Just for the record, I was on the IPA judging panel that put Oregon Trail though yesterday, and I think I'm experienced and professional enough to stay objective, even with @tabamatu.bsky.social sitting on the next table judging milds...
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I still think this leaves the competition wide open to bias, unconscious or otherwise. Judging beer should be done blind. I judged a heat for CBOB 2026 the other week and was politely asked not to try and guess what the beer was.
Also, does this mean that the names of the judges and their interests will now be made public? I’ve had financial dealings with two of the six finalists, for example, would I be asked to declare this if I was selected as a judge?
All excellent questions, Matt. As far as I know this is the first year that the final judging panel will know the contenders in advance of assembling. It's in everyone's interest for the process to be transparent and robust.
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