BJCP 2021 / 34B

Mixed-Style Beer

A beer that mixes styles, methods or ingredients into something harmonious.

Drink fresh
specialty beer

Serve: Suited to the declared styles, Suited to the declared styles

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 base styles
Ingredients and methods as declared
Parts of the combination work together

Vague: Hybrid
Better: Blend of the declared styles
Best: Clean lager aroma with bold hops, as a hoppy Helles would suggest

Appearance

3 pts

Judged against the declared styles
Color and clarity fit the blend
Head to suit

Vague: Pale
Better: Fits the declared blend
Best: Color and clarity matching the mix of styles named

Flavor

20 pts

Judged against the declared styles
Blend is harmonious
Pleasant to drink

Vague: Mixed
Better: Blend of the declared styles
Best: Flavors of both styles present in balance, finish easy to drink

Mouthfeel

5 pts

Judged against the declared styles
Body and carbonation fit the blend
Smooth

Vague: Smooth
Better: Fits the declared blend
Best: Body and carbonation suited to the combination, smooth

Overall Impression

10 pts

Lifts it

Clear logic to the blend
Balance

Drops it

Parts that fight each other

Writing tip

Judge the base styles first, then the blend. Example: 'Helles malt with bright hop fruit, crisp finish. The two halves fit.'

Pour these

Hoponius UnionJack's AbbyIndia pale lager
Pivo PilsFirestone WalkerHoppy pilsner
Helles SuperiorOmmegangStrong Helles

Often confused with

34A Commercial Specialty BeerCommercial Specialty Beer follows one real beer
34C Experimental BeerExperimental Beer has no declared base

Fine here

Estery: If a declared style calls for it

Ruinous here

Diacetyl: Butter
Oxidized: Stale
Sulfur: Heavy rotten egg

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.