In March of 2008, I became a Certified BBQ Judge for the largest sanctioning body in the BBQ circuit - the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Though this started out mostly as a food driven endeavor (because I love BBQ), the more I judged the more I realized just how big of a responsibility the role of BBQ judging is to this food sport.
My first few contests blew me away. The quality of chicken, ribs, pork and brisket submitted by competition cooks was mind-boggling at times. The flavor profiles were new to me and it oftentimes made me wonder just how the BBQ teams came up with such tasty sauces and perfectly smoked meat. As my judging experience expanded, my judging style evolved. In the beginning, I probably gave away too many high scores. I am now in a place, after judging 40+ contests and becoming a Master Judge , where I am confident in my ability to give out the fairest scores possible based on the rules set out by KCBS.
Since I began judging in 2008, I've created a lot of meaningful friendships with cooks, judges, reps and contest m promoters and the list keeps growing. Some of them will be writing a blog for this site. They have all influenced me in some way or other to become a better judge.
It is my hope that BBQ Critic will inspire an independent community of certified BBQ judges (and cooks) to raise the various issues associated with task of BBQ judging to improve us all on a personal basis. Communicating our views and experiences amongst each other on this site will allow us to become more informed judges, make new friends and have fun with the sport of competition BBQ.
So if you are a certified judge and would like to write a blog here, send me a note on the contact form. Otherwise, join the forum and interact with us as we grow.
Welcome to BBQ Critic!
-- Smokin' Herb
My first few contests blew me away. The quality of chicken, ribs, pork and brisket submitted by competition cooks was mind-boggling at times. The flavor profiles were new to me and it oftentimes made me wonder just how the BBQ teams came up with such tasty sauces and perfectly smoked meat. As my judging experience expanded, my judging style evolved. In the beginning, I probably gave away too many high scores. I am now in a place, after judging 40+ contests and becoming a Master Judge , where I am confident in my ability to give out the fairest scores possible based on the rules set out by KCBS.
Since I began judging in 2008, I've created a lot of meaningful friendships with cooks, judges, reps and contest m promoters and the list keeps growing. Some of them will be writing a blog for this site. They have all influenced me in some way or other to become a better judge.
It is my hope that BBQ Critic will inspire an independent community of certified BBQ judges (and cooks) to raise the various issues associated with task of BBQ judging to improve us all on a personal basis. Communicating our views and experiences amongst each other on this site will allow us to become more informed judges, make new friends and have fun with the sport of competition BBQ.
So if you are a certified judge and would like to write a blog here, send me a note on the contact form. Otherwise, join the forum and interact with us as we grow.
Welcome to BBQ Critic!
-- Smokin' Herb
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