[tommymorris]

My most common mistake is not brewing to style. BJCP contests aren't people's choice contests. They judge on how well you hit your target style.

My beers peek at 6-7 weeks from brew day. So I would give myself that much time minimum. Yours may peek sooner. My beers take time to clear and always taste better when they do.

[jeffy]

It depends a lot on how you package, bottle conditioned or kegged.  I find that bottle conditioned beers are at their peak after 5 or 6 weeks, but kegged beers can be sent off to competitions within a week.

[flbrewer]

Just to clarify, I'm asking about the brew date to the judging date.

[klickitat jim]

Just to clarify, I'm asking about the brew date to the judging date.

Are you bottle conditioning?

[flbrewer]

Yes

[klickitat jim]

I know there's a lot of importance put on hop aroma freshness,  but in my opinion a super fresh smelling beer that is under carbonated is not going to fly. Personally, I would plan on brewing it at least 8 weeks out from shipping day.

[toby]

What are your thoughts on scheduling a pale ale ahead of a competition? 6 weeks?

Depends on bottle conditioned vs. kegged.  I keg, so I would probably brew a category 10 beer about 3 weeks before shipping (putting it at 4-5 weeks at judging more than likely).  You would want to add a couple weeks to that if bottle conditioning, IMO.