Boulder, Colorado’s Twisted Pine Brewing has been wowing local drinkers with their distinctive beers since 1995. Partnering with a local coffee roaster, they have created a seriously dangerous beer, Big Shot, boasting a shot of espresso in each bottle. Aromatic in the extreme, this beer floods... 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:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
Yet another intriguing beer from the folks at Tampa’s Cigar City Brewing, Good Gourd Imperial Pumpkin Ale is a seasonal special release – chock full of earthy pumpkin, enticing spices, and soothing alcohol warmth. Aromas of fresh baked pumpkin pie and French vanilla abound, all supported by lush... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
Canned beer continues to carve out an increasingly sizeable niche in the American craft beer market, and Surly Brewing’s brown ale, Bender, stands shoulder to shoulder with the best and brightest. A relative newcomer on the scene, the artisans at the Twin Cities-area’s Surly Brewing have rapidly... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
This ale shows off a rich brown color with a frothy, tan head and good clarity, Bob noted. Owen added that subtle aroma notes of light fruit, caramel and restrained dark malt lead to a flavor profile marked by mild toastiness, caramel hints and brief encounters with cherry esters and other faint... Read More
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
During its explosive growth and a move into a massive new, purpose-built facility, Green Flash’s Mike Hinkley and Chuck Silva continue to crank out top notch brews with a distinctive San Diego twist. Rayon Vert, a foray into the often quirky world of Belgian pale ales, is packed with juicy... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
20 / 20
Southern Tier heralds autumn with its annual release of Harvest Ale, a decidedly American take on the British classic – Extra Special Bitter. Southern Tier has never been bashful when it comes to hops and this beer is no exception. The nose brims with notes of pine, orange peel and hints of... Read More