Originally a brewpub in downtown San Diego, 22 years later Karl Strauss Brewing Company produces over 30,000 barrels of beer annually. Head brewer Matt Johnson’s latest holiday brew, Two Tortugas Belgian Quad, is an 11% ABV that packs a serious wallop. Rife with aromas of dark rum, caramel, and... Read More
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BC Review
The Expert Panel
The Beer Connoisseur® review was conducted as a round table single blind review by our panel of expert judges. Four to six judges reviewed 8-14 beers per session and submitted their individual scores and notes. The scores were averaged into a single score and notes compiled and summarized for publishing in magazine issues 1-14. These reviews have been republished here in this online format.
The names and biographies of the contributing judges were publsihed with each magazine issue and are listed below.
Charlie Gow - Founding Beer Review Coordinator (1960 - 2014)
Tim Artz
Tom Cannon
Phil Farrell
Pete Garofalo
Rick Garvin
Lee Anthony Hitchins
Owen Ogletree
My reviews
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
20 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
With his Double White Ale, Southampton Publick House’s brewmaster, Phil Markowski, has taken a sublimely American turn on this classic style. While brewed to a higher gravity, with correspondingly higher spice levels than Belgian witbier, this beer is undeniably in the witbier mold – it’s just a... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
Since launching in 2003, Thomas Hooker Brewing Company has pumped out a lineup of solid ales and lagers from the brewery in Bloomfield, Connecticut. While traditionally a seasonal, Thomas Hooker offers its rich chocolate and roasted coffee-accented Doppelbock year round – noteworthy considering... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Family-owned Bear Republic has been brewing distinctive beers in Sonoma County since first firing the kettle in 1996. At almost 7% ABV, Red Rocket Ale can be described as a bastardized Scottish style ale. Though evincing some classic California style hop aromas, the nose is dominated by sugary... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20
Producing a wide range of sometimes quirky beers, London’s Greenwich Brewery, the home of Meantime Brewing, offers up a traditional take on a constantly updated style. Deservedly proud of their unwavering use of traditional British ingredients, Greenwich pumps Meantime India Pale Ale chock full... Read More
Appearance:
3 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
31 / 40
Mouthfeel:
5 / 10
Overall Impression:
14 / 20
The Lost Abbey of San Marcos has been producing esoteric Belgian-influenced ales since 2006 and co-founder Tomme Arthur continues the trend with his acclaimed Cuvee de Tomme. Unfortunately, our samples arrived with virtually no carbonation, which seriously hampered the beer’s ability to present... Read More