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BC Review

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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

Cutthroat Porter

Cutthroat Porter Odell Brewing Beer
Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Now in their third decade of operation, Odell is still churning out well-crafted, highly individualistic brews for an ever-growing legion of fans. Their Cutthroat Porter is a dark and enticing brew, imbued with aromas redolent of cocoa, luscious caramel and café au lait emanating from the glass... Read More

St. Bridget's Porter

Retired Saint Bridget's Porter
Judges Rating:
89
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

This is a rich, amber/brown-hued beer and a decidedly roasty, caramel accented porter, laced with hints of licorice, black cherries and figs. It pours with a prodigious, mousse-like beige head that refuses to subside, clinging to the sides of the glass from the first sip to the last. Our panel... Read More

The Maharaja

The Maharaja by Avery Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
95
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

For the last two decades, Avery Brewing has shown they know hops and are not afraid to use them. The Maharaja, Avery’s contribution to the world of Imperial IPA’s, boasts over 100 bittering units and tons of flavor and aroma hops. This is truly a paean to Humulus lupulus. Redolent of... Read More

Mirror Pond Pale Ale

Deschutes Beer Mirror Pond Pale Ale
Judges Rating:
84
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Since opening its original brewpub in downtown Bend, Ore. in 1988, Deschutes has been throwing down a solid lineup of classically-styled brews. Mirror Pond Pale Ale’s sweet aromas of cookie dough and caramels fill the room, while the expected resin and citrus of the hop notes are buried deep... Read More

Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

You will never look at canned beer the same way after you experience Mama’s Little Yella Pils. A deep, saturated golden beer that throws a substantial creamy white head. The noticeable haze is more appropriate to a Keller Pils but doesn’t mar the exquisite aromas and flavors. The panel all... Read More

Local 1

Local 1 Brooklyn Brewery
Judges Rating:
89
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Brimming with brash notes of cardamom, allspice, and ripe banana, Local 1 is yet another monster brew from Garrett Oliver and the folks at Brooklyn Brewery. Brewed in the Belgian strong ale style, Local 1 packs a whopping 9 percent ABV, derived from classic European malts and a judicious dose... Read More

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