Peach State Brew Off Results

I received my Peach State Brew Off (PSBO) score sheets yesterday. After knowing I didn't place in the Pale Ale category, I just wanted to see what the judges said about the beer and hopefully it will help me in the future. Both judges were very consistent with each other in how the beer tasted and smelled. Apparently somehow I got some phenolic small and taste to the beer. As of now I am thinking it is due to my fermentation temps being too high. Even though its winter and I try not to run the heat to much while I am brewing but I can only be so cold before it's to much to live with. Anyway I will be working on that before my next batch. I received a average score of 27 with one judge giving me a 26 and the other a 28. I think without the phenolic attributes the beer would have been in the high 30's, maybe putting me in the "excellent" range. This being my 1st competition and all, I never expected to place I just wanted the feed back from the judges. If you are a home brewer I have to say enter into a homebrew competition and see what happens. Even if you think your beer sucks, you may still have a shot. If you don't then you walk away with an un-biased assessment of your beer in which you will take note of on your next batch. I guess now I will put my Chocolate Rye Porter into the Bluff City Brewers Extravaganza.