Registering

How do I enter the competition?
We’ve made it easy to register online. You can read the list of competition rules and regulations here.

What key dates should I be aware of?

    • Early Bird Registration Dates (and Cost) – January 13, 2025 – January 31, 2025 (Cost $65)
    • Standard Registration Dates (and Cost) – February 1, 2025 – March 1, 2025 (Cost: $75)
  • Online Entry & Fee Deadline – March 1, 2025
  • Entries Due to Sacramento for Judging – March 24-28, 2025
  • Judging: April 3-6, 2025 in Sacramento. Register Now!
  • Kegs Available for Pickup TBD
  • Ceremony – April 25, 2025 at The Crest Theatre in Sacramento

How much does it cost to register?
Early bird pricing is TBD per entry. Price increases on February 1, 2025. A discount may be available for members from partnering Brewers Guilds.

Where do I drop off my entries?
Entries can be shipped/delivered individually, or there will be regional drop off locations available across the state in coordination with partnering Brewers Guilds. Please contact your local Brewers Guild for more information. All entries must arrive to Jackrabbit Brewing (1323 Terminal Street, West Sacramento, 95691) between March 24-28, 2025. Drop-off specifics are as follows:

Monday, March 24: 9am-3pm
Tuesday, March 25: 9am-3pm
Wednesday, March 26: 9am-8pm
Thursday, March 27: 9am-8pm
Friday, March 28: 9am-8pm

Can I still participate if I’m not a member of my local Brewers Guild?
Absolutely! Any independent craft brewery is encouraged to enter.

How many categories are there?
We use Brewers Association styles. You can view the full list of categories here. The head judge reserves the right to combine classes when the number of entries warrants or otherwise necessary.

How will beers be judged?
The Brewers Cup of California will use the American system of judging. This competition will follow the BJCP Competition Standards and is BJCP sanctioned.

All judging will be double-blind. Entries will be cold stored until judging time. Judging will be overseen by a Lead Judge whose decisions will stand.

Brewery of the Year shall be determined by the following medal point totals:

Gold = 8 pts. Silver = 4 pts. Bronze = 2 pts.

Hard seltzer and kombucha will not count toward Brewery of the Year and are not eligible for Best of Show.

In case of a tie, Brewery of the Year will be determined by the strength (number of entries) of the category the beer was entered.

What type of awards will be given?
The Brewers Cup of California medals for excellence in 65 categories and does not necessarily award medals to the top three finishers in a particular category. When judges decide that a category contains three excellent examples of the style, they award gold, silver, and bronze medals for the first, second, and third place beers, respectively. If judges believe that no beer in the category meets the quality and style accuracy criteria, they may elect not to award a medal. Judges may award a silver or a bronze medal and yet not award a gold medal in a category. The award criteria are as follows:

Gold: A world-class beer that accurately exemplifies the specified style, displaying the proper balance of taste, aroma, and appearance.

Silver: An excellent beer that may vary slightly from style parameters while maintaining close adherence to the style and displaying excellent taste, aroma, and appearance.

Bronze: A fine example of the style that may vary slightly from style parameters and/or have minor deviations in taste, aroma, or appearance.

Other awards include:

  • Brewers Cup of California Best of Show: Awarded to the brewery with the highest-rated beer, overall.

  • Brewery of The Year: Awarded to the brewery that received the most awards, overall.

  • Guild of The Year: Awarded to the Brewers Guild whose members garnered the most awards.

  • Pioneer Award: Awarded to an individual who has made significant contributions to California’s craft beer industry.

Judging

How do I register as a judge or steward?
Visit the registration site at enter.brewerscupofca.com, click the register menu item, and choose judge or steward in the drop down menu. BJCP-qualified and experienced industry personnel are encouraged to participate.

When and where will judging take place?
Judging will take place March 24-28, 2025 in Sacramento. To register as a judge or steward, sign-up here.

When and where will the awards ceremony be held?
The awards ceremony is a closed to the general public. This private event will be held on the evening of April 25, 2025 at the Crest Theatre in Sacramento and livestreamed via our partner, The Brewing Network.