This sixth edition of the Barcelona Beer Challenge 2021 presents a few new features in the competition categories. The competition is still based on the BJCP beer classification, under its evaluation criteria but for this edition the steering committee of the competition has decided to expand the competition categories to respond to the reality of the market and the sector.
These deliberations were developed on two main axes. In on side, the fast evolution of the hop styles with the creation of new concepts and sub-styles. On the other side, the brewers are starting to produce new beverages close to beer styles.
Analyzing the participation of other editions, a continuous growth of the ‘Other’ section has been observed in categories 18 (Pale American Ale), 21 (IPA) and 22 (Strong American Ale). This caused that usual styles in the portfolios of the breweries and in the blackboards of specialized locals, don’t fit correctly in the categories defined by BCJP in 2015.
Thus, in this edition a series of subcategories have been created to respond to this request by breweries. These new subcategories are:
18C – Specialty Pale Ale (A) New England Pale Ale
18C – Specialty Pale Ale (B) Milkshake Pale Ale
18C – Specialty Pale Ale (C) Fruit Pale Ale
18C – Specialty Pale Ale (D) Other Specialty Pale Ale
21B – Specialty IPA (H) – Milkshake IPA
21B – Specialty IPA (I) – Fruit IPA
21B – Specialty IPA (J) – Session IPA
21B – Specialty IPA (K) – Brut IPA
21B – Specialty IPA (L) – Other Specialty IPA
22E – Specialty Strong American Ale (A) Doble NEIPA
22E – Specialty Strong American Ale (B) Doble Milkshake IPA
22E – Specialty Strong American Ale (C) Doble Fruit IPA
22E – Specialty Strong American Ale (D) Other Strong American Ale
On the other hand, to answer this new reality that is emerging in the country’s factories, we decided to open two new categories of their own because of the irruption of new drinks and the commitment to the diversification of products and business lines. Thus, in this edition there are two specific categories for:
Y1 – Non Alcoholic Beer
I2 – Hard Seltzer
With these changes, the organization hopes to continue creating useful tools for improvement and communication for the sector. Foster the innovative and professional spirit it has maintained since the first edition.
