What are calibration beers used for during a judging event?

Calibration beers are utilized during judging events to establish a standard against which judges can measure the quality and characteristics of the beers being evaluated. These calibration beers are typically well-known examples of specific styles that exemplify the key attributes and criteria listed in the BJCP style guidelines.

By using calibration beers, judges can ensure consistency in their evaluations and scoring. When all judges are assessing the same reference beers, it helps create a common understanding of what constitutes good, acceptable, or poor examples of a particular beer style. This leads to more accurate and reliable scores, as judges can compare their assessments to these established benchmarks.

Using calibration beers does not serve the other purposes highlighted in the options. They are not conducted to 'judge the judges' or to enhance flavor recognition in terms of developing tasting skills, nor are they meant to represent the best beers available; rather, their primary function is to ensure that all judges are aligned in their understanding and assessment of beer quality.