Judging
We ask volunteers from the community to sample each entry in each category and to record their impressions on a judging sheet. The choices will then be ranked by the head judge and scorekeeper. After judging is complete and results are announced, the judge’s comments will be available to the cooks.
No prior experience is necessary to participate as a judge of the Carolinas Chili Championship. Specific instructions will be provided and judges will be told that they should vote for the chili, as defined by the ICS, based on the following major considerations (From the ICS Certified Chili Judges Handbook):
- Good Flavoring: taste is the most important factor. Chili should have a good flavor with a chili pepper taste that is neither too hot nor too mild. The taste should consist of the combination of the meat, peppers, spices, etc., with no particular ingredient being dominant, but rather a blend of the flavors.
- Texture: texture of the meat should not be too tough nor too mushy. Chili should have a good ratio between sauce and meat.
- Consistency: chili’s consistency should neither be too thick nor too thin.
- Blend of Spices: the spices should permeate the meats and work together and not be overpowering.
- Aroma: the smell should be pleasing.
If you are interested in being considered as a judge, please contact Jessica Threatt via email at chilijessica21@gmail.com.