It's a great start. We're pretty pleased with the results so far. To ensure quality, beers are submitted once a year to an independent laboratory for analytical tests. These tests check the levels of diacetyl, bitterness, color, alcohol content, pH and sodium. The beers also undergo an anaerobic plate count to check for beer spoilage bacteria.
Tasters check for any gross flavor defects and general drinkability.
The beers' integrity is tested as the taste panel compares the beers they are tasting to the flavor profiles submitted by the brewers. They also taste the beers to ensure they are brewed true to style, whether a classic pilsner, a Pacific Northwest interpretation of India pale ale or a uniquely Northwest style developed by one of Oregon's creative brewers. When sampling these beers, the question is whether you would order a second pint. So far, the answer is a thundering yes. A medallion and plaque for participating breweries will debut this month.