Great news! Before I started this blog, I entered in a brewing competition in Napa, and I got second place (in its category) for my Chocolate Stout! I entered three entries in total: California Common, German Hefeweizen, and Chocolate Stout.
Here's the scoring for my California Common (think Anchor Steam). As you can see, it's pretty low, but expected. This beer was pretty problematic. It had very low carbonation (I had bottled it from the keg), was pretty watery, and had low alcohol. It was pretty drinkable, but not too great. Several judges asked for more malt character.
And now for the really nasty one. I entered my German Hefeweizen just to get a baseline for what a bad beer will score. I have tried German Hef twice, and both times it's come out awful. I added honey to this one, but you couldn't taste it at all. I think in the future, I'd add more honey, and later in the boil.
Critiques included "color too dark", "no carbonation", "too clear" (for a weizen), "no wheat taste".
And the best for last! Unfortunately, I didn't receive the review sheet for my stout, so I don't know what score it got, or what feedback it received. Either way, I'll take a second place. Still in search of that elusive first place, though.
