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Brad Darnell

Brad Darnell's picture
Beer Judge

Brad became interested in the science behind beer while taking a senior Chemical Engineering elective course, Biochemical Engineering, where the professor spoke of enzymes (among other things) and took the class on a brewery tour. He has since begun home brewing and earned a BJCP Grand Master II rank, currently serving as the Mountain/Northwest Regional Representative and Associate Exam Director while continuing to judge competitions around the U.S. and educating himself and others. In his spare time Brad visits breweries around the world, always on the hunt for those who produce world-class examples of hard-to-find, obscure or innovative styles.

My reviews

Ruby's Red

Ruby's Red

California
United States
Ruby's Red, Garage Brewing Co.
Description 

A nice clean beer, easy drinking, very smooth, well balanced, and fairly sweet – just like Ruby. This favorable brew will be a classic.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.1%
Served at: 
45º F
Malts: 
Weyermann CaraFoam, Rahr Two-Row, Crisp Crystal 60L, Crisp Crystal 77L, Simpson Roasted Barley
Hops: 
Nugget, German Hallertau Mittelfrüh

 

 


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Judges Rating:
95
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Ruby's Red by Garage Brewing Co. is being judged according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 15A – Irish Red Ale.

A beautiful, brilliantly clear mahogany beer fills my glass while a thick, creamy and somewhat bubbly light beige... Read More

Lawyers, Guns & Money

Lawyers Guns & Money by Crazy Mountain Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Lawyers, Guns & Money by Crazy Mountain is a Barleywine and is being evaluated as an American Barleywine (2015 BJCP Category 22C) offering according to the BJCP guidelines. For this style expect a bold, even assertive American hop character and a rich, strong ale which lingers and “one ups”... Read More

Judges Rating:
96
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Oatmeal Stout by East Brother Beer Co. is an Oatmeal Stout and is being evaluated as an Oatmeal Stout (2015 BJCP Category 16B) offering according to BJCP guidelines. For this style expect a dark and full-bodied ale with roasty malt.

The initial aroma is of roasted malt, nearly chocolate... Read More

Soul Sacrifice

Soul Sacrifice

California
United States
Soul Sacrifice, Peter B's Brewpub
Description 

After aging an imperial red for ten months in Bourbon barrels, I had the hot idea to infuse it with cocoa, spices, and roughly 6 lbs. of Guajillo peppers. Aromas of cinnamon, baking spices, and coconut with decadent dark chocolate flavor and a subtle pepper burn on the finish.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
9.2%
IBUs: 
50
Served at: 
42° F
Malts: 
Pale, Two-Row, Dark Munich, Medium Caramalt, Medium Crystal, Extra Special, Chocolate
Hops: 
Nugget, Denali, Cascade

 

 


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Judges Rating:
84
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Soul Sacrifice by Peter B's Brewpub is a Mexican hot chocolate-inspired bourbon barrel-aged imperial red and is being evaluated as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (2015 BJCP Category 33B) offering according to BJCP guidelines. For this style expect the base beer style blended well with... Read More

Cucumber Berliner Weisse

Cucumber Berliner Weisse

California
United States
Cucumber Berliner Weisse, Garage Brewing Co.
Description 

A delightfully tart beer with crisp cucumber flavors.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
3.8%

 

 


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Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Cucumber Berliner Wiesse by Garage Brewing Co. is being judged according to the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 29A – Fruit Beer.

Freshly cut cucumber and bright, lactic tartness erupt from the glass as it approaches my nose for first full sniff. A... Read More

Triple Vanilla Hefeweizen

Triple Vanilla Hefeweizen

California
United States
Triple Vanilla Hefeweizen, Garage Brewing Co.
Description 

Flavor: Vanilla
Aroma: Sweet Vanilla
Balance: Low Bitterness
Body: Low Malt

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.5%
Served at: 
45º F
Malts: 
Rahr Two-Row, Rahr Wheat - SuperSack, Weyermann Acidulated
Hops: 
German Magnum, Mt. Hood

 

 


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Judges Rating:
85
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Triple Vanilla Hefeweizen by Garage Brewing Co. is being judged according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 30A - Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beer.

I am presented with a cloudy dark golden straw beer that has a two-inch, rocky... Read More

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