BBQ fans wishing to taste their way to the best-of-the-best in grilled delights can sharpen their skills at the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned judges certification class on Saturday, Sept. 29 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kelly Land Hall on the University of West Alabama campus. The class, offered by the Center for the Study of the Black Belt, costs $55 for KCBS members, $85 for non-members, and includes a one year membership in KCBS along with a subscription to the organization’s newsletter.

A Table Captain’s class, at a cost of $40, will be held immediately following the certification class, for those who have already received their KCBS judges’ certification. Tony Stone, former KCBS President, will teach both sessions of the informative class, which includes savory tasting samples prepared by KCBS pros. A registration form is available at www.centerforblackbelt.org. The deadline to register for the class is Monday, Sept. 24.

Participants will learn KCBS scoring procedures, display criteria and competition rules in all four KCBS categories: chicken, ribs, pork and brisket. For new competitors, the class offers insight into what the judges look for in a winner. Appearance, tenderness and taste of the meat will be discussed, allowing for standardized entry scores. Upon completion of the course, a KCBS judging manual, official badge and judging number will be issued to graduates.

“You go in with nothing and leave with a full stomach, BBQ stains on your lips and everything you need to know about barbecue,” said Center for the Study of the Black Belt Policy and Projects Coordinator Stephen Liverman. “If nothing else, it’s a day of good eats!” he said.

For more information, please contact Stephen Liverman at the Center for the Study of the Black Belt at sliverman@uwa.edu or call (205) 652-5405 or visit www.centerforblackbelt.org.