Drinking beer is a laid back, almost mindless task that becomes even more so as the (ahem) night progresses, right? Not if you're a beer judge.

FOAM, Frederick's homebrew club, is holding Beer Judging 101 on Wednesday, May 11 during Frederick Beer Week with BJCP certified judges Jim Sawitzke and Bill Heverly, along with Master Judge Dave Justice. (Yes, he should have his own TV court show.)

The class will introduce basic methods and terminology used when judging beer for competitions like the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival. While sampling a dozen different beers, the judges will walk through characteristics like aroma, appearance, flavor, and mouthfeel. Not only will this give you a glimpse into the world of judging, it will also train you to fully appreciate each and every sip you take.

Beer Judging 101 is from 5:30 to 7:30 at 103 South Carroll Street (next to The Flying Barrell) in downtown Frederick, Maryland. The class is $25 and includes all of the beer to be sampled.

The class will sell out, so buy your ticket today!

All of the proceeds from this class, along with the rest of the Frederick Beer Week events, will benefit HandsOn Frederick. For more information on all of the week's events, visit the Frederick Beer Week website.