What action should judges take if they are uncertain about a beer style?

Consulting the BJCP Style Guidelines is the recommended action for judges when they are uncertain about a beer style. The BJCP Style Guidelines are a comprehensive resource that provides detailed descriptions, characteristics, and examples of each beer style. These guidelines help judges to assess the beer accurately against established criteria, ensuring that evaluations are grounded in standardized information.

Using these guidelines allows judges to maintain consistency in their scoring and evaluations and to make informed decisions based on the widely accepted definitions of beer styles. This approach enhances the overall judging process and helps uphold the integrity of the competition.

In contrast, relying solely on personal experience could lead to subjective evaluations that might not align with the established standards. Discussing uncertainties with fellow judges can be beneficial, but it might not provide the authoritative clarification that the official guidelines offer. Changing the order on their judging sheet would not address the uncertainty regarding the beer style and could lead to misjudgment or confusion in the final assessment.