1,800 beers to be tasted by the judges of the Brussels Beer Challenge in Eupen
Illustration
The jurors are grouped by international tables.
RTBF – Olivier Thunus
The Brussels Beer Challenge, a large international beer tasting competition, is taking place until Thursday in Eupen. 1,800 beers are judged there, so the tastings are done in the most serious way. In the tasting room, silence is the order of the day. Only the clinking of glasses breaks this one. The competition is international and renowned: "We have a total of 41 countries represented. Brewers from these countries sent in quality beers to be judged by a panel of 80 jurors from about 20 different countries," explains Thomas Costenoble, director.
Illustration
On these tables, two days of tastings.
RTBF – Olivier Thunus
These beers are divided into different categories and only the best of each category receives a gold medal. A silver and bronze medal is awarded to the second and third place. The jurors also come from all continents. So how do they judge these beers? "We have very precise standards, on color, aroma, taste, aftertaste, and we have a rating system that is linked to all these criteria," explains the Belgian Charles Nouwen. "The evaluation of these criteria may vary depending on the background of the jurors. We don't necessarily agree, depending on where we come from. We influence our odds by what we eat and drink every day. This automatically has an impact on our way of judging", adds the Swiss Yan Amstein. "What triggers my heart is the balance. The malty side, the hop side, the bitterness, all of this forms a whole and explodes in the mouth. We know right away. We feel the love and we say to ourselves: ah yes, this one is perfect or almost", says Maryse Picard from Quebec.
Illustration
The 80 judges come from about 20 different countries.
RTBF – Olivier Thunus
Each juror tastes 35 beers a day, in small quantities. A matter of habit, they say.
