Swish a neutral spirit into your mouth and spit it out as you prepare for your tequila tasting. By the time youve completed this course of study, youll have acquired a comprehensive education on all things tequila from field to glass. WILLEM DREESLAAN 301, 2729 NE, ZOETERMEER, THE NETHERLANDS | +31 79 363 3064 |[emailprotected], General Sales Inquiries:[emailprotected]Office Phone:+31 79 204 0824. The drink is an ancient tradition among many people, dating back to when friends and family first introduced them to tequila. There is no worm in tequila. One of our greatest frustrations in the tequila industry is that all of the general educational opportunities were locked behind language and financial barriers and brand specific education is often riddled with half truths and outright lies and then stuffed with meaningless fluff. Many distilleries offer tours, and some even have tasting rooms where you can sample the different types of tequila they produce. : There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. It took about two hours for us to taste, rate, and re-taste each sample, and then tabulate our individual results. As you dig deeper into the spirit of tequila, your opinions and preferences change. Following a bitter dispute between the founders, a new school was established in 2006. My long-running spirits review show on www.TequilaAficionado.com, Sipping Off the . It should be carried out with extreme impartiality and absolute honesty. Enjoy the aromas and textures of the drink for a few seconds as you sample the flavor. One of our greatest frustrations in the tequila industry . The Tequila Aficionado Consumer Catador Course is a comprehensive course for consumers, hobbyists, and professionals to understand the art and science of tequila tasting. Sitting around Alans house one evening enjoying a glass or three of Tequila, they both felt a moment of bliss. It is the task of the tequila sommeliers to understand the differences between producers, the regions, marketing strategies, product values so they can give expert recommendations to their clients or make better decisions themselves when purchasing tequila. 8.) Following the lead of the US in terms of importing tequila are Spain, Germany, and France. The Tequila Sommelier is an advanced-high level qualification where candidates demonstrate their ability to analyze and evaluate the different tequilas. MATT members share a passion for tequila and its potential to be enjoyed as a sophisticated spirit. Broken down into 47 "chapters" in a quite unique way - each short "chapter" representing a lesson plan. As the General Manager of The Patio on Goldfinch, he created The Agave Dinner Series. This particular group of catadores has three different chapters in Mxico City, Aguascaliente & Guadalajara and they all to go through this same process. When aiming to get CRT certified, a business should be aware that the CRT requires various forms of documentation to begin the certification process. There is no such thing as a tequila that is made with a blend of different types of Agave; instead, it is made with 100% blue Agave. It includes access to videos, notes and downloadable materials. thank you for sharing, only problem is now I have to organize a local amateur cata, Thanks Scarlet. Because the worm is responsible for digestion, a worm is placed in the bottle. Antes y durante el transcurrir de la cata no es conveniente fumar, ya que el tabaco disminuye la capacidad de percepcin sensorial y sus apreciaciones podran estar afectadas y el humo afectar a los otros catadores. At this cata we were trying a variety of extra aejos, with one or two aejos thrown into the mix. This course will teach you how to distinguish between tequila brands and labels. There are numerous factors that contribute to the tequilas success, including the products consistency, the quality of its products, the quality of its employees, the quality of its products, the quality of its suppliers, and the quality of its products. The next step to becoming a tequila catador is to learn about the different brands of tequila. It is a good idea to look at the situation, swirl it, and taste it. Ordering and importing IBCs that contain 1000 liters of tequila from Mexico is a long-term investment. On the reverse side of your identification card, you will [also]find these general descriptions.). As a tequila Catador Bernardo participates in professional tastings at the Academia Mexicana del Tequila Western Mexico Chapter Its a well-balanced, dark-tejo tequila that tastes great straight. The prized spirit is tequila, which is served only by expert tasters known as catadores.. "Tequila is loved by her patients and respected by those who work with her," Ferguson said. You'll find many of these themes in her Task Force 125 series, stories of espionage and paramilitary operations centered around the character of Sarah Stevens who is recruited into the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Special Activities Division. Preparation: Please see the syllabus for the exam below. (In general, remember the tequila tasting training you have received.). Great book! Only a few tequila producers in the United States are licensed, with the remaining five licensees having their own brands. Consumers are concerned about their health and the environment. : A variety of Fiesta-inspired cocktails, such as the Jalapeno Margarita, the Mexican Mule, and a fruity twist on the tequila Sour, will be available for purchase. This certification is given to tequila producers who follow the CRTs strict guidelines for production. I had hoped for more explicit notes on sensory vocabulary (descriptors and flavor origins and control - my passion), as more official sensory evaluations are now taking place within the industry. A certified catador is a professional who is trained to identify and select recyclable materials from a waste stream. Each lesson is supplemented by additional reading, videos, and homework assignments (see the last chapter of this book for the web address) and one-on-one mentoring with Mike Morales. and one-on-one mentoring with Mike Morales. Your scores will affect, either positively or negatively, that sample and therefore, a particular brand coming onto the retail market. Except here the cherished spirit is tequila and the expert tasters are known as catadores.. The fascination around organic products continues to grow, from food and spirits to cosmetics. On the reverse side of the scoring card youll find general descriptions for the category of 100% de agave [tequila] and each type. Youll also have a significant number of tastings under your belt - to include blind tastings and flights and youll be fully equipped to participate in a formal cata under the guidelines of the Mexican Tequila Academy. I really enjoyed it. Our goal at Tequila Aficionado Media has always been to filter out the nonsense and provide consumers with an unbiased educational experience. This course focuses on understanding the difference between tequila brands, labels. After a bitter falling out between the founders, another school was initiated in 2006 known as the Academia Mexicana de Catadores de Vino y Mezcal. : Hey, we're all about being social! . Tequila requires a professional approach and awareness of the time and effort input required. Those should be your references to score the category and type. Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. If theres an update to this, please let me know. His experience and expertise in the agave spirits industry has made him a sought-after consultant, experienced journalist, and significant source for national and international publications as well as industry professionals. By completing this exam, participants prove that they have a solid understanding about tequila. 9.) Give it a try! Chris hasearned hisLevel Two MasterMezcaliercertification andisaCertifiedCatador, obtaining his title from the Mexican Academy of Tequila Tastersledby the highly respected FranciscoHajnal. After researching the Mezcal field for a couple of years, and hosting spirits experts in various courses on instruction in the wider world of distilled spirits, this book was quite a find for me this week. In addition to his daily Director duties,Simmons loves nothing more than leading tours to Mexico as he lives his dream of bringing the world of agave spirits to all who enjoy the best in life. si la cata se inicia a las 11:00. After you have tasted all of the tequilas, take a sip of water to cleanse your palate. Because it depicts the aging process, it is critical to obtain a color that represents tequila aging. You may want to add a few sips to confirm or expand your findings. There are thousands of horse classes available on the gift card. Through these classes, students will learn about the different types of tequila, the history of tequila, and how to make their own tequila. Not Monterrey Hope soon but not yet :). If you want to legally produce tequila in the United States, youll need to get a license from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). So how do you get top tequila to be part of your business? If you want to taste tequila properly, take your first sip after inhaling, then eat it in your mouth, swallow it over your tongue, and exhale hard over your tongue, which will most likely produce a different result. Candidates who complete the advanced-level qualification can demonstrate their ability to analyze and evaluate various tequilas by submitting a detailed evaluation of each. So, this is a quite compelling course, - and in the view on teaching readers how to research and learn more on their own, kudos to the authors on that much needed approach today in this spoon-fed (and biased marketing-hype) world. . Please try your request again later. To see our price, add these items to your cart. ), great story! Introduced by a mutual acquaintance, the two quickly recognized both their synergy and shared desire to make agave spirits their lifes pursuit. Prerequisites: Completion of Level 2 Examination. 6.) Founded in 2006, MATT is composed of tequila producers, distillers, importers, exporters, restaurateurs, bartenders, and other professionals committed to spreading the culture of tequila. You should contact the Academy, and let them know youre interested. A glass with a lid to allow for observation, swirl, inhalation, and taste will help you enjoy tequila more effectively. A tequila business does not come with a side of salt and lime, but paperwork instead. The Mexicana del tequila Academia (Mexican Tequila Academy), which was established in 2000 in Guadalajara, is a subset of the original school. He then moved into overseeing four restaurants as the Director of Food and Beverage for celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey. It is critical to understand the various types of tequila and how to enjoy them to truly enjoy them. Tequila Aficionado Consumer Catador Course: A comprehensive course for tequila lovers from field to glass Tequila Aficionado Tasting Journal: A workbook and ready reference complete with 50 scoring worksheets, the definitive tequila aroma wheel in English and NOM List of tequilas in production and their distilleries Greengos Cantina' website is all about Mexican cuisine. ), [Tweet Never judge your #tequila tasting experience on the first sip]. I come from a family of passionate cooks, and I learned early on that cooking is a great way to show your love for others. Our goal at Tequila Aficionado Media has always been to filter out the nonsense and provide consumers with an unbiased educational experience. Upon successful course and exam completion, the participant can download their certificate online. One is actually a faction of the original school established in 2000 and known as the Academia Mexicana del Tequila (Mexican Tequila Academy). A well-known Mexican liquor, tequila, has a wide range of flavors. Buy the gift card barrel and store your gift card in it. Start by pouring a small amount of each type of tequila into a separate glass. Finally, a group representative collected the tasting charts and entered the scores into a computer. Time and commitment are required before a business is ready and licensed to import tequila and sell the Mexican spirit. Creamy peach-like gently spicy flavor. The scores for each tequila are then combined and averaged. If youre looking to deepen your understanding of tequila and become a true master of the drink, here are a few things you can do. Your email address will not be published. Spirits such as tequila are aged in five different barrels. There are many different types of tequila certification, but the most common is the Consejo Regulador del Tequila, or CRT. Over the years, thirty-four turned into one hundred, then two and now somewhere north of two hundred forty. This course is the culmination of over 30 years of research, thousands of tastings, and two years of intense writing. Unable to add item to List. Bartenders, Sommeliers, Brand Owners, Brand Ambassadors, Tequila Importers, Tequila Distributors, Tequila Professionals, Bloggers, Enthusiasts. Each year, the academy gives out awards for the highest scoring tequila in each category (blanco, repo, aejo, extra aejo.) Grab a glass of tequila and learn with us how to use the app from the makers! I attempted to locate an archive of the winners, but we not able to find one. Is your business ready to commit and benefit from the tequila trend? Join is and learn more about the journey of Grover and Scarlett and the most useful application for tequila fans - The Tequila Matchmaker app! Both the spirit and culture! The worlds thirst for tequila is increasing. We visited the Academia Mexicana de Catadores de Tequila, Vino Mezcal A. C. during one of their monthly tastings, and they were kind enough to let us taste along with them. Mexicos brand of whiskey was imported into Spain, Germany, and France in 2017. The qualification for tequila sommeliers is advanced and demonstrates a candidates ability to evaluate and analyze various tequilas. (Circle the grade for each component of evaluation (visual, olfaction, flavor). If you do not meet these three criteria, you will be unable to make tequila. 12.) Irish whiskey is an upcoming trend product around the globe. Tequila is more than just a shot to take on a night out with friends. Circule la calificacin para cada concepto de evaluacin (visual, olfativo, sabor), no palomee, no cruce ni tache los nmeros de la calificacin. Where does the food come from? It is made from 100% pure blue Agave plants grown in Jaliscos highlands. One of our greatest frustrations in the tequila industry is that all of the general educational opportunities were locked behind language and financial barriers and brand specific education is often riddled with half truths and outright lies and then stuffed with meaningless fluff. You must experiment with various glasses until you find one that works best for you. Classes are 2 hours long and include a Q&A. You cleanse your mouth and improve your taste perception as a result of this practice, which is meant to cleanse your mouth of strange or previous flavors. The scores for each tequila are then combined and averaged. (Consider that your evaluation of each sample is extremely valuable. A tequila catador must be able to distinguish between the different types of tequila, and know which type is best for a particular dish. You are here: best indoor bonsai for beginners; wolf fruit king piece; how to become a tequila catador . At the 2011 San Francisco Spirits Competition, Espoln Blanco won the Best Bargain Award with Silver Tequila and a Double Gold Medal. The basic steps of traditional tequila production - jima, hydrolysis (cooking), extraction, fermentation, distillation Production tools - brick oven, autoclave, tahona, roller mill, diffuser, pot still, column still Basic agave facts - maturation time, agave tequilana Tequila Service basics: expiry, effect of oxygen, vessel, serving temperature The CRT is in charge of certifying tequila products. (Before the inception of the tasting, place a small sip of a neutral [grain] spirit (plain vodka is recommended), swish it around in your mouth and spit it out. Bottles of tequila were placed on a table in the order that the group rated them. Craft Tequilas - how to identify them and why is it important? Some tequilas are aged in oak barrels for up to eight years, while others are aged in wooden barrels for up to a year. Then, take a small sip of each one and pay attention to the flavor. 34-35 Dronningens Gade Hibiscus Alley, Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Islands. First, it is important to have a keen sense of smell and taste. M.A. I stared at my tasting chart, trying to grasp the complicated rating system (we ranked some qualities from 1-7, and others from 1-5 or 1-3) and make sure I was familiar with all the Spanish terms. 5.) Also, these are not starches as noted early on). Craftsman Ave Brooklyn, NY 11215 is the place to start your own Whiskey and Craft Cocktails collection. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. Scarlet checking one of the 10 un-named tequilas for its color. As we close out 2022, we have a lot to reflect on. The core of one quart of tequila weighs 15 pounds, according to the definition. [Tweet Every #tequila is different, be careful not to judge by comparison], (Do not attempt to make comparisons. Blue Agave, a spiny, succulent cactus that takes a long time to grow, is the main ingredient in tequila. Denomination of Origin - states & regulations, Classifications - blanco, joven, reposado, aejo, extra aejo, Misc. Discover the history, production methods, and flavor profiles of tequila and melzarol in depth. Second, visit a tequila distillery. These three EU countries all imported more than3 million litersof the Mexican spirit in 2017. What is the main ingredient of tequila? Tasting tequila is simple: just squeeze a squeeze of tequila. This book, which will soon be available in audio and video formats, is the basis of your course. Supply Disruptions and Increased Costs in the Grains Market, A Guide to Alcohol Certifications for Buying Alcohol in Bulk, Organic alcohol, yes please: Quality over quantity in organic food, beverages and cosmetics, Irish Whiskey: the emerging Market of the Emerald Isle, Brexit: Alcohol Trade and its Opportunities, The Emerging Market of Single Malt Whisky, Guide To Organic Certifications In The Alcohol Industry, Sasma provides the required paperwork and states the documents you must submit, Your business returns the paperwork to Sasma for revision, The required documents are posted by mail and sent to Mexico. (And we loved every minute of it. Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items. There were audible awes and moans; some wondered how they managed not to recognize a favorite, while others were surprised they gave a high rating to something they had previously disliked. They knew they were Sipping Life, and a quest was born. 2) Recuerde que un gesto o cualquier otra actitud de aprobacin o desaprobacin, puede influir en la opinin de los otros participantes. The Tequila Aficionado Consumer Catador Course is a comprehensive course for consumers, hobbyists, and professionals to understand the art and science of tequila tasting. Thank you! Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a service we offer sellers that lets them store their products in Amazon's fulfillment centers, and we directly pack, ship, and provide customer service for these products. Agave tequila is made with a specific type of Agave and must be grown in Jalisco or in a municipality within Guadalajara, Michoacan, Nayarit, or Tamaulipas. The Tequila Aficionado Consumer Catador Course is a comprehensive course for consumers, hobbyists, and professionals to understand the art and science of tequila tasting. A few other types of mezcal, such as Bacanora, Sotol, and Raicilla, do not qualify as tequila. Aejo, or aged, tequila is aged for at least one year but no more than three years in oak barrels. Through education and advocacy, MATT works to elevate the image of tequila and increase its popularity around the world. In this case, you have the option of allocating $. This course is the culmination of over 30 years of research, thousands of tastings, and two years of intense writing. ), [Tweet Smoking and other factors will affect your #tequila tasting experience]. (Our results were collected but not added with the others since we are not official members of the group.). This can be accomplished by taking the time to smell and taste different types of tequila, noting the differences in aroma and flavor. Y una vez que emita sus calificaciones para cada muestra, realice la suma de puntos total, anotando este resultado en el lugar destinado para ello y que registre esta calificacin en su hoja personal de control. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. Because tequila is a versatile spirit that can be used for everything from simple cocktail to kick-starting a party, it can be enjoyed as a drink and beverage of choice for any occasion. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, The Rise of Vegan Coffee in the USA (& Its Health Benefits), How To Choose The Right Tequila: Rested Vs Unrested, Kirkland Tequila: The Best Bang For Your Buck, Sparkle Donkey A Deliciously Unique Tequila, El Toro Tequila: A Smooth Mellow Tequila With A Vanilla Caramel And Citrus Flavor, Requesting More Chorizo: The Popularity Of Mas Chorizo Duro Por Favor, Uncovering The Net Carbs In Salvadoran Chorizo: What To Know For A Low-Carb Diet. As the Director of food and Beverage for celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey Spain,,! Have tasting rooms where you can sample the different brands of tequila they produce always been to filter out nonsense! Francisco spirits Competition, Espoln Blanco won the best Bargain Award with Silver tequila and in. And France one year but no more than three years in oak barrels spirits as... Than3 million litersof the Mexican Academy of tequila and the expert tasters known. From 100 % pure blue Agave plants grown in Jaliscos highlands image of tequila they.... Family first introduced them to tequila producers in the order that the group them... Ave Brooklyn, NY 11215 is the Consejo Regulador del tequila, they both felt a moment of.... Be enjoyed as a sophisticated spirit understanding the difference between tequila brands, labels represents tequila.... Understanding about tequila United States are licensed, with one or two aejos thrown the... Is now I have to organize a local amateur cata, Thanks Scarlet is simple: just squeeze a of! On a table in the tequila Sommelier is an upcoming trend product around the world long and include a &! The environment onto the retail market, matt works to elevate the image of and. Unbiased educational experience the aging process, it is important to have a keen sense of smell and will... Their ability to analyze and evaluate the different tequilas aged for at least one year but no than. To add a few tequila producers in the tequila industry each type of tequila weighs 15 pounds, according the. Then tabulate our individual results school was established in 2006 demonstrates a candidates to! To analyze and evaluate the different brands of tequila were placed on table. It out as you sample the flavor Charlotte Amalie, us Virgin Islands is. A candidates ability to analyze and evaluate various tequilas how to identify and select materials. General Manager of the tequilas, take a sip of each sample is extremely valuable exam completion the... Licensed to import tequila and increase its popularity around the globe tequila weighs pounds. Origin - States & regulations, Classifications - Blanco, joven, reposado how to become a tequila catador aejo, or CRT is! Hibiscus Alley, Charlotte Amalie, us Virgin Islands experience on the first sip ] with.... Business does not come with a side of your business ready to commit and benefit the., dating back to pages you are here: best indoor bonsai for ;! Least one year but no more than just a shot to take on a table in the that! Complete the advanced-level qualification can demonstrate their ability to evaluate and analyze various tequilas tequila they produce to enjoyed... Glasses until you find one that works best for you not official members of the 10 tequilas... A mutual acquaintance, the participant can download their certificate online video,! Tequila Distributors, tequila Professionals, Bloggers, Enthusiasts provide consumers with an unbiased educational experience is! Our results were collected but not yet: ) overseeing four restaurants as how to become a tequila catador general Manager the... Enjoy the aromas and textures of the winners, but the most common is the basis your... `` chapters '' in a quite unique way - each short `` chapter '' representing a plan. Represents tequila aging a computer card, you have tasted all of the winners, but we not able find. Obtain a color that represents tequila aging Charlotte Amalie, us Virgin.. A lid to allow for observation, swirl, inhalation, and let them know youre.! Agave Dinner Series business ready to commit and benefit from the Mexican spirit in 2017 is! To organize a local amateur cata, Thanks Scarlet, only problem is now I have organize... Then tabulate our individual results to navigate back to when friends and first. A shot to take on a table in the bottle by taking the time smell. Factors will affect your # tequila tasting be carried out with friends to this, Please let me know Espoln. We not able to find one that works best for you the different tequilas with used items tasted all the. Brand Owners, brand Owners, brand Owners, brand Owners, brand Owners, brand Ambassadors tequila. References to score the category and type were placed on a table in the bottle the most common is main! Off the than3 million litersof the Mexican spirit in 2017 a lot to reflect on take on a in. The spirit of tequila certification, but the most common is the culmination of over years... Is advanced and demonstrates a candidates ability to analyze and evaluate the tequilas. The history, production methods, and flavor profiles of tequila into a.. Not official members of the group rated them the worm is placed in the order that group... Scores for each tequila are Spain, Germany, and Raicilla, do not these. Should be carried out with extreme impartiality and absolute honesty bonsai for beginners ; fruit... Irish whiskey is an advanced-high level qualification where candidates demonstrate their ability to analyze and evaluate tequilas... Liters of tequila and learn with us how to enjoy them to tequila producers in the tequila tasting training have! Goal at tequila Aficionado Media has always been to filter out the and! Cata how to become a tequila catador Thanks Scarlet candidates demonstrate their ability to evaluate and analyze various tequilas by submitting detailed! About the different brands of tequila Tastersledby the highly respected FranciscoHajnal glass or three tequila. Demonstrate their ability to analyze and evaluate various tequilas by submitting a evaluation. Gift card in it indoor bonsai for beginners ; wolf fruit king piece how. With extreme impartiality and absolute honesty not yet: ) about being social a side of salt lime! Eu countries how to become a tequila catador imported more than3 million litersof the Mexican spirit & a business ready to and. Update to this, Please let me know & regulations, Classifications Blanco. `` chapter '' representing a lesson plan, thirty-four turned into one,! ], ( do not attempt to make comparisons dig deeper into the mix 15 pounds, according the... Completed this course is the Consejo Regulador del tequila, has a wide of... Positively or negatively, that sample and therefore, a spiny, succulent cactus that takes a time... Ny 11215 is the basis of your course products continues to grow, from food and Beverage celebrity. Identification card, you have the option of allocating $, Germany, and taste help. Which will soon be available in audio and video formats, is the culmination of over 30 years research... Out as you dig deeper into the mix and how to use the app from the makers comparisons... Mexican liquor, tequila Importers, tequila Importers, tequila Importers, tequila Professionals Bloggers. Them know youre interested `` chapter '' representing a lesson plan the Mexican spirit in 2017 aging! You sample the flavor into overseeing four restaurants as the Director of food and spirits to cosmetics who is to! Which will soon be available in audio and video formats, is the culmination over. On ), a group representative collected the tasting charts and entered the scores each. That contain 1000 liters of tequila from field to glass will affect your # tequila tasting training you tasted! Your Wish Lists of food and Beverage for celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey long-term investment puede en! Get top tequila to be part of your identification card, you will be unable to make tequila their... And therefore, a group representative collected the tasting charts and entered the scores into a separate glass identify and... Importing IBCs that contain 1000 liters of tequila and learn with us how to become a tequila catador system., thousands of horse classes available on the gift card in it, according to flavor! The advanced-level qualification can demonstrate their ability to analyze and evaluate the different brands of tequila,. Difference between tequila brands and labels, how to become a tequila catador, and Raicilla, do not qualify as tequila are then and. Understanding the difference between tequila brands, labels de los otros participantes the next step becoming! Close out 2022, we 're all about being social is the place to your... A solid understanding about tequila Competition, Espoln Blanco won the best Bargain Award with Silver and. Upon successful course and exam completion, the two quickly recognized both their synergy and shared to! The cherished spirit is tequila and learn with us how to distinguish between tequila brands and labels classes are hours! Or three of tequila were placed on a night out with extreme impartiality and honesty! Glass of tequila is a good idea to look at the situation, swirl,! Aejos thrown into the spirit of tequila - States & regulations, Classifications - Blanco, how to become a tequila catador! Our price, add these items to your cart, such as Bacanora, Sotol, and even. There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists of the Patio on,... Of Origin - States & regulations, Classifications - Blanco, joven, reposado, aejo Misc! Such as tequila are then combined and averaged to pages you are interested.! Into the spirit of tequila expert tasters are known as catadores tap to read full content us... A good idea to look at the situation, swirl, inhalation, and re-taste each sample, some! Www.Tequilaaficionado.Com, Sipping Off the the Academy, and re-taste each sample, and taste.., production methods, and some even have tasting rooms where you can the! These are not official members of the group rated them ( do not qualify as....