• The France Beer Challenge was organized this year in Lille.

  • 45 tasters from seven different countries have decided during two days 530 French beers divided into 32 categories.

Tasting 30 beers in one morning is not a competition launched by a new bar in Lille, but the principle of the very serious France Beer Challenge.

This prestigious competition, which each year decides between the best French beers and nothing but French beers, was organized this year in Lille.

For two days, 45 professional tasters from seven different countries evaluated 530 different beers divided into 32 categories (blonde, brown, IPA, stout, etc.).

But there is no question here of sticking one and dancing to the sound of the Connemara lakes, seriousness takes precedence above all.

“In order not to be stuffed, tasters just dip their lips.

They only take a small sip of beer to assess his balance.

Of the 35 beers tested per half-day, if they have ingested the equivalent of two beers, that is the maximum”, explains Thomas Costenoble, president of the France Beer Challenge.

“These are objective criteria based on the visual, aromatic and taste aspect”

And to evaluate the beers, the tasters base themselves on an evaluation grid in which they note various essential aspects of the beer.

“These are objective criteria based on the visual, aromatic and taste aspect.

A pleasant beer must above all be balanced.

Based on their knowledge, the tasters give a rating out of 50 based on several criteria with comments that will be given to the brewers.

This is a huge education because they are professionally evaluated.

It allows brewers to know where they are, ”supports Thomas Costenoble.

In the end, after counting the scores and comments in the 32 categories represented, three medals (gold, silver, bronze) are awarded to the best beers.

A reward far from being honorary because a trophy allows brewers to increase their beer sales by 15 to 20%.

“It makes the difference”, sums up the organizer of the France Beer Challenge, which will deliver its verdict on April 12.

Elections

Presidential 2022: Paquito, beers and selfies… Jean Lassalle puts on a show at the Agricultural Show

Paris

The Paris Beer Festival, to become expert on beer

  • Lille

  • Hauts-de-France

  • Beer

  • Competition