While there are many Specialty-Type Beers in these guidelines, the Specialty Beer style category is intended for those beers that do not fit anywhere else. Please check each previous Specialty-Type category before entering a beer in one of these styles.
34A. Commercial Specialty Beer
This style is intended for reproductions or interpretations of specific commercial beers that don’t fit within defined styles. Beers entered here do not need to be exact copies. The beer should be judged as to how well it fits the broader style represented by the example beer, not how well it is an exact copy of a specific commercial product. If a Commercial Specialty Beer fits another defined style, do not enter it here.
Overall Impression
Based on declared beer.
Aroma / Appearance / Flavor / Mouthfeel
Based on declared beer.
Entry Instructions
The entrant must specify the name of the commercial beer, specifications (vital statistics) for the beer, and either a brief sensory description or a list of ingredients used in making the beer. Without this information, judges who are unfamiliar with the beer will have no basis for comparison.
Vital Statistics
OG, FG, IBUs, SRM and ABV will vary depending on the declared beer.
Commercial Examples
Orval, La Chouffe.Past Revision
Clone Beer (2015)Style Attributes
34B. Mixed-Style Beer
This style is intended for beers in Existing Styles (previously-defined Classic Style beers or Specialty-Type Beers) that are either:
- A combination of Existing Styles that are not defined previously in the guidelines, including combination of Specialty-Type Beers not otherwise allowable elsewhere.
- A variation of an Existing Style using a non-traditional method or process (e.g., dry-hopping, ‘eis’-ing, stein bier) for that style.
- A variation of an Existing Style using a non-traditional ingredient (e.g., yeast with a non-traditional profile, hops with a different character than described in the Base Style).
- Out-of-spec variations of an Existing Style (e.g., ‘imperial’ versions, ‘session’ versions, overly-sweet versions, etc.).
This style is intended for beers that can’t be entered in previously-listed styles first, including (and especially) the declared Base Style of beer. However, if the unusual method, process, or ingredient results in a beer that now fits within another defined style, the beer should be entered there. Note that some styles already allow for different strengths (e.g., IPAs, Saisons), so those variations should be entered as the appropriate Base Style.
Bear in mind that a poorly-made, faulted beer should not be used to define a new style. Drinkability should always be maintained, while allowing for creative new concepts.
Overall Impression
Based on the declared Base Styles, methods, and ingredients. As with all Specialty-Type Beers, the resulting combination of beer styles needs to be harmonious and balanced, and be pleasant to drink.
Aroma / Appearance / Flavor / Mouthfeel
Based on the declared base styles.
Comments
See preamble for intent.
Entry Instructions
The entrant must specify the Base Style or Styles being used, and any special ingredients, processes, or variations involved. The entrant may provide an additional description of the sensory profile of the beer or the vital statistics of the resulting beer.
Vital Statistics
OG, FG, IBUs, SRM, and ABV will vary depending on the declared beer.
Commercial Examples
Birrificio Italiano Tipopils, Firestone Walker Pivo Pils, Jack’s Abby Hoponius Union, Ommegang Helles Superior.Past Revision
Mixed-Style Beer (2015)Style Attributes
34C. Experimental Beer
This is explicitly a catch-all category for any beer that does not fit into an Existing Style description. No beer is ever “out of style” in this style, unless it can be entered in another beer style first. This is the last resort for any beer entered into a competition. With the broad definition for previous styles, this style should be rarely used.
Overall Impression
Varies, but should be a unique experience.
Aroma / Appearance / Flavor / Mouthfeel
Varies.
Comments
This style cannot represent a well-known commercial beer (otherwise it would be a Commercial Specialty Beer) and cannot fit into any other existing Specialty-Type Beer style (including those within this major category).
Entry Instructions
The entrant must specify the special nature of the experimental beer, including the special ingredients or processes that make it not fit elsewhere in the guidelines. The entrant must provide vital statistics for the beer, and either a brief sensory description or a list of ingredients used in making the beer. Without this information, judges will have no basis for evaluation.
Vital Statistics
OG, FG, IBUs, SRM and ABV will vary depending on the declared beer.
Comments
Intended as a catch-all location for specific beers that are based on unique commercial examples that don’t fit existing styles. Past versions of the Style Guidelines included a Belgian Specialty Ale style; this style fits that general purpose, as well as allowing non-Belgian entries of similar intent.