Hey. I am updating this post from last Friday.

I got my NERHBC scoresheets in the mail. I got low marks for my submission to the specialty beer category because my ‘specialty ingredient’ was not specified on my entry.

I remember submitting ‘maple syrup’ as the specialty ingredient when I filled out the online form.

I guess I feel a bit frustrated that my maple porter wasn’t given a thorough review because of this supposed omission. Oh well, better luck next time.  I think I will write to the organizers just to figure out what happened or what I can do next time to make sure I submit my entries correctly.

For my submission to the Porter category, here is a synopsis of the comments:

Aroma: Dark ripe fruits,  toffee, alcohol

Appearance:  Brown to Black,  Off white and persistent head retention.

Flavor: BIG, Well attenuated, Sweet Start, Complex malt flavor, Finishes somewhat cloying.

Mouthfeel: Medium carbonation ok

Overall Impression: Good example of a baltic porter…one judge thought the overall sweetness detracted from the enjoyment of the beer.

My final assigned score was 33 out of 50…which places it in the “very good” beer range.  The ranges “Outstanding” (45-50) and “Excellent” (38-44) being above that.

The whole competition experience has been a lot of fun.  It was fascinating to read the judges comments.  I planned to retool this recipe anyway.  I will update the Maple Porter Recipe before I brew it again.