Just got back from the 6 hour KCBS CBJ class in Sacramento CA. It was well worth the $45 fee. There was a combination of Competition Teams (about 50% of the class) and just plain folks like me. We learned what it takes to judge a competition within the categories of Appearance, Taste and Texture. Our categories were Chicken, Pork, Brisket and Ribs. It was an enlightening experience. We got to taste and judge all categories.
So.what did I as a backyard Q'er gain from this? I will now be a tiny bit more critical of my smokes so that my family gets a better product. I will hold my self to a higher standard.
After the Class ended, the local teams that cooked for us were judged by the experienced Judges. The swing in Judges tastes and ratings were about the same as mine were. Some judges were tough and some a little more liberal. I was a little intiminated at first but I am looking forward to judging my first comp.
So.what did I as a backyard Q'er gain from this? I will now be a tiny bit more critical of my smokes so that my family gets a better product. I will hold my self to a higher standard.
After the Class ended, the local teams that cooked for us were judged by the experienced Judges. The swing in Judges tastes and ratings were about the same as mine were. Some judges were tough and some a little more liberal. I was a little intiminated at first but I am looking forward to judging my first comp.