Style guide

BJCP 2021

Beer Judge Certification Program 2021 style guides.

Altbier

BJCP.2021.7.B

Amber Bitter European Beer

4.3
-
5.5
%
1.044
-
1.052
1.008
-
1.014
17.7
-
33.5
25
-
50
IBU

Alternative Grain Beer

BJCP.2021.31.A

Alternative Fermentables Beer

A base beer enhanced by or featuring the character of additional grains. The specific character depends greatly on the added grains.

Alternative Sugar Beer

BJCP.2021.31.B

Alternative Fermentables Beer

A tasteful integration of sugar and beer, but still recognizable as beer. The sugar character should both be evident and in balance with the beer, not so forward as to suggest an artificial product.

American Amber Ale

BJCP.2021.19.A

Amber and Brown American Beer

4.5
-
6.2
%
1.045
-
1.060
1.010
-
1.015
19.7
-
33.5
25
-
40
IBU

American Barleywine

BJCP.2021.22.C

Strong American Ale

8
-
12
%
1.080
-
1.120
1.016
-
1.030
17.7
-
35.5
50
-
100
IBU

American Brown Ale

BJCP.2021.19.C

Amber and Brown American Beer

4.3
-
6.2
%
1.045
-
1.060
1.010
-
1.016
35.5
-
69
20
-
30
IBU

American IPA

BJCP.2021.21.A

IPA

5.5
-
7.5
%
1.056
-
1.070
1.008
-
1.014
11.8
-
27.6
40
-
70
IBU

American Lager

BJCP.2021.1.B

Standard American Beer

4.2
-
5.3
%
1.040
-
1.050
1.004
-
1.010
3.9
-
6.9
8
-
18
IBU

American Light Lager

BJCP.2021.1.A

Standard American Beer

2.8
-
4.2
%
1.028
-
1.040
0.998
-
1.008
3.9
-
5.9
8
-
12
IBU

American Pale Ale

BJCP.2021.18.B

Pale American Ale

4.5
-
6.2
%
1.045
-
1.060
1.010
-
1.015
9.8
-
19.7
30
-
50
IBU

American Porter

BJCP.2021.20.A

American Porter and Stout

4.8
-
6.5
%
1.050
-
1.070
1.012
-
1.018
43.3
-
78.8
25
-
50
IBU

American Stout

BJCP.2021.20.B

American Porter and Stout

5
-
7
%
1.050
-
1.075
1.010
-
1.022
59.1
-
78.8
35
-
75
IBU

American Strong Ale

BJCP.2021.22.B

Strong American Ale

6.3
-
10
%
1.062
-
1.090
1.014
-
1.024
13.8
-
35.5
50
-
100
IBU

American Wheat Beer

BJCP.2021.1.D

Standard American Beer

4
-
5.5
%
1.040
-
1.055
1.008
-
1.013
5.9
-
11.8
15
-
30
IBU

Australian Sparkling Ale

BJCP.2021.12.B

Pale Commonwealth Beer

4.5
-
6
%
1.038
-
1.050
1.004
-
1.006
7.9
-
13.8
20
-
35
IBU

Autumn Seasonal Beer

BJCP.2021.30.B

Spiced Beer

A malty, spiced beer that often has a moderately rich body and slightly warming finish suggesting a good accompaniment for the cool fall season, and often evocative of harvest or Thanksgiving traditions.

Baltic Porter

BJCP.2021.9.C

Strong European Beer

6.5
-
9.5
%
1.060
-
1.090
1.016
-
1.024
33.5
-
59.1
20
-
40
IBU

Belgian Blond Ale

BJCP.2021.25.A

Strong Belgian Ale

6
-
7.5
%
1.062
-
1.075
1.008
-
1.018
7.9
-
11.8
15
-
30
IBU

Belgian Dark Strong Ale

BJCP.2021.26.D

Monastic Ale

8
-
12
%
1.075
-
1.110
1.010
-
1.024
23.6
-
43.3
20
-
35
IBU

Belgian Dubbel

BJCP.2021.26.B

Monastic Ale

6
-
7.6
%
1.062
-
1.075
1.008
-
1.018
19.7
-
33.5
15
-
25
IBU

Belgian Golden Strong Ale

BJCP.2021.25.C

Strong Belgian Ale

7.5
-
10.5
%
1.070
-
1.095
1.005
-
1.016
5.9
-
11.8
22
-
35
IBU

Belgian Pale Ale

BJCP.2021.24.B

Belgian Ale

4.8
-
5.5
%
1.048
-
1.054
1.010
-
1.014
15.8
-
27.6
20
-
30
IBU

Belgian Single

BJCP.2021.26.A

Monastic Ale

4.8
-
6
%
1.044
-
1.054
1.004
-
1.010
5.9
-
9.8
25
-
45
IBU

Belgian Tripel

BJCP.2021.26.C

Monastic Ale

7.5
-
9.5
%
1.075
-
1.085
1.008
-
1.014
8.9
-
13.8
20
-
40
IBU

Berliner Weisse

BJCP.2021.23.A

European Sour Ale

2.8
-
3.8
%
1.028
-
1.032
1.003
-
1.006
3.9
-
5.9
3
-
8
IBU

Best Bitter

BJCP.2021.11.B

British Bitter

3.8
-
4.6
%
1.040
-
1.048
1.008
-
1.012
15.8
-
31.5
25
-
40
IBU

Bière de Garde

BJCP.2021.24.C

Belgian Ale

6
-
8.5
%
1.060
-
1.080
1.008
-
1.016
11.8
-
37.4
18
-
28
IBU

Blonde Ale

BJCP.2021.18.A

Pale American Ale

3.8
-
5.5
%
1.038
-
1.054
1.008
-
1.013
5.9
-
11.8
15
-
28
IBU

Brett Beer

BJCP.2021.28.A

American Wild Ale

Most often drier and fruitier than the base style suggests. Fruity or funky notes range from low to high, depending on the age of the beer and strains of Brett used. May possess a light non-lactic acidity.

British Brown Ale

BJCP.2021.13.B

Brown British Beer

4.2
-
5.9
%
1.040
-
1.052
1.008
-
1.013
23.6
-
43.3
20
-
30
IBU

British Golden Ale

BJCP.2021.12.A

Pale Commonwealth Beer

3.8
-
5
%
1.038
-
1.053
1.006
-
1.012
3.9
-
9.8
20
-
45
IBU

British Strong Ale

BJCP.2021.17.A

Strong British Ale

5.5
-
8
%
1.055
-
1.080
1.015
-
1.022
15.8
-
43.3
30
-
60
IBU

California Common

BJCP.2021.19.B

Amber and Brown American Beer

4.5
-
5.5
%
1.048
-
1.054
1.011
-
1.014
17.7
-
27.6
30
-
45
IBU

Classic Style Smoked Beer

BJCP.2021.32.A

Smoked Beer

A well-balanced fusion of the malt and hops of the base beer style with a pleasant and agreeable smoke character.

Commercial Specialty Beer

BJCP.2021.34.A

Specialty Beer

Based on declared beer.

Cream Ale

BJCP.2021.1.C

Standard American Beer

4.2
-
5.6
%
1.042
-
1.055
1.006
-
1.012
3.9
-
9.8
8
-
20
IBU

Czech Amber Lager

BJCP.2021.3.C

Czech Lager

4.4
-
5.8
%
1.044
-
1.060
1.013
-
1.017
19.7
-
31.5
20
-
35
IBU

Czech Dark Lager

BJCP.2021.3.D

Czech Lager

4.4
-
5.8
%
1.044
-
1.060
1.013
-
1.017
33.5
-
69
18
-
34
IBU

Czech Pale Lager

BJCP.2021.3.A

Czech Lager

3
-
4.1
%
1.028
-
1.044
1.008
-
1.014
5.9
-
11.8
20
-
35
IBU

Czech Premium Pale Lager

BJCP.2021.3.B

Czech Lager

4.2
-
5.8
%
1.044
-
1.060
1.013
-
1.017
6.9
-
11.8
30
-
45
IBU

Dark Mild

BJCP.2021.13.A

Brown British Beer

3
-
3.8
%
1.030
-
1.038
1.008
-
1.013
27.6
-
49.3
10
-
25
IBU

Doppelbock

BJCP.2021.9.A

Strong European Beer

7
-
10
%
1.072
-
1.112
1.016
-
1.024
11.8
-
49.3
16
-
26
IBU

Double IPA

BJCP.2021.22.A

Strong American Ale

7.5
-
10
%
1.065
-
1.085
1.008
-
1.018
11.8
-
27.6
60
-
100
IBU

Dunkles Bock

BJCP.2021.6.C

Amber Malty European Lager

6.3
-
7.2
%
1.064
-
1.072
1.013
-
1.019
27.6
-
43.3
20
-
27
IBU

Dunkles Weissbier

BJCP.2021.10.B

German Wheat Beer

4.3
-
5.6
%
1.044
-
1.057
1.008
-
1.014
27.6
-
45.3
10
-
18
IBU

Eisbock

BJCP.2021.9.B

Strong European Beer

9
-
14
%
1.078
-
1.120
1.020
-
1.035
33.5
-
59.1
25
-
35
IBU

English Barleywine

BJCP.2021.17.D

Strong British Ale

8
-
12
%
1.080
-
1.120
1.018
-
1.030
15.8
-
43.3
35
-
70
IBU

English IPA

BJCP.2021.12.C

Pale Commonwealth Beer

5
-
7.5
%
1.050
-
1.070
1.010
-
1.015
11.8
-
27.6
40
-
60
IBU

English Porter

BJCP.2021.13.C

Brown British Beer

4
-
5.4
%
1.040
-
1.052
1.008
-
1.014
39.4
-
59.1
18
-
35
IBU

Experimental Beer

BJCP.2021.34.C

Specialty Beer

Varies, but should be a unique experience.

Festbier

BJCP.2021.4.B

Pale Malty European Lager

5.8
-
6.3
%
1.054
-
1.057
1.010
-
1.012
7.9
-
11.8
18
-
25
IBU

Flanders Red Ale

BJCP.2021.23.B

European Sour Ale

4.6
-
6.5
%
1.048
-
1.057
1.002
-
1.012
19.7
-
33.5
10
-
25
IBU

Foreign Extra Stout

BJCP.2021.16.D

Dark British Beer

6.3
-
8
%
1.056
-
1.075
1.010
-
1.018
59.1
-
78.8
50
-
70
IBU

Fruit Beer

BJCP.2021.29.A

Fruit Beer

A pleasant integration of fruit with beer, but still recognizable as beer. The fruit character should be evident but in balance with the beer, not so forward as to suggest an artificial product.

Fruit Lambic

BJCP.2021.23.F

European Sour Ale

5
-
7
%
1.040
-
1.060
1.000
-
1.010
5.9
-
13.8
0
-
10
IBU

Fruit and Spice Beer

BJCP.2021.29.B

Fruit Beer

A tasteful union of fruit, spice, and beer, but still recognizable as beer. The fruit and spice character should each be evident but in balance with the beer, not so forward as to suggest an artificial product.

German Helles Exportbier

BJCP.2021.5.C

Pale Bitter European Beer

5
-
6
%
1.050
-
1.058
1.008
-
1.015
7.9
-
11.8
20
-
30
IBU

German Leichtbier

BJCP.2021.5.A

Pale Bitter European Beer

2.4
-
3.6
%
1.026
-
1.034
1.006
-
1.010
3
-
7.9
15
-
28
IBU

German Pils

BJCP.2021.5.D

Pale Bitter European Beer

4.4
-
5.2
%
1.044
-
1.050
1.008
-
1.013
3.9
-
7.9
22
-
40
IBU

Gose

BJCP.2021.23.G

European Sour Ale

4.2
-
4.8
%
1.036
-
1.056
1.006
-
1.010
5.9
-
7.9
5
-
12
IBU

Grape Ale

BJCP.2021.29.D

Fruit Beer

6
-
8.5
%
1.059
-
1.075
1.004
-
1.013
7.9
-
15.8
10
-
30
IBU

Gueuze

BJCP.2021.23.E

European Sour Ale

5
-
8
%
1.040
-
1.054
1.000
-
1.006
9.8
-
11.8
0
-
10
IBU

Hazy IPA

BJCP.2021.21.C

IPA

6
-
9
%
1.060
-
1.085
1.010
-
1.015
5.9
-
13.8
25
-
60
IBU

Helles Bock

BJCP.2021.4.C

Pale Malty European Lager

6.3
-
7.4
%
1.064
-
1.072
1.011
-
1.018
11.8
-
17.7
23
-
35
IBU

Historical Beer: Kellerbier

BJCP.2021.27.A

Historical Beer

An unfiltered, unpasteurized, fully-attenuated German lager traditionally served from lagering vessels. May be a little richer, more robust, and rustic than the base styles. A fresh beer without fermentation defects associated with young, green (unfinished) beer.

Historical Beer: Kentucky Common

BJCP.2021.27.A

Historical Beer

4
-
5.5
%
1.044
-
1.055
1.010
-
1.018
21.7
-
39.4
15
-
30
IBU

Historical Beer: Lichtenhainer

BJCP.2021.27.A

Historical Beer

3.5
-
4.7
%
1.032
-
1.040
1.004
-
1.008
5.9
-
11.8
5
-
12
IBU

Historical Beer: London Brown Ale

BJCP.2021.27.A

Historical Beer

2.8
-
3.6
%
1.033
-
1.038
1.012
-
1.015
43.3
-
69
15
-
20
IBU

Historical Beer: Piwo Grodziskie

BJCP.2021.27.A

Historical Beer

2.5
-
3.3
%
1.028
-
1.032
1.006
-
1.012
5.9
-
11.8
20
-
35
IBU

Historical Beer: Pre-Prohibition Lager

BJCP.2021.27.A

Historical Beer

4.5
-
6
%
1.044
-
1.060
1.010
-
1.015
5.9
-
11.8
25
-
40
IBU

Historical Beer: Pre-Prohibition Porter

BJCP.2021.27.A

Historical Beer

4.5
-
6
%
1.046
-
1.060
1.010
-
1.016
39.4
-
59.1
20
-
30
IBU

Historical Beer: Roggenbier

BJCP.2021.27.A

Historical Beer

4.5
-
6
%
1.046
-
1.056
1.010
-
1.014
27.6
-
37.4
10
-
20
IBU

Historical Beer: Sahti

BJCP.2021.27.A

Historical Beer

7
-
11
%
1.076
-
1.120
1.016
-
1.038
7.9
-
43.3
0
-
15
IBU

Imperial Stout

BJCP.2021.20.C

American Porter and Stout

8
-
12
%
1.075
-
1.115
1.018
-
1.030
59.1
-
78.8
50
-
90
IBU

International Amber Lager

BJCP.2021.2.B

International Lager

4.5
-
6
%
1.042
-
1.055
1.008
-
1.014
11.8
-
27.6
8
-
25
IBU

International Dark Lager

BJCP.2021.2.C

International Lager

4.2
-
6
%
1.044
-
1.056
1.008
-
1.012
27.6
-
59.1
8
-
20
IBU

International Pale Lager

BJCP.2021.2.A

International Lager

4.5
-
6
%
1.042
-
1.050
1.008
-
1.012
3.9
-
11.8
18
-
25
IBU

Irish Extra Stout

BJCP.2021.15.C

Irish Beer

5
-
6.5
%
1.052
-
1.062
1.010
-
1.014
59.1
-
78.8
35
-
50
IBU

Irish Red Ale

BJCP.2021.15.A

Irish Beer

3.8
-
5
%
1.036
-
1.046
1.010
-
1.014
17.7
-
27.6
18
-
28
IBU

Irish Stout

BJCP.2021.15.B

Irish Beer

4
-
4.5
%
1.036
-
1.044
1.007
-
1.011
49.3
-
78.8
25
-
45
IBU

Kölsch

BJCP.2021.5.B

Pale Bitter European Beer

4.4
-
5.2
%
1.044
-
1.050
1.007
-
1.011
6.9
-
9.8
18
-
30
IBU

Lambic

BJCP.2021.23.D

European Sour Ale

5
-
6.5
%
1.040
-
1.054
1.001
-
1.010
5.9
-
11.8
0
-
10
IBU

Märzen

BJCP.2021.6.A

Amber Malty European Lager

5.6
-
6.3
%
1.054
-
1.060
1.010
-
1.014
15.8
-
33.5
18
-
24
IBU

Mixed-Fermentation Sour Beer

BJCP.2021.28.B

American Wild Ale

A sour and funky version of a base style of beer.

Mixed-Style Beer

BJCP.2021.34.B

Specialty Beer

Based on the declared Base Styles, methods, and ingredients. As with all Specialty-Type Beers, the resulting combination of beer styles needs to be harmonious and balanced, and be pleasant to drink.

Munich Dunkel

BJCP.2021.8.A

Dark European Lager

4.5
-
5.6
%
1.048
-
1.056
1.010
-
1.016
33.5
-
55.2
18
-
28
IBU

Munich Helles

BJCP.2021.4.A

Pale Malty European Lager

4.7
-
5.4
%
1.044
-
1.048
1.006
-
1.012
5.9
-
9.8
16
-
22
IBU

Oatmeal Stout

BJCP.2021.16.B

Dark British Beer

4.2
-
5.9
%
1.045
-
1.065
1.010
-
1.018
43.3
-
78.8
25
-
40
IBU

Old Ale

BJCP.2021.17.B

Strong British Ale

5.5
-
9
%
1.055
-
1.088
1.015
-
1.022
19.7
-
43.3
30
-
60
IBU

Ordinary Bitter

BJCP.2021.11.A

British Bitter

3.2
-
3.8
%
1.030
-
1.039
1.007
-
1.011
15.8
-
27.6
25
-
35
IBU

Oud Bruin

BJCP.2021.23.C

European Sour Ale

4
-
8
%
1.040
-
1.074
1.008
-
1.012
33.5
-
43.3
20
-
25
IBU

Rauchbier

BJCP.2021.6.B

Amber Malty European Lager

4.8
-
6
%
1.050
-
1.057
1.012
-
1.016
23.6
-
43.3
20
-
30
IBU

Schwarzbier

BJCP.2021.8.B

Dark European Lager

4.4
-
5.4
%
1.046
-
1.052
1.010
-
1.016
37.4
-
59.1
20
-
35
IBU

Scottish Export

BJCP.2021.14.C

Scottish Ale

3.9
-
6
%
1.040
-
1.060
1.010
-
1.016
23.6
-
39.4
15
-
30
IBU

Scottish Heavy

BJCP.2021.14.B

Scottish Ale

3.3
-
3.9
%
1.035
-
1.040
1.010
-
1.015
23.6
-
39.4
10
-
20
IBU

Scottish Light

BJCP.2021.14.A

Scottish Ale

2.5
-
3.3
%
1.030
-
1.035
1.010
-
1.013
33.5
-
49.3
10
-
20
IBU

Specialty Fruit Beer

BJCP.2021.29.C

Fruit Beer

A appealing combination of fruit, sugar, and beer, but still recognizable as a beer. The fruit and sugar character should both be evident but in balance with the beer, not so forward as to suggest an artificial product.

Specialty IPA

BJCP.2021.21.B

IPA

Recognizable as an IPA by balance – a hop-forward, bitter, dryish beer – with something else present to distinguish it from the standard categories. Should have good drinkability, regardless of the form. Excessive harshness and heaviness are typically faults, as are strong flavor clashes between the hops and the other specialty ingredients.

Specialty IPA: Belgian IPA

BJCP.2021.21.B

IPA

6.2
-
9.5
%
1.058
-
1.080
1.008
-
1.016
9.8
-
15.8
50
-
100
IBU

Specialty IPA: Black IPA

BJCP.2021.21.B

IPA

5.5
-
9
%
1.050
-
1.085
1.010
-
1.018
49.3
-
78.8
50
-
90
IBU

Specialty IPA: Brown IPA

BJCP.2021.21.B

IPA

5.5
-
7.5
%
1.056
-
1.070
1.008
-
1.016
35.5
-
69
40
-
70
IBU

Specialty IPA: Brut IPA

BJCP.2021.21.B

IPA

6
-
7.5
%
1.046
-
1.057
0.990
-
1.004
3.9
-
7.9
20
-
30
IBU

Specialty IPA: Red IPA

BJCP.2021.21.B

IPA

5.5
-
7.5
%
1.056
-
1.070
1.008
-
1.016
21.7
-
33.5
40
-
70
IBU

Specialty IPA: Rye IPA

BJCP.2021.21.B

IPA

5.5
-
8
%
1.056
-
1.075
1.008
-
1.014
11.8
-
27.6
50
-
75
IBU

Specialty IPA: White IPA

BJCP.2021.21.B

IPA

5.5
-
7
%
1.056
-
1.065
1.010
-
1.016
9.8
-
11.8
40
-
70
IBU

Specialty Smoked Beer

BJCP.2021.32.B

Smoked Beer

A well-balanced fusion of the malt and hops of the base specialty beer style with a pleasant and agreeable smoke character.

Specialty Spice Beer

BJCP.2021.30.D

Spiced Beer

An appealing combination of spices, herbs, or vegetables (SHVs), sugars, and beer, but still recognizable as beer. The SHV and sugar character should both be evident but in balance with the beer, not so forward as to suggest an artificial product.

Specialty Wood-Aged Beer

BJCP.2021.33.B

Wood Beer

An elevation of the base beer style with characteristics from aging in contact with wood, including alcoholic products previously in contact with the wood. The best examples will be smooth, flavorful, well-balanced, and well-aged.

Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beer

BJCP.2021.30.A

Spiced Beer

An appealing fusion of spices, herbs, or vegetables (SHVs) and beer, but still recognizable as beer. The SHV character should be evident but in balance with the beer, not so forward as to suggest an artificial product.

Straight Sour Beer

BJCP.2021.28.D

American Wild Ale

4.5
-
7
%
1.048
-
1.065
1.006
-
1.013
3.9
-
5.9
3
-
8
IBU

Strong Bitter

BJCP.2021.11.C

British Bitter

4.6
-
6.2
%
1.048
-
1.060
1.010
-
1.016
15.8
-
35.5
30
-
50
IBU

Sweet Stout

BJCP.2021.16.A

Dark British Beer

4
-
6
%
1.044
-
1.060
1.012
-
1.024
59.1
-
78.8
20
-
40
IBU

Tropical Stout

BJCP.2021.16.C

Dark British Beer

5.5
-
8
%
1.056
-
1.075
1.010
-
1.018
59.1
-
78.8
30
-
50
IBU

Vienna Lager

BJCP.2021.7.A

Amber Bitter European Beer

4.7
-
5.5
%
1.048
-
1.055
1.010
-
1.014
17.7
-
29.6
18
-
30
IBU

Wee Heavy

BJCP.2021.17.C

Strong British Ale

6.5
-
10
%
1.070
-
1.130
1.018
-
1.040
27.6
-
49.3
17
-
35
IBU

Weissbier

BJCP.2021.10.A

German Wheat Beer

4.3
-
5.6
%
1.044
-
1.053
1.008
-
1.014
3.9
-
11.8
8
-
15
IBU

Weizenbock

BJCP.2021.10.C

German Wheat Beer

6.5
-
9
%
1.064
-
1.090
1.015
-
1.022
11.8
-
49.3
15
-
30
IBU

Wheatwine

BJCP.2021.22.D

Strong American Ale

8
-
12
%
1.080
-
1.120
1.016
-
1.030
11.8
-
27.6
30
-
60
IBU

Wild Specialty Beer

BJCP.2021.28.C

American Wild Ale

An American Wild Ale with fruit, herbs, spices, or other Specialty-Type Ingredients.

Winter Seasonal Beer

BJCP.2021.30.C

Spiced Beer

A stronger, darker, spiced beer that often has a rich body and warming finish suggesting a good accompaniment for the cold winter season.

Witbier

BJCP.2021.24.A

Belgian Ale

4.5
-
5.5
%
1.044
-
1.052
1.008
-
1.012
3.9
-
7.9
8
-
20
IBU

Wood-Aged Beer

BJCP.2021.33.A

Wood Beer

A pleasant enhancement of the base beer style with the characteristics from aging in contact with wood. The best examples will be smooth, flavorful, well-balanced, and well-aged.
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