I have not entered contests in the past because I keg just about everything I brew - I got tired of washing bottles a long time ago. I also have brewed to my own taste rather than to specific style guidelines. I decided recently to bottle some batches so I have something to enter. The motivation for this change is that I have observed some contests and had my first experience judging, which led me to the following observations: 1) Entering contests provides constructive feedback which could help me become a better brewer, and I want to become a better brewer. 2) Contests are a way to support the club and promote homebrewing. 3) The people who enter these contests seem to have a lot of fun. 4) Rick is right - awards do look cool in a brewery. Dave -------Original Message------- From: allan.boyce(a)usbank.com Sent: 08/26/03 10:14 AM To: mba(a)thebarn.com, "St. Paul Homebrewers Club - Public Mailing List" <Sphbc(a)sphbc.org> Subject: Why do / don't you enter Beer Contests? contests. What's your reasons, either way? Discuss! - Al