On the afternoon of Feb 16, 12 eager judges sat for one of the first BJCP Cider Judge tasting exams at Veracious Brewing in Monroe.
Our very own Andy Tipler was the driving force for this event, handling most of planning for the exam and for the several study sessions beforehand. James Link was the official Organizer, running the exam itself and interfacing with the BJCP. Eric Sforza was the cellarmaster, preparing and pouring a number of doctored ciders for us. Steve Victor and Mark Tambascio were our proctors.
Examinees included Underground Brewers new and old – some second generation – plus others from as far away as Boston and Syracuse.
For 2+ hours, we tasted and wrote and wrote some more, filling out our scoresheets as best we could. Each cider was subjected to rigorous analysis, each flaw dissected.
Now we wait, probably for 4 or 5 months, to find out if we passed.
Huge thanks to Andy, Jim, Eric, Steve, and Mark for making this possible. Thanks also to the Szamatulskis for the use of the Veracious tap room and to Ron Sansone of Spoke & Spy Ciderworks who provided tutoring, endless study samples, and encouragement.