BJCP 2021 / 34A
Commercial Specialty Beer
A beer that stands in credibly for the unique commercial beer it names.
- Any age
- specialty beer
Serve: As served for the declared beer, Suited to the declared beer
The BJCP gives no numbers. The brewer declares the beer and its vital statistics.
Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Judged against the declared commercial beer
- A clone need not be exact
- It should fit the broader type that beer represents
- Vague
- Like the original
- Better
- Close to the declared beer
- Best
- Matches the declared beer's yeast, spice and malt aroma at similar intensity
Appearance
3 pts- Judged against the declared beer
- Color and clarity as that beer shows them
- Head like the original
- Vague
- Similar
- Better
- Matches the original's look
- Best
- Color, clarity and head all in line with the declared beer
Flavor
20 pts- Judged against the declared beer
- Key flavors of the original present
- Balance close to the original
- Vague
- Similar
- Better
- Flavors of the original
- Best
- Hits the declared beer's main flavors in the same balance, finish in line
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Judged against the declared beer
- Body and carbonation of the original
- Warmth if the original has it
- Vague
- Similar
- Better
- Body like the original
- Best
- Body and carbonation close to the declared beer
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Close match to the declared profile
Drops it
- Missing the key trait of the original
Writing tip
Compare to the original point by point. Example: 'Matches the spicy yeast and dry finish of the original. Slightly less fruit.'
Pour these
- OrvalBrasserie d'OrvalBrett-finished Belgian pale ale with no matching style
- La ChouffeBrasserie d'AchouffeSpiced Belgian blond
Often confused with
- 34B Mixed-Style BeerMixed-Style Beer combines named styles
- 34C Experimental BeerExperimental Beer has no reference at all
Fine here
- Estery: If the original has fruit esters
Ruinous here
- Diacetyl: Butter
- Oxidized: Stale
- Phenolic: Chemical off-flavor
Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.