How to enter a vanilla porter in competitions

[Thirsty Mallard]

I just got scores back from a competition where I submitted my Vanilla Porter. I entered it as a Robust Porter, but the comments one judge said it would fare better in the Specialty Beer category.

When you take a basic style and add flavoring, be it fruit or vanilla, should that always be considered a specialty beer rather than its base beer? Both my scoresheets said I was out of style and noted the strong chocolate and vanilla tones.

[ZZ]

There's no reason not to enter something like that into both the stout category AND the specialty category in the same competition. Maybe submit it into another stout sub-category...

[ZZ]

dubbel post...

[DannyW]

I think the rule of thumb is that if start with one of the classic styles and you add only spice, enter it in spice beer. If you add only fruit, enter it in fruit beer. If you add both fruit and spice, enter it in specialty.

Therefore, I would have entered a vanilla porter in 21A Spice/Herb/Vegetable. In fact, they list Stoney Creek Vanilla Porter as a classic example of the category.

[Thirsty Mallard]

Good to know... thanks for the help!

On the plus side, the judges comments on the beer were great, except for being out of style. I always like when a judge writes "I really liked this beer"!