Grading for showing

[Marton]

I know grading glasses are the definitive grade marks but these are not available when I am deciding what class to enter in the show which closes 3 weeks before the event.

Are there any internet sites which can help? Google just seems to find hair colour!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[alanf]

I know grading glasses are the definitive grade marks but these are not available when I am deciding what class to enter in the show which closes 3 weeks before the event.

Most local shows (around here anyway) will move any honey into the "right" class. Whether a larger show has the time to do that, you'd have to ask.

In theory, it's a visual assessment against a "standard", so there's no real alternative to having honey and instrument side by side. Second hand grading glasses fetch a good price on auction sites (3 figures at least) whether the 1970s plastic or older glass versions. Side by side, a rare event these days, it is said they do vary a little, that may be the effect of age and light exposure but it's a dilemma if you're close to the boundaries. I've never heard anyone explain where or what the ultimate reference standard is; did glass manufacturers have any more than their own internal references?

There are a few US manufacturers of test equipment, but they use a measurement called the Pfund scale which no UK show regulations I've seen make mention of. Aside from which, you're quickly up to 3-400 dollars for the commercially available electronic devices.

 

[itma]

I know grading glasses are the definitive grade marks …

Scientifically, they are a bit of low-tech nonsense.

At 'local' shows (your first target), the judges will, without prejudice, begin by making sure that jars are in the right category. So don't worry about it.

After you've had the experience of seeing different classes in a few competitions, you'll have a better idea. And by the time you are daring to enter 'serious' competitions where they wouldn't reclassify your entry for you, well by then you'll know a few people (like local judges) who will help you check your exhibits before they go off to compete on a bigger stage.


/// Just don't make the mistake of thinking that prize-winning honey is 'better'. Its only been better prepared to meet the whims of the particular judges. The public (and certainly individuals) can have very different ideas!

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

If you haven't got glasses and you think ohoney is borderline between two classes the usual trick is to enter both classes then when you turn up to stage your exhibit, have a word with the chief steward, there is usually a set of glasses at the show.
Mind you, at the Gower show this year there were a few entries in the 'medium' class that should really be in the 'dark' but were left in the medium and one got a place! But if the Royal Welsh was anything to go by the judge there wouldn't even contemplate an entry in the dark class unless it was the colour of tar!