A very clean, crisp lager that deftly straddles the line between German- and Czech-style pilsners. The prodigious, creamy-white head, pale-yellow color and crystal clarity all speak of a masterfully crafted brew. Lightly spicy, perfumy hops dominate the nose, while faint cracker-like malt notes... Read More
Start 14-Day Trial Subscription
*No credit card required
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:
24 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Double Pilsner is Odell Brewing Company’s strongly alcoholic riff on the venerable Bohemian pilsner, though with a surprisingly low hop bitterness. Jam packed with Pils malt and less traditional citrus hop notes, this is an iconoclastic brew. Generally not found in pilsner, sweet hints of... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
20 / 20
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
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:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
Like American Pale Ale and IPA, the Imperial IPA and Barleywine categories can get muddled. This beer tends toward a barleywine due to the aroma which is very malty with burnt caramel, toffee, and even some vinous, aged ale notes. The resinous, woody hops are more in a backup role. The burnt... 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