Master Your Homebrewing by Decoding Beer Evaluation

August 29, 2024

Ready to take your homebrews from good to exceptional? In this Zymurgy Live webinar, we talk to Max Finnance—fellow American Homebrewers Association® (AHA) member, Master Cicerone, and Master Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) judge—and he reveals how critical self-assessment and actively seeking feedback are the essential building blocks for brewing mastery.

Max delves into:

  • The power of critical self-assessment: Learn how to objectively analyze your beers, identify areas for improvement, and refine your brewing process.
  • The BJCP vs. Cicerone programs: Understand the distinct roles of these two esteemed beer evaluation programs and how they can benefit your brewing journey.
  • Max’s path in beer education and evaluation: Gain insights from Max’s experience as he shares his personal story and the valuable lessons he’s learned along the way.
  • Becoming a better beer evaluator: Develop your tasting skills and learn how to provide constructive feedback that helps fellow brewers elevate their craft.

Referenced Resources

Event Details

  • Date: August 29, 2024
  • Time: 3:00 PM MT - 4:00 PM MT

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About the Speakers

Max Finnance

Max Finnance

Max Finnance (he/him) is a Master Cicerone, Master BJCP judge, and a Certified Pommelier. Max was most recently the senior manager of education and training for Artisanal Brewing Ventures, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is an active mentor in the Brewer Association's Mentorship Program and serves as the northeast representative on the BJCP's board of directors. Max is also an avid member of the beer judge community, judging Great American Beer Festival®, World Beer Cup®, and major competitions in Europe and Central and South America. He found his passion for craft beer while bartending his way through a bachelor's degree in biology, and has been working on the supplier side for the past decade, with roles in sales, quality, and education and training. He lives in Connecticut with his wife and two dogs.

John Hawkins

John Hawkins, Moderator

DRAFT Club President

John Hawkins has been brewing beer for almost 20 years and currently serves as the president of his local homebrew club—Dayton Region Amateur Fermentation Technologists (DRAFT)—in Dayton, Ohio. He loves reading beer books and, as a newly certified BJCP judge, he loves talking about beer with beer people. When he isn't running his kids to sporting events, going for a Sunday morning hike, or playing with his miniature dachshund Frankie, he is definitely daydreaming about the next beer he's going to brew.