Is it necessary for scores from judges on a panel to be within seven points of each other?

In the context of beer judging, it is not required for scores from judges on a panel to be within a specific number of points of each other, such as seven points. Judges are allowed to score independently based on their own evaluations of the beer being judged. This allows for a range of opinions and perspectives to emerge, reflecting different tastes, experiences, and preferences.

The scoring process in competitions often values diverse viewpoints, and having judges score freely can result in a more thorough assessment of the entries. Although discussions may occur among judges to ensure that significant discrepancies are addressed, there is no strict requirement that scores be close together. This freedom helps to capture the overall quality and characteristics of the beer as perceived by each judge individually.

Therefore, the understanding that judges can score independently is crucial for maintaining the integrity and diversity of evaluations in the beer judging process.