Should judges use mouthwash before judging if they have eaten spicy food?

While it might seem appealing to use mouthwash after consuming spicy food to cleanse the palate, it is generally not considered necessary for judges before tasting sessions. The primary focus for beer judges should be to evaluate the beer's flavors and aromas accurately. Mouthwash can sometimes interfere with the delicate nuances of the beer, introducing flavors that are not present in the beverages being judged.

Judges typically rely on their ability to distinguish a wide range of flavors, so it is essential to maintain the natural state of their palate. After consuming spicy food, a quick rinse with water can help refresh the mouth without the risk of introducing any foreign flavors from mouthwash. This approach allows for a more accurate assessment of the beer being judged.

While some may argue that certain types of mouthwash could provide a brief respite, relying on them is not the preferred choice nor common practice among experienced judges, emphasizing the importance of preserving the palate's integrity during judging.