Your First Homebrew Competition — Should You Enter?

You’ve brewed a dozen batches. Some are excellent. A few friends who aren’t just being nice have told you your IPA is legitimately good. You’ve heard about homebrew competitions. The question arises: should you enter? Yes. Unequivocally, yes — even if you think your beer isn’t ready. Especially if you think your beer isn’t ready.

Homebrew competitions use the BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) framework. Judges are trained (many are certified) to evaluate beer against style guidelines across five criteria: aroma, appearance, flavor, mouthfeel, and overall impression. Each entry is scored out of 50, and you receive written feedback regardless of placement. That feedback is the real value.BJCP judges will tell you things your friends won’t. They’ll identify that slight diacetyl you’d convinced yourself was intentional. They’ll note that your “NEIPA” is actually judging closer to an American Pale Ale because you undershot the hop load. They’ll praise your attenuation while pointing out the thin body. It’s the most useful, honest, specific brewing feedback you’ll ever get — and it’s free with your entry fee.

Finding competitions: the AHA (American Homebrewers Association) maintains a national competition calendar at homebrewersassociation.org. Local homebrew clubs almost always run at least one per year. Entry fees typically run $5–$12 per entry, and you send 2–3 bottles per category entered.📋 Framework: BJCP style guidelines — free at bjcp.org.

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