For each category a style description is given, worded as it was presented to the entering breweries. These descriptions will evolve. One item of note is the contradiction of converting SRM color to EBC color in the recipes and the style descriptors. In the future a more accurate and straightforward factor of two will be used to convert SRM colors to EBC in the style descriptions. The contradiction arose when old methods of EBC color determination were confused with newer methods when defining each category. Therefore the EBC color rating in the style descriptions may be slightly inaccurate.
Brewery information and historical data for all the Gold winners of the 1996 World Beer Cup were provided by the breweries or their importers. The short descriptions are condensations of interesting anecdotes and significant historical milestones.
As previously stated, the taste descriptions are entirely my own and were made prior to reading any of the laboratory analyses or technical data provided by the breweries.
For the most part, detailed technical data were not requested of the Silver and Bronze winners. When available, the information is noted; otherwise, technical information is indicated as a reasonable guess based on personal evaluation.