Is it acceptable for judges to discuss strong scents during the competition?

In competitions governed by the BJCP guidelines, judges are expected to maintain a level of objectivity and discretion while evaluating the beers presented to them. Discussing strong scents or aromas during the tasting process can lead to bias, as it may influence the perceptions and judgments of fellow judges. The integrity of the assessment relies on each judge's individual evaluation without outside influences.

Maintaining silence regarding strong scents ensures that each judge can focus solely on their own sensory experiences and assessments of the beers. This practice helps uphold the standards of fairness and reliability essential in a competitive setting where final scores must reflect the true qualities of the beers presented, free from external conversation or influence.