Perhaps I'd better start with my own introduction to the world of the BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program). My journey started a year ago when I could still call myself a New Yorker, with the first certification class, held at wondrous craft beer cave Jimmy’s 43 in Manhattan’s East Village. There every Tuesday, we BJCP hopefuls would eschew sunlight and fresh air to work our way through tasting every style in the beer guidelines, from Light Lager (no offense light lager, but let’s skip past this portion quickly) to a very fun Belgian class. We sampled common off-flavors ranging from dirty socks to buttered popcorn (amazingly, not in a positive way). BJCP exam spots are highly sought after, and I totally lucked into one based, not on my expertise, but attendance. I emerged from all this with a new appreciation for my (sadly diminished) college memorization skills and a bit more knowledge for judging beers. It has been and will continue to be a learning process.
Six months ago I moved from NYC (the land of 24hr everything, but sadly also the $9 pint) to Philadelphia, where it seems like you're always a stone's throw from beer being freshly made, right this moment. Not to be all "official Philly blog," but, as I expand my understanding of beer, I hope to get to know Philly better too.
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