Why is it important to fill out the "Style Scales" on the scoresheet?

Filling out the "Style Scales" on the scoresheet is important because it serves as a check against the scores given to the beer being judged. The Style Scales provide specific criteria that are relevant to particular beer styles, such as aroma, flavor, appearance, mouthfeel, and overall impression. By evaluating the beer against these established benchmarks, judges can ensure that their scores are not only fair and consistent but also justified based on style guidelines.

This process helps to maintain objectivity in scoring and allows judges to align their personal impressions of the beer with the established standards for that style. Additionally, it can help highlight specific strengths or weaknesses of the beer, supporting the overall score with rationale based on style characteristics. This meticulous attention to the criteria also fosters a greater understanding of style compliance, contributing to better communication and feedback during the judging process.