NHC re-brewing question

General Homebrew Discussion
1

I entered an imperial brown in the specialty beer category.  I’d like to brew a similar recipe this weekend that I could enter in the second round on the off-chance my beer makes it.  Since its the specialty beer category how similar would the beer need to be to the first beer?  For example- could I enter a black IPA instead of an imperial brown or does it need to be of the same base style? I ask because I’d like to brew a black IPA this weekend but I have no more of the imperial brown and who knows whether I’ll go through to second round.

Thanks

2

I don’t think it would really be in keeping with the spirit of the competition.

Plus in 23 your entries are judged against whatever you wrote in the comments. I’m assuming that wouldn’t match up very well if you change “styles”.

3

So I don’t get to submit a new entry form in the second round where I could clarify the base style?  I wouldnt think of doing this in any other catgeory- just 23.  I doubt I’ll even make it in and I want to brew a different specialty beer this weekend but I would hate to make it to the 2nd round and not be able to enter, or to do something others think is messed up.

4

No changing the description - so if you’re rebrewing - keep it the same.

Regardless, even if you did get to change the description I would say its poor form to try and advance a drastically different recipe from your first round qualifier.

5

cool.  That’s what I needed.  thx

6

Hi Cliff,

Re-brewing is allowed for any style entered in the National Homebrew Competition.  Unfortunately, you have to submit the same style that was originally entered; that is, I doubt a black IPA would fare as well in the judging since it would be judged as an imperial brown ale, which is how the entry is described in the competition database.

Good luck in the competition!

Cheers,
    Janis Gross
    National Homebrew Competition Director
    AHA Project Coordinator
    janis@brewersassociation.org

7

You have to love this Forum, only here would Drew Beechum and Janis Gross respond to an NHC question!  It’s nice to know that there is some great expertise here.

8

Janis, I think your explanation is nice and concise, but I’d lose the “unfortunately”.  Nothing unfortunate about needing to brew again!  Especially since I think we could all use some practice in replicating recipes for good measure.  Not to mention it would be nothing but unfair to get your foot in the door with one beer, then switch it up with something that might not have even made it through the 1st round.

9

Agreed!

Now I just have to find out whether my re-brewing of the recipe was worthwhile for NHC or whether I just ended up with a bunch more of a tasty imperial brown ale to drink myself.  Hmmm.  It’s kind of a win- win!