Wow it sounds like you've been busy. Its similar to the founders breakfast stout (we just got distribution of founders in VA so its awesome! Can't wait for their Kentucky breakfast seasonal.) but I think my recipie calls for more lactose than the founders.

Yeah the stuff you have to know for the test is crazy. And you are correct in it being a 3 hr essay test, but 1 hr into it you have to judge 4 beers (you are graded on your judging) so you write for 1hr then drink 4+ beers to do a proper judging then write for another 2 hrs. I think it will be a test of my bladder more than anything else.

I'm a huge fan of xmas ales, sometime we should work a trade of some brew and sticks if your interested. We also have some homebrew comps around here if you want info on them let me know.