How should judges approach their initial scoring?

Judges in a beer competition should approach initial scoring by reflecting their unbiased opinions on the entries. This practice ensures that the evaluation is based on the beer's adherence to style guidelines, quality, and overall impression, rather than personal preferences or biases. An unbiased approach allows for a fair and consistent scoring process, enabling judges to objectively assess the various characteristics of each beer, including aroma, flavor, mouthfeel, and appearance.

When judges rely on their unbiased opinions, they promote a level playing field for all participants. This fosters an environment where beers are judged based on technical merit and adherence to established style criteria, rather than subjective personal tastes or expectations. The goal of the judges is to accurately reflect the quality and characteristics of each entry as they relate to the competition's guidelines, ultimately helping to identify the best representations of each style.