Homebrew Feedback

Homebrewers improve by getting valuable input from others. To help achieve this we encourage our members to bring samples of their homebrew to club meetings to be evaluated. However, since homebrew cannot legally be consumed outside of a private residence we’ve set up a simple process allowing members to get the feedback they need to make their beers, ciders, and meads even better.

If you want feedback on your homebrew

  1. Bottle at least two (2) samples of your homebrew.
  2. Download and print out the Homebrew Evaluation & Feedback Sheet – one copy for each sample.
  3. Fill in your name, contact, and style info.
  4. Bring the samples and sheets to the next club meeting or event, and find members willing to evaluate.
  5. Wait for feedback

If you’re providing feedback on another member’s homebrew

  1. Receive a homebrew sample and Homebrew Evaluation & Feedback Sheet from another member. Make sure their name, contact, and style are filled in.
  2. Carry out your evaluation of the brew AT HOME, and fill out the feedback sheet.
  3. Return the sample bottle and feedback sheet to the brewer at your next opportunity. Sheets can be given back in person, emailed, texted, sent through post, via carrier pigeon… however is most convenient for both.

Important Considerations

When bringing samples, try not to constantly pursue the same members to review homebrew. It can put an unfair burden on more experienced brewers and limit the lesser experienced from participating and gaining insights.

When evaluating samples, be constructive. If there are faults with a brew, offer suggestions on how to avoid them. Always find and share some positive aspects. The idea is to help each other improve.

Also, try to do the evaluation and provide your feedback to the brewer sooner rather than later – not just to be considerate of the brewer, but also to make sure you’re evaluating a “fresh” sample.

Aroma

Focus on the malt and the hops. Provide identifiable descriptors. List faults if present.

Appearance

Color, clarity, foam, head retention.

Flavour

Malts, hops, and the balance between them.
Body (dry vs. sweet), bitterness, and the balance between them.
Provide identifiable descriptors. List faults if present.

Mouthfeel

Carbonation, creaminess, texture, alcohol warmth, astringency, etc.

Overall Impression

Just like, your opinion, man.
The place to offer praise and/or constructive criticisms and advice.