BJCP Class for palate development

[Thirsty Mallard]

So my LHBS is having some BJCP classes soon at the very reasonable cost of $15 (which includes the beer!).

I don't think I have a defined enough palate to take the test and try to become a judge or anything, but I thought the classes may be great to help me start to really develop my palate and learn more on how to taste.

Any thoughts from the BJCP certified guys out there?

[Homegrown Hops]

I am not affiliated with BJCP but if I had a chance like that I would be on it like white on rice. Go for it JRoche, hell I'll kick in $5 just to hear what you learned.

HH

[Danno]

Two tips: First, take the class. Your pallate will develop faster with good instructional help. Second, take the test earlier than you want to. You have nothing to lose and any judging points you earn will be counted towards your Certified and higher levels. Otherwise, only those points earned in the year preceeding your first test are counted. I lost a lot of points that way.

Once you 've taken the test, then you only have to re-take either portion of the test. You don't have to worry about doing both which will make scoring higher, easier.

I only made Certified on my first test after taking a BJCP class three times. There's no need fr me to take the test again until I've earned enough points to be a National. Once those tally up, then I'll take the test again but only one portion at a time.