UKCider Challenge

From Ukcider

There has been a fair amount of talk about competitions (why thy exist, how can they be judged fairly, west vs. east divide, etc.), and this is some support for putting together a UKCider competition that is equitable for all members of the group.

With this in mind, this page is a 'first shot' of ideas about a UKCider Challenge. it is not a complete formula for a competition, but a start which can hopefully be developed into a real event next summer. In producing the suggestion below, effort has been made to incorporate as many wishes as have been made public through the discussions.

Principles

It should:

  1. Be open to all members of UKCider
  2. Have categories to be as broad as possible, whilst taking into account the main styles.
  3. Have an emphasis on fun and enjoyment
  4. NOT to rely on small number of judges – it is to be a competition of peers, judged by peers.
  5. Provide an opportunity for feedback for entrants from fellow cidermakers/drinkers.

Concept #1

(Put forward by Jez (and taken from group discussions)

An open Challenge for UKCider members making up participants and judges. Entries invited online, attendees open to all (even if not competing). Basically, a gallon of cider in an unmarked demi-john, which is logged and numbered by a facilitator and dished out to all attendees who want to 'judge'. This would be graded on a score sheet under: Appearance, Aroma, Balance, Flavour, Body, Finish, and Overall Impression, with notes (for any problem or comments).

Three 'style' categories and awards with an overall 'Champion' - East, West and Mixed. Scores based on points out of 10 for each part. In addition, a bronze/silver and gold medal awarded to ciders that score a consistent average across all sections (e.g. bronze = average 5 points, silver = average 6.5 points, gold = average 8 points).

The event itself would be a get together, rather than a formal affair. As suggested recently, it could be a weekend gathering of cidernauts, starting with the tasting and ending in some kind of festivities/barbeque etc.

Not sure what award could be given - may be just the kudos of recognition by ones peers may be sufficient.

Things to work out

Rules. The basics are included above, but there are some other things to think about: How many entries per person? How do we handle too many entries?

What next?

Well, that is a start. Having never been to a cider competition there will be a number of things that haven't been thought of. However, not having been involved in cider competition is also a pretty good place to start if all the baggage needs to be removed.

In order to make it happen, support needs to be noted and a pretty solid plan needs to form. Example entry forms and score sheets will be posted on this page for cidernauts to evaluate. However, what happens (if it happens) is up to the group. Personally I think it will be a good event to have! --Jez Howat 22:04, 8 December 2008 (GMT)