What to buy for a beer brewing competition

A beer brewing competition needs more than beer and tasting glasses. You need enough chilled storage, identical samples, water and spit buckets for the jury, plus clear scoring supplies for every entry. This shopping list covers the practical items for judging, serving snacks and keeping the event running smoothly. Use the number of registered beers and judges to calculate quantities before you shop.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 60
Party tentsqty 2
Bar unit

Tableware

Sample glassesqty 120
Water glassesqty 60
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Pitcherqty 8
Serving traysqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 6
Refrigeratorsqty 2
Ice containersqty 4
Bottle openersqty 8
Bottle openerqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Thermometersqty 4
Spit bucketsqty 12

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 6
Small bowlsqty 12

Organization

Race numbersqty 60
Evaluation formsqty 180
Pensqty 40
Name stickersqty 70
Wristbandsqty 70
Prize certificatesqty 12
Table numbersqty 12

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 10
Buntingqty 8

Lighting

String lightsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Washing-up basinsqty 3
Dish brushesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Coffee creamer - 2 packs
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Fuet - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Herb cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Peanuts - 4 bags
- Olives - 6 jars
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 10 pieces

Tips

Buy or prepare one sample glass per beer entry for each judging flight, plus 10–15% extra for breakage and replacements. Keep water glasses separate so judges do not confuse them with tasting glasses.
Plan chilled storage before the beer arrives. Allow space for every competition beer and chill the bottles at least 12 hours before judging; add coolers, ice containers or refrigerators if your normal storage is insufficient.
Prepare one evaluation form and one pen for every beer entry being judged, then print at least 10% extra. Pack race numbers, name stickers and wristbands together so registration and bottle sorting do not stall.
Set out one spit bucket for every two judges, with a few spare containers nearby. Provide water at each jury table and refill pitchers throughout the tasting rounds rather than waiting until they are empty.
Shop for snacks that can be portioned without cutting or serving delays. Have plates, cutlery, serving trays, small bowls, cutting boards, chef’s knives and serving tongs ready at least 60 minutes before guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How many tasting glasses do I need for a beer brewing competition?: Count the number of beers served in the busiest judging flight and provide one sample glass per beer for each judge, unless the format uses shared glasses. Add 10–15% extra glasses for breakage, replacements and late entries.
How much beer should I buy for judging?: Confirm the required bottle or can size with competitors before shopping, then keep one complete serving unit per registered entry plus at least 10% spare beer for damaged, missing or incorrectly labelled entries. Store all judging beer chilled for a minimum of 12 hours before the competition.
How many evaluation forms and pens are needed?: Prepare one evaluation form for every beer entry each judge must score, plus 10% extra. Provide one working pen per judge and keep at least two spare pens at the jury table.
When should I buy ice and chill the beer?: Buy or arrange the ice no later than the day before the competition so the coolers can be prepared in advance. Chill the beer for at least 12 hours, and check the storage temperature with a thermometer before judging starts.

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