By Bruce Buerger, Education and Training Director
- Notable changes and accomplishments from 2019 include:
- National Homebrew Conference (NHC) Recap.
- Processed 80+ sensory kit orders for members and upcoming exams.
- Cider Judge Training & Study Program development and trial.
- Continued evaluation of new sensory offerings for existing and potential members.
- Release candidate of new malt sensory and vocabulary exercise.
Sensory kit orders by members held steady in 2019. In addition to fulfilling orders for our traditional sensory offerings the Directorate also reached out to Siebel regarding possibilities for a sensory kit pertaining to cider. Special thanks goes out to Randy Scorby for overseeing all of our kit sourcing.
Big kudos go out to Kristen England again for his efforts with the BJCP Judge Reception at the NHC in Providence last year. A very good and well known speaker had been lined up to present but unfortunately that speaker withdrew shortly before the conference and there was no time to find a replacement. Every effort was made to continue the event but in the end we couldn’t ensure a worthwhile alternate solution. Big kudos also go out to Kristen and Brian Joas for stepping up to help out with administering the Mead Judging, Beer Judging, and Beer Written exams. Plans are already underway for Nashville so stay tuned for news on how to sign up.
The team also continued to research sensory and instructional type courses that members can conduct locally for future and existing judges. 2018 saw the drafting of a malt sensory course that focuses on what malt contributes to a brew in both taste and aroma. The course also incorporates a component that helps participants develop their vocabulary and ability to communicate intensity levels. This approach was tested in 2019 twice for malt and hops and is currently scheduled to be debuted in Nashville at Homebrew Con. 2019 also saw the trail of a hop aroma sensory kit from a new vendor. Responses to the trials were very positive and we’re currently looking into ways for members to obtain the kit.
2019 saw the launch of the Cider Judge program and the need for a Training & Study Program to help members prepare for the exams associated with it. Julie Lawson did a great job drafting a program and leading a trial of it in Milwaukee in advance of their December judging exam. Currently Julie is revising the program based on observations and feedback from the participants. Look for this program to be published in the Spring of 2020.
2020 is already off to a solid start. In addition to the learning competency offerings and NHC planning the Directorate is continuing to look at developing wood and barrel aged sensory training and additional offerings on the training portal.