Fwd: 2026 Malt Cup Best of Show Judging -- would any homebrew members be up for helping out?

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Ryan Beal

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Jan 27, 2026, 10:18:29 AMJan 27

to Bridger Brew Crew 2023

Hi all, Please see the below message from Hannah at the MSU Barley Malt and Brewing Lab with an opportunity to help judge the 2026 Malt Cup. It's something I've helped out with in the past and is always fun and educational. Reach out to Hannah if you are interested. -Ryan

Hello Montana Brewers,

On Friday, February 13 Montana State University (Bozeman) will be hosting the Best of Show judging for the 2026 Malt Cup. The Malt Cup is the only malt competition in the world and is akin to beer competitions. We are seeking judges to help us evaluate these malts from around the world in 8 categories (Pilsen, Pale, Vienna, Light Munich, Caramel, Wheat, Unique, Distillers) and considering both sensory and malt quality analysis. Steeps, malts, and judging materials will all be provided – all you would need to bring is yourself! No prior experience with malt sensory analysis, hot steeps, or COA interpretation is required as we will be building panels to represent varying perspectives and each panel will include experts for reference – so this can be an interactive learning experience for those wanting to learn about malt sensory!

Event Details:

📍 Location:
Plant BioSciences Building, Room 108
Montana State University – Bozeman

🕒 Session options (Mountain Time):

12:00–2:00 pm
2:00–4:00 pm
4:00–6:00 pm

At 6:30pm - after all evaluations are wrapped up, we will be convening at MAP for a celebration happy hour. As a thank you to all of our amazing judges the first round is on us!

Please let us know which session(s) you’re able to attend by filling out this link.
👉 https://forms.gle/365ve3oy9X6tjedKA

You are very welcome — and encouraged — to participate in more than one session, if your schedule allows.

The Best of Show brings together the top malts from each category and combines sensory evaluation with review of Certificate of Analysis (COA) data to determine medal recipients.
No prior experience with malt sensory analysis, hot steeps, or COA interpretation is required — the experience questions in the form are only used to help us build balanced judging panels.

We’d be thrilled to have your input in this final and exciting stage of the Malt Cup. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Cheers,