What guideline must judges follow when developing a consensus score?

When judging beer, a consensus score is critical for ensuring fairness and consistency in evaluations. According to the BJCP guidelines, judges must strive to adjust their individual scores so that they fall within no more than a seven-point range of each other. This guideline encourages judges to discuss their scores collaboratively to reach a consensus, ensuring that extreme scores do not unduly influence the final evaluation of the beer.

The rationale behind maintaining a seven-point spread is to focus on a reasonable agreement while allowing for some subjectivity in tasting. It promotes discussions among the judges, encouraging them to articulate their evaluations and consider different perspectives, ultimately leading to a well-rounded assessment of the beer being judged.