Destroyer of Traditions AND Embracer of BJCP Guidelines!?

While I’m pretty confident in my brewing techniques and scientific know-how, I’ve recognized a gap: a thorough grasp of style guidelines. So, what did I decide?

Embarking on the journey to becoming Cicerone and BJCP Certified has lit a fire in me!

Challenge Accepted: I’m taking a deep dive into the 2021 BJCP catalog by brewing each and every style! From crafting recipes, embracing specific guidelines, understanding the rich history, to the nitty-gritty details, I aim to master the essence of the 2021 styles.

Now, you might assume I’d kick things off with Category 1A, the American Light Lager. Well, surprise! Perhaps it’s my rebellious streak, or memories from 12 years ago when I started brewing to break free from the “fizzy yellow water” norm, but that category isn’t first on my list. But don’t worry, we’ll circle back to it once I’m in the mood for a fulfilling checklist-induced dopamine rush.

Our journey begins with Category 2A, the International Pale Lager! Admittedly, it might not be the boldest choice, but it promises more depth and character than your average light American brew.

If you’re pondering the real value of this deep-dive, consider the last time you whipped up a recipe. Beginning with a foundational style can seamlessly guide you through constructing a malt bill, shaping a hop profile, determining water additions, and setting up a yeast/fermentation strategy. It’s like having a base model, which you can then artfully modify to your taste—even if it dances outside the lines of the BJCP guidelines.

Stay tuned and hop onto this adventure with me! My next post will unveil a crafted International Pale Lager recipe you won’t want to miss! 🍺