What follows are the most frequently asked questions about Barley Legal.
Q: So is this year only dark beers or all beers?
A: This year, Barley Legal is open to ALL styles of beer. That's right, all of them. There's a separate set of judging for dark beers. We did this because there are some styles of beer, such as a Black IPA/Cascadian IPA, or a Wheatwine, that are not recognized by the BJCP, but are great styles unto themselves. Rather than grouping them together in the catch-all Specialty category, we've decided to have a separate set of judging and prizes for these beers.
Q: So I could technically brew a beer, enter it in Specialty, and have it win a prize for both that category and for the dark beer judging?
A: Yup.
Q: Wow, that's great.
A: We thought so. You still have to win, though, so don't start celebrating just yet.
Q: What constitutes a dark beer?
A: It has to be 17 SRM or higher in color.
Q: Why 17?
A: It's Barley Legal.
Q: That's tasteless.
A: We thought so. We're not going to disqualify you if it's 16. You'd be amazed what passes for 16. Amazed.
Q: How many entries do you expect?
A: Last year had over 100, and it was limited to German only beers. With the style cap lifted, we're hoping to have over 250 or so beers.
Q: How rigid are you on deadlines? If I send my beer to your mailing address or drop it off a minute or an hour past the deadline, am I disqualified?
A: We're not that rigid. But that being said, beer cataloguing is no easy task. We need to ensure that all entrants meet the requirements, that all the bottles are labelled properly, that all bottle entry forms are filled out correctly, and that everyone has paid the entry fees. If everything's in order, then a little tardiness isn't so bad. Just don't show up the day of the competition with the beer.
Q: Wait, isn't shipping beer through the mail illegal?
A: Yes, it is. You shouldn't do it. Until current laws are changed, it is illegal to ship through the USPS. You should, however, send your active yeast cultures to the mailing address listed on this page. Don't tell them it's an active yeast culture, either. We find the word "gifts" works quite well.
Q: I like that your entry fees came down from last year.
A: That's not really a question, but yes, they did, now down to $6. We still need to re-coup the costs from the judging session. Supplies and food are quite pricy.
Q: Can you give me a break on entry fees?
A: We understand that a lot of folks are suffering with unemployment and such right now. If that's the case, send us an e-mail at bjcpcomp@wootown.org and we'll examine it on a case-by-case basis.
Q: What's the deal with Wootown members receiving a break on entry fees?
A: There's a $1 savings if you're a Wootown member on entry fees. Membership in Wootown is open to anyone of legal drinking age. For $25 a year, you get some killer benefits, including discounted entry fees. You should consider joining.
Q: I noticed the ability to pay entry fees online. I'm not too keen on that. I don't feel that online transactions are safe. Do I have to pay online?
A: Okay, without giving away your identity too much to the other readers of this FAQ, suffice it to say, put your tinfoil helmet away. We went and got some SSLs and HTTPs and even sprung for 128 bits. It's safe. Don't worry. The organizers work in I.T. and with the government. You don't have to pay online. If you'd prefer, you may simply attach a personal check or money order (no cash!) to your bottle entry form. Make checks payable to "The Wootown Brewers".
Q: I noticed that your competition DOES allow swing top bottles and flip-top bottles. Why is that? What changed?
A: We spoke with a few homebrewing friends of ours who live in Germany. There, apparently, flip-top bottles ("Grolsch-style") are virtually free, whereas capping materials and caps are relatively hard to come by. We're OK with it.
Q: Is your competition open to the public?
A: Let's clarify here...anyone may participate in the competition in the following ways: Entrant, Sponsor, Judge, Volunteer, or Steward. In order to do so, you must first contact the competition organizers and let them know how you want to be involved. This competition is for people in those groups only, and is NOT open to the general public to just come and hang out. If you want to be there, you have to be involved -- plain and simple.
Q: I looked through this site, and I noticed that everything lists "BJCP Competition Organizers" as the people behind this competition. What's the deal? Why don't you reveal who's behind the curtain?
A: There have been eight individuals core to making sure that this competition happens, and who are working incredibly hard in ensuring that entrants receive outstanding comments, that the prizes lined up are outstanding, that all the logistics are taken care of. There's a lot that goes into planning a competition, and Chris, Jeff, Rob, Roy, Tom, Jamie, Joy and Dean have a lot to do yet. That being said, if you're interested in joining in the effort, send us an e-mail.
Q: I dig the art. Who's your artist?
A: He'll be attending the judging portion of the competition and there for the awards and prizes announcements.
Q: Your posters seem to be getting more racy. What are you planning on doing next year?
A: Just you wait. All we can say is God Bless America.
Q: Can you or the artist hook me up with the contact details for the Barley Girl?
A: Dream on, pal. Dream on.