The New York International Beer Competition is inviting brewers to submit their brands to participate in the 3rd Annual New York International Beer Competition (NYIBC) taking place on Feb. 9, 2014 at the 3 West Club in Manhattan. The NYIBC is part of the New York International Beverage Competition that includes the New York International Spirits Competition and New York International Wine Competition.

Organizers say it is the only international beer competition where all the judges are real trade buyers judging the beer by its category and actual price. These panelists of trade volunteers are not involved for publicity or for their industry position as critics or members of the press. They are the decision makers, experts and willing supporters of the craft who, NYIBC says, have an authentic understanding of the business of buying and selling beer.

Each product category in the competition has a sub category for pricing. Therefore, a beer will be judged in its category along with other beers in the same price range. Each category will have its own pricing levels and details are listed on the submission form. For example, a $7.99 six-pack of American Style Wheat will be placed into a judging category with a $8.99 six-pack of American Style Wheat and not a $13.99 one

Brands will be rated on a set of criteria including appearance, aroma, taste, mouthfeel and finish. Each beer will be tasted blindly. Upon completion of the tastings, panelists will confer and decide which samples are award worthy.

Award levels are Double Gold, Gold, Silver, and Bronze:

Double Gold: Phenomenal Product for Buyers
Gold: Buyers “Love” It
Silver: Buyers “Like” It
Bronze: Buyers will purchase it
Double Gold award winners will be re-tasted by all panelists to establish which brands may be eligible to receive a ‘Best of Category’ endorsement in their pricing category.

The competition is open to all domestic and international commercial brewers. Beers do not need to be sold or imported into the U.S. to participate.

- See more at: http://www.beverageworld.com/articles/full/16175/nyibc-announces-call-for-submissions#sthash.5Rh2mBI7.dpuf