How long should experienced judges take to completely evaluate a beer?

Experienced judges typically take about 10 minutes to completely evaluate a beer. This timeframe is generally sufficient for them to assess the various aspects of the beer, including its appearance, aroma, flavor, mouthfeel, and overall impression. Judges employ a systematic approach during this evaluation, which allows them to gather detailed information and notes about each beer.

The 10-minute mark is a balance between thoroughness and efficiency, allowing judges enough time to contemplate their observations and make reasoned assessments without extending the judging process unnecessarily. While some judges may feel they require more time, particularly for complex or high-quality beers or for detailed discussions, 10 minutes is often seen as a standard length appropriate for most evaluations during competitions.

In contrast, the other options, such as 5 minutes, might be too rushed for a comprehensive evaluation, and longer durations like 15 or 20 minutes, while they may allow for deeper analysis, could slow down the judging process in a competitive setting, where time management is critical. Therefore, 10 minutes strikes a practical balance for experienced judges.