

    Judging Beer Entries: Evaluate beers based on various criteria, including appearance, aroma, flavor, mouthfeel, and overall impression.

    Adherence to BJCP Guidelines: Follow established guidelines set by the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) to rank entry's adherence to BJCP standard.

    Provide Constructive Feedback: Offer detailed, professional feedback to help brewers improve their craft. Comments should be clear, respectful, and relevant to the beer style and scoring rubric.

    Collaboration with Fellow Judges: Work with other judges to discuss and rank beers, ensuring that all categories are fairly assessed.

    Maintain Confidentiality: Keep all judging discussions and results confidential until the official announcement.

    Stay Informed: Stay up-to-date with current brewing trends, beer styles, and industry practices to ensure informed and accurate evaluations.

    Qualifications:

    • Knowledge and Experience:
      • Strong familiarity with craft beer styles and brewing techniques.
        Prior experience as a certified beer judge (BJCP, Cicerone, or similar credential) is not required but encouraged.
      • Beer sensory training is recommend.
      • A passion for craft beer and an interest in the Minnesota brewing scene.
    • Judging Experience:
      • Experience judging at beer competitions is preferred but optional.
      • Must be able to evaluate beers objectively.
    • Availability:
      • Willingness to commit to multiple judging sessions (typically held over two days).
      • Must be available for the competition’s scheduled judging dates at Pryes Brewing Company in MPLS, MN on Friday, March 7, Saturday, March 8, and Sunday, March 9, 2025.

    Additional Information:

    • Compensation: This is a volunteer position. Judges will receive tasting opportunities and a special thank-you package.
    • Conflict of Interest: Judges with a relationship to a competition brewery (employee, past employee, etc.), are encouraged to participate, but will not be assigned to judge a category their brewery has entered. Judges are required to disclose any conflicts of interest.
    • Selection Process: All applicants will be considered based on experience, credentials, and available judging capacity. We strive to build a diverse team of judges with broad expertise and experience in the beer industry.

  • Personal Information:

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