Competitive BBQ teams train hard and work even harder, all to one day realize the goal of being named Grand Champion.
The only way to ensure fair treatment of these team's hard work is to enlist the services of qualified and certified BBQ judges.
Thankfully, it's a lot easier to become a certified barbecue competition judge than it is to rustle up a rack of prize winning spare ribs.
Becoming a Certified BBQ Judge I can think of no better honor than to be a qualified Kansas City Barbecue Society judge.
I mean, man.
How much better does it get than to be able to wear that badge and enjoy free top-notch barbecue? The process is fairly straight forward.
The first thing you do is sign up for a judging class.
You'll pay around $80 for the class itself, the food you eat during training, and a single year membership to the KCBS.
During the class itself, you'll receive a couple hours of theoretical instruction, followed by a couple of hours of hands-on practice judging a selection of BBQ meat.
The theoretical instruction allows you to become acquainted with the KCBS standards and allows you to focus on the three key judging criteria:
- Appearance
- Taste
- Tenderness
where you get to apply what you've learned and enjoy some great food at the same time.
You'll be given a selection of meats ranging from championship quality on down.
The trick then is to try and apply the KCBS standards and determine point deductions for each flaw you find.
Upon completing the hands on part of the class, you'll be asked to pledge an oath of conduct.
After this, you receive your certification.
From then on out - the BBQ world is your oyster - or, brisket - rather.