What writing implement should judges avoid to minimize interference in beer aroma?

Judges should avoid using wooden pencils during beer evaluations to minimize interference in beer aroma. The reason for this is that wooden pencils can impart a woody or graphite scent, which may disrupt or obscure the delicate aromas of the beer being judged. In a sensory evaluation, especially when assessing aromas, it is crucial to eliminate any potential contaminants that can affect a judge's perception.

In contrast, gel pens, colored pencils, and highlighters do not have the same potential to release odors that could interfere with the evaluation process. Although each of these may have their own issues, such as drying time or smudging, they do not typically emit aromas that would impact the tasting experience in the same way that wooden pencils do. Therefore, wooden pencils are the writing implement that should be avoided to ensure that the judges can accurately assess the beer's aroma without any unwanted distractions.