Beer Style Guides
The Style Sessions (Prud’homme Beer Certification)
A closer look at traditional beer styles by the program, examining the characteristics of each style and discussing the history of the style and other important elements of the style.
BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program)
Founded in 1985, the Beer Judge Certification Program is a world-wide organization that certifies judges of beer, cider, and mead. The BJCP has a global presense with over 7,000 active judges in more than 60 countries. Judges are certified through examinations covering technical aspects of brewing, world beer styles, the BJCP itself, including judging procedures, and by demonstrating practical judging skills. Judges are ranked based on their examination scores and accumulation of practical judging experience through a points system.
The BJCP has gained natural increased popularity in the past two decades, with the growth in the global beer industry. Taking exams and receiving grades can be a long and ardurous process due to the lack of staff, as most members of the organization work on a volunteer basis. We do recommend the BJCP. Their beer styles are not the end all for how a beer should be brewed or presented to a customer, but they help us all understand what we are dealing with and most importantly, the historical acpects and orgins of styles and ingredients.
The Cicerone Certificatioin Program uses the BJCP in all of their certifications.
Brewer’s Association
Their Purpose is to promote and protect American craft brewers, their beers, and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The Brewers Association is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit trade association. The association is an organization of brewers, for brewers and by brewers. Nearly 6,500 U.S. professional members and 30,000 members of the American Homebrewers Association are joined by members of the allied trade, beer wholesalers, retailers, individuals, other associate members and the Brewers Association staff to make up the Brewers Association.
Their Mission
The Brewers Association will support the longevity of the craft brewing community by advancing these strategic objectives:
Promote access to markets and raw materials
Support research and advances in sustainability, education, technology, and raw materials
Exercise political influence to secure fair legislative and regulatory treatment
Foster the commitment to holistic safety, quality, and operational excellence
Educate consumers, retailers, and wholesalers to value and champion beer from craft brewers and to grow the market
Encourage innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to a thriving beer culture among craft brewers, homebrewers, and beer enthusiasts
Ensure trust with our members
Continuously adopt and promote organizational practices that are so inclusive, equitable, and just that diversity of all kinds flourishes
Promote and support the well-being (and a sense of belonging) of the people of the craft brewing community
Promote sustainable operational practices that enhance environmental stewardship
Preserve and share brewing history and knowledge
Promote business practices that improve economic and social sustainability
Promote independent brewers
Their style guidelines are updated once a year, so we expect to see an 2024 version by summer.
Here’s a blank Beer Journal to help, as you begin your studies.