Salt City Brew Club: Style Guidelines
A Treatise on Style
There are two ends to the brewing spectrum when it comes to style: those who care, and those who don't. Those who care make sure each ingredient perfectly aligns with the predefined definition of that particular style. Malts, Hops, Yeasts...everything is an attempt to coincide multiple factors -- resulting in a competition-worthy beer, that meets all the standards of brewing.
The other end doesn't care. They brew what they like, and measure as they see fit. Both types of brewer, and all the variable types in-between, are "right." They are right in the sense that we all are trying to brew a good beer. Style guidelines can help you learn important facts about brewing, and certainly are not to be completely ignored...having a good working knowledge of a Scottish Ale vs. an India Pale Ale is always good. However, the degree to which you adhere to style is up to you.
NOTE: The SCBC uses the BJBC style guidelines for its competitions.
