When is it acceptable to request a second bottle for judging?

The correct scenario in which it is acceptable to request a second bottle for judging is when dealing with gusher or infected beers. This guideline is grounded in the principles of fair and thorough evaluation. If a beer is gushing or exhibiting signs of infection, it can significantly alter the judging process, rendering the first bottle unsuitable for a genuine assessment of the beer's intended characteristics.

In cases like these, a second bottle can provide an opportunity to evaluate the beer without the interference of faults that may have affected the first sample. This ensures that judges can make informed decisions based on a beer's true qualities rather than an outlier experience caused by a flaw.

Requesting additional bottles is not generally permitted for every entry or simply because judging is delayed, as this could lead to inconsistencies in the judging process and introduces complications related to the integrity of the competition. Additionally, seeking a second bottle for unspecified insufficiency implies subjective judgement that could vary from one judge to another, again undermining the standard process established for fair competition.