Ice House Brewery and Colonial Beach Plaza Bed & Breakfast are excited to welcome brewers and beer lovers back for the next Ice and Inn Brew Club gathering on January 13 at 6:00 pm. Building on the great energy of our first meeting, this evening will again feature a relaxed, private bottle share—whether that’s a homebrew you’re proud of or a unique bottle you’ve been saving for the right crowd. As always, we encourage beers that spark conversation and curiosity, not the everyday grab-and-go.

In addition to sharing great beer, this meeting will introduce a guided discussion on beer judging, helping participants better understand style guidelines, tasting techniques, and what judges look for in competitions. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to sharpen your palate and start preparing for our future homebrew competition. Our goal remains the same: to grow a welcoming community of homebrewers and enthusiasts, learn from one another, and enjoy great beer together—because you never know, your next brew might just inspire something that shows up on tap at Ice House Brewery one day.

Events 🍺

Join us on January 17, 2026, at the Colonial Beach Plaza Bed and Breakfast for a fun-filled Plaza Brew Day! Experience the art of beer brewing while savoring the finest craft beers from Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. It’s a day of learning and indulgence you won’t want to miss!

Spend the weekend at the Plaza B&B to participate (January 16-18, 2026).  This is event is open to Plaza B&B guest only, book your room at Colonial Beach Plaza.

Link: https://colonialbeachevents.com/events/bed-and-brews-beach-retreat-weekend-2/

Venue: Colonial Beach Plaza B&B

Address: 21 Weems St, Colonial Beach, VA 22443

How to Be a Beer Judge 🍺

A Beginner’s Guide for Ice and Inn Brew Club Homebrew Competitions

Judging beer for the first time can feel intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. At its heart, beer judging is about thoughtful tasting, honest feedback, and respect for the brewer’s effort. This guide is designed specifically for novice or first-time judges participating in a local homebrew competition with the Ice and Inn Brew Club.

You don’t need to be a certified expert to be a great judge. You just need curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to learn.

What Is a Beer Judge, Really?

A beer judge’s job is to:

• Evaluate beer fairly and consistently
• Compare the beer to its intended style (if applicable)
• Identify strengths and flaws
• Provide constructive feedback to help brewers improve

You are not there to show off how much you know. You are there to serve the brewers and the competition.

Before You Start Judging

1. Prepare Your Palate

Before the competition:

• Avoid spicy, salty, or strongly flavored foods
• Don’t smoke or vape beforehand
• Avoid perfume, cologne, or scented lotions
• Stay hydrated (water is your friend)

During judging:

• Take small sips
• Rinse your mouth with water between beers
• Crackers or plain bread can help reset your palate

2. Know the Basics of Beer Styles (But Don’t Panic)

You are not expected to memorize every BJCP style. For a local Ice and Inn Brew Club competition:

• Read the style description provided, if any
• Focus on whether the beer seems:
  • Too bitter or too sweet
  • Too light or too heavy for the style
  • Balanced or unbalanced

If you’re unsure, it’s okay to say: “This seems more malt-forward than expected for the style.”

How to Taste a Beer Like a Judge

Judging usually follows a simple flow:

1. Appearance 👀

Look at the beer:

• Color (light, amber, dark, etc.)
• Clarity (clear, hazy, cloudy)
• Head retention (foam that lasts or disappears quickly)

Ask yourself:

• Does it look appealing?
• Does it match the expected style?

2. Aroma 👃

Swirl gently and smell:

• Malt (bread, caramel, toast)
• Hops (floral, citrus, pine, herbal)
• Yeast (fruity, spicy)
• Off-aromas (buttery, sour, sulfur, cardboard)

Tip: Take short sniffs, not one big inhale.

3. Flavor 👅

Take a sip and let it coat your mouth:

• Sweetness vs. bitterness
• Malt-forward or hop-forward
• Balance and aftertaste

Ask:

• Is the flavor pleasant?
• Does anything seem out of place?
• Would I want another sip?

4. Mouthfeel 🤏

Consider how it feels:

• Light, medium, or full-bodied
• Carbonation level
• Smooth, creamy, thin, or harsh

Mouthfeel matters more than many first-time judges expect.

5. Overall Impression ⭐

This is where you step back and think:

• Is this a good beer?
• Is it enjoyable?
• How well does it meet the brewer’s goal?

This section is perfect for encouraging, constructive comments.

Giving Good Feedback (This Is the Most Important Part)

Great judges help brewers get better.

Do This:

• Be specific: “A bit more carbonation might brighten this beer.”
• Be kind: “Nice malt character—very inviting.”
• Balance praise and critique

Avoid This:

• “I don’t like this style”
• Harsh or sarcastic language
• Comparing beers to commercial favorites

Remember: Someone made this beer by hand.

Common Beer Flaws (Beginner-Friendly List)

You don’t need to diagnose everything, but here are a few common ones:

• Buttery / popcorn – possible diacetyl
• Green apple – possible acetaldehyde
• Paper / cardboard – oxidation
• Sour when it shouldn’t be – contamination

If you’re unsure, say what you perceive rather than naming the flaw.

Judging Etiquette

• Don’t discuss scores loudly during judging
• Judge each beer independently
• Don’t rush—but keep things moving
• Respect the organizer’s instructions

If judging in a panel, be open to discussion—but don’t dominate it.

Final Thoughts: You’re Helping the Club Grow 🍻

As a first-time judge for the Ice and Inn Brew Club, you are:

• Supporting local homebrewers
• Encouraging creativity
• Helping raise the quality of future beers

You don’t need perfect words or perfect scores—just honest impressions and thoughtful feedback.

Welcome to the other side of the table. Cheers, and happy judging!

Beer Judging Resources 🍺

Craftbeer.com – Beer Styles Study Guide
https://www.craftbeer.com/beer/beer-styles-guide
BJCP style guidelines (Beer Judge Certification Program)
https://www.bjcp.org/beer-styles/beer-style-guidelines/
2026 Brewers Association Beer Style Guidelines
https://www.brewersassociation.org/edu/brewers-association-beer-style-guidelines/