50 Top-Rated Beers from 50 Issues of The Beer Connoisseur
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Editorial Dept.
Over the course of The Beer Connoisseur’s 50 issues, our reviewers have imbibed a huge amount of beers. In this story, we will highlight the 50 Top-Rated Beers from 50 Issues of the magazine, starting all the way back with where it all began in Issue #1.
For reference, this list features beers that received the highest score in each of the 50 issues of The Beer Connoisseur magazine. Some issues did have beers that had the same score, so in that case, we chose the beer we thought best represented the issue.
Read on to stroll down memory lane with the best beers that each issue of The Beer Connoisseur had to offer. Cheers!
96
Out of Bounds Stout
Avery Brewing Co.
American Stout
Reviewed by Judge’s Panel
Simply put, a transcendent beer that can fundamentally change the way one views bottled stouts. A deep, richly saturated mahogany, almost brown color is capped off by a high, creamy khaki-colored head — this beer just looks appetizing. The aroma comes on strong, with big roast barley, French-roast coffee and bitter chocolate notes, followed by enticing hop aromas of orange peel, lemon zest and pine. Lee picked up some delicate traces of licorice, and Pete and Tim both commented on a notable alcohol presence. Intricate, complex flavor profile evincing, by turns, cacao, espresso, light caramel malt flavors and resiny, almost piney hop flavors. Assertively bitter from… CONTINUE READING
98
Rare Vos
Brewery Ommegang
Biere de Garde
Reviewed by Judge’s Panel
Just about as close to perfection as you’ll find on Earth, Rare Vos is a singular drinking experience. A sultry amber, slightly hazy brew topped by a velvety, creamy and tawny head, this is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. Bold aromas of cinnamon, cardamom, licorice, plums, cherrystones and papaya leap from the glass. Tim commented on the hints of clove, brown sugar and caramel in the nose and noted that they all play together… CONTINUE READING
99
Hanssens Oude Kriek
Hanssens Artisanaal
Fruit Lambic
Reviewed by Judge’s Panel
In the interest of full disclosure, this was a sample from my cellar that had roughly two years of age on it, in addition to the three-plus years it already matured prior to shipping. Still, this is truly a world-class beer, irrespective of its provenance. Hanssens has been producing some of the most widely acclaimed lambic, especially kriek and gueuze, in recent memory. This beer hits the glass with a deep, rusty, reddish-brown color and throws a very small, rather lacy head. The aromas that waft from the glass are rich with hints of almond… CONTINUE READING
96
Modus Hoperandi
Ska Brewing Co.
American IPA
Reviewed by Judge’s Panel
In what seems to be a growing trend, Ska has joined the ranks of craft brewers packaging exceptional products in cans. Modus Hoperandi comes blasting out of Durango, Colo., tossing around massive amounts of hops while still remembering it is a beer rather than hop soup. The beer pours an inviting deep gold, almost tending toward amber, and it throws a prodigious, creamy-white head that lingers to the very end of the glass. An initial whiff of grapefruit in the nose is quickly supplanted by a firm resinous… CONTINUE READING
98
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier
Brauerei Heller-Trum
Rauchbier
Reviewed by Judge’s Panel
Hailing from the northern Franconian town of Bamberg, Aecht Schlenkerla truly is the quintessential rauchbier. The aroma, redolent of rich beech wood smoke, pervades the room as soon as the beer hits the glass. Though pungently smoky, the aroma still evinces a slightly toasty malt character under the beech wood. The panel unanimously praised the intense yet deftly balanced smoke, with Rick likening the aroma to a campfire breakfast. Pete found the smokiness appetizing but was impressed with the luscious, slightly caramelly malt component lurking below. Pouring a brilliantly clear amber… CONTINUE READING
99
Prima Pils
Victory Brewing Co.
German Pils
Reviewed by Judge’s Panel
Since first firing up the brewhouse in 1996, the good people at Victory Brewing have continually delivered some of the finest beers in America, displaying their considerable skills in every bottle and keg that reaches their devoted public. Prima Pils, one of Victory’s flagship beers, is nothing less than the quintessential German-style pilsner, rivaling anything that Germany has to offer. The aroma, overflowing with flowery, spicy Saaz hop notes, permeates the room as the beer slips into the glass. Pete was immediately taken by the perfume-like hop notes, underpinned by the merest hint of peaches, that played counterpoint to a firm, cracker-like… CONTINUE READING
98
Sorachi Ace
Brooklyn Brewery
Saison
Reviewed by Judge’s Panel
Experimenting with the recently developed Japanese Sorachi Ace hop, Brooklyn Brewery delivers in a big way with its beer of the same name. Crafted loosely in the saison style, Sorachi Ace is a distinctive beer, showcasing all the bright citrus aromas and flavors the signature hop is so rightly admired for. Immediately upon pouring, Sorachi Ace suffused the room with intense aromas of citrus and spice. Tom lasered in on the intense citrus, likening it to fresh, zesty lemongrass and noted an almost ginger-like underpinning of spice… CONTINUE READING
96
Harvest Ale
Southern Tier Brewing Co.
Strong Bitter
Reviewed by Judge’s Panel
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 pineapple, yet some malt manages to fight its way through. Pete enjoyed the substantial orange zest and pineapple, but thought the toasty and light caramel corn-like malt helped tame the dominating hop… CONTINUE READING
98
Speedway Stout
AleSmith Brewing Co.
Imperial Stout
Reviewed by Judge’s Panel
Located in a quiet Mira Mesa business park, AleSmith Brewing has been turning out stunning beers since 1995. Speedway Stout is a monster of a Russian Imperial Stout. Clocking in at a mind-boggling 12% ABV, it’s not a beer to be toyed with. Speedway Stout’s aroma washes over the room in waves redolent of anise seed, dark chocolate, and French roast coffee. Tom zeroed in on the strong, espresso-like coffee notes and appreciated the deft balance between the roast and the lightly sweet malt underpinning. The bold notes of chicory… CONTINUE READING
94
Hop Henge
Deschutes Brewery
Double IPA
Reviewed by Judge’s Panel
After nearly three decades of operation, Deschutes Brewing is considered one the Pacific Northwest’s “Old Guard” breweries. Among its assertive brews, Deschutes keeps things interesting with the annual release of Hop Henge. Laden with swirling notes of tropical fruit, fog shrouded coastal forests, and even traces of brandy, Hop Henge’s aroma screams “hop driven.” Rick likened the alcoholic smack to “finely aged Armagnac,” noting subtle creamy, almond-like traces lurking just beneath… CONTINUE READING
94
Rodenbach Grand Cru
Browuerij Rodenbach
Flanders Red Ale
Reviewed by Judge’s Panel
94
Aventinus
Weissbierbrauerei G. Schneider & Sohn
Weizenbock
Reviewed by Judge’s Panel
One of the world’s truly classic weizenbocks, in constant production since 1907, the Schneider Aventinus throws around gobs of prune, banana, and warm, exotic spices as the aroma billows from the glass. Tim enjoyed the “enticing hints of clove laced with a faint herbal, heather-like” hop note, backed by substantial malt sweetness, almost candy-like. It reminded him of a “rainy day deep in the forest.” While he also picked out the clove-like aromas, Pete found traces of mace, and even a hint of cinnamon floating just beneath the surface. Pete did, however, feel the malt wasn’t quite strong… CONTINUE READING
96
La Chouffe
Brasserie d’Achouffe
Belgian Golden Strong Ale
Reviewed by Judge’s Panel
Deftly camouflaging its deceptive alcohol strength among layers of ripe fruit aromas and honeyed malt, La Chouffe from Brasserie Achouffe is truly a world class Belgian strong golden ale. Brewed in the Belgian Ardennes, La Chouffe’s nose is rife with notes of ripe banana, juicy peach, and just a whiff of white cardamom. Tom appreciated the aroma’s dominant notes of lush Bosc pear and hints of bubble gum wafting over “sweet, almost honey-like maltiness.” Beneath the initial malt blast, Tim teased out a “subtle note of succulent Asian pear” and praised the amazing… CONTINUE READING
95
All Day IPA
Founders Brewing Co.
Session IPA
Reviewed by Judge’s Panel
Somewhat of a dichotomy, All Day IPA is a “session” IPA, weighing in at a conservative ABV of 4.7 percent and sporting just over 40 IBU. With its low alcohol and bitterness, All Day IPA is a rather welcome refuge in a world teeming with strong IPAs, Double IPAs and enamel-stripping Triple IPAs. Rich, juicy tropical fruits dominate the aroma, all floating over a faintly nutty, Ritz Cracker-like malt. Tim was “blasted by fistfuls of guava, overripe pineapple, and bright tangerine zest.” Brilliantly clear and radiating from the glass with a fulgent golden glow, this beer boasts a mountainous, rocky white head. Adroitly balanced… CONTINUE READING
96
Sünner Kölsch
Sünner Brauerei
Kölsch
Reviewed by Owen Ogletree
Gorgeous aromas of sweet grains, flowery hops, restrained fruity esters and a honey-like hint are the groundwork for what’s to come in this beer’s flavor. Elegant malt flavors combine with refined noble hops, achieving a fi ne balance in this clear, golden-colored ale. Its crisp, clean flavors are well rounded — an agreeable citrus/honeysuckle hop… CONTINUE READING
98
Gonzo Imperial Porter
Flying Dog Brewery
Baltic Porter
Reviewed by Phil Farrell
This beer looks perfect in a glass and the grapefruit, pine and resin are evident from arm’s length. Beneath the layer of intense hop aroma is an enticing dark chocolate and nutty roast. The flavor doesn’t disappoint with the same hop flavors complementing a much more complex array of cooked caramel, dark chocolate, coffee and even a little… CONTINUE READING
98
Wookey Jack
Firestone Walker Brewing Co.
Specialty IPA
Reviewed by Phil Farrell
As I lean in to check out the garnet highlights and thick tan head, I get hit with the Pacific Northwest in all its hop glory. Loads of grapefruit and pine with a nuance of citrus zest and spice dominate the aroma. After it warms, there’s a whiff of chocolate roast. The flavor is as good as the hop aroma. Following a hop appetizer, there’s a complex roast infusion with chocolate notes and a spicy… CONTINUE READING
96
Cali-Belgique
Stone Brewing Co.
Specialty IPA
Reviewed by Phil Farrell
The interplay of the Belgian and American markers, where each element takes turns being more prominent in the drinking progression, is excellent in this golden beer. The aroma brings a wonderful blend of pine resin, earthiness, pepper, grapefruit and lemon zest. There are a lot of hop and yeast aromatics with just a hint of alcohol… CONTINUE READING
96
Tropicalia
Creature Comforts Brewing Co.
American IPA
Reviewed by Phil Farrell
When I take my first sniff I am treated to an orgy of mango, guava, grapefruit, orange and even a bit of peach and pine with a little resin on the side. After it warmed I detected a little biscuit and green tea. The flavor is hop fruity, but there is a pine resin, spice character that balances… CONTINUE READING
98
Mocha Porter
Rogue Ales & Spirits
American Porter
Reviewed by SJ Klein
A roasty, toasty, boasty beer. It will keep you up… if it doesn’t knock you down first! The coffee and chocolate are very well balanced in this beer. They are here to support the beer, not the other way around. It is surprisingly dry, neither more dry nor more astringent than it should be, and it is rich, warming and eminently drinkable. It has a lighter mouthfeel… CONTINUE READING
98
Oude Geuze Boon
Brouwerij Boon
Gueuze
Reviewed by Jim Koebel
A one-of-a-kind style, Gueuze is a carbonated blend of aged and young Lambic. Its rustic flavors provide a window into Lambic’s traditional fermentation environment. This example starts with a pleasantly earthy, musty aroma with a spicy — almost peppery — quality, balanced evenly with acidity. It pours orange-gold and hazy from the corked bottle, with the off-white head crackling as it falls. This beer’s flavor is sharply acidic but supported by sweet yet well-attenuated maltiness. Like the aroma, it tastes earthy with mild spice… CONTINUE READING
96
Malefactor
Upland Brewing Co.
Specialty Wood-Aged Beer
Reviewed by Joseph Formanek
Upland Malefactor is a monster of an American Sour! This brew, promoted as an “Epic Flanders Style Red Ale,” delivers quite the impact to the senses in all aspects, delivering a memorable and epic experience indeed. The aroma of this brew is very complex with intense cherry, lactic and acetic notes. There is a wine-like character that could be coming from the barrel-aging or perhaps from the microbiological complexity. The mouth salivates immediately upon the first whiff after popping the cork. Visually, this moderately carbonated quite turbid reddish-brown-colored brew has a solid, rocky cream-colored… CONTINUE READING
97
Wild Sour Series: Flanders Red
DESTIHL Brewery
Flanders Red Ale
Reviewed by Josh Weikert
This is a world-class Flanders Red despite hailing from the American Midwest. Sours can be challenging, and the Flanders Red particularly so given the kind of balance drinkers expect between fruit, acid and malt, but this one nails it. The beer pours a brilliant amber color with a low tan head. The initial aromas are of dark cherry, blackcurrant and a low earthy background funk that accentuates the deep and dark fruit notes. That same fruity character carries through… CONTINUE READING
97
Porter Culture
Hops & Grain Brewery
Baltic Porter
Reviewed by John C. Tull
This Baltic Porter has a very pleasant and complex aroma that includes floral hops, mild stone fruit aromatics, rich chocolaty malt, hints of burnt roast and a touch of vanilla. A very slight alcohol aroma can also be detected. It is a near-black color that suspends a light head of small, tan bubbles along the edge of the glass. The vanilla in the aroma is detectable in the flavor also. Some plum and overripe red cherry is just perceptible. The malts are… CONTINUE READING
98
Bomb!
Prairie Artisan Ales
Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer
Reviewed by Joseph Formanek
Prairie Bomb! is a very aptly named concoction. The quite amazing complexity exhibited in this specialty Imperial Stout delivers a massive explosion of delicious flavors and aromas that linger in the memory well after the drinking is done. This deep black-colored opaque brew with a moderately lingering tan head has a cappuccino-like aroma of coffee and chocolate with a peppery, fruity flavor in the background. Drinking this brew is akin to drinking a chili chocolate coffee milkshake… CONTINUE READING
99
King JJJuliuss
Tree House Brewing Co.
Double IPA
Reviewed by Dan Preston
Wow! From the moment the can pops, hop aromas completely fill the air. Grapefruit, orange, mango, passion fruit, melon, citrus, pineapple – basically every juicy fruit you can think of is there plus a little bit of pine. The flavor is more of the same too — just wave after wave of complex hops, which are wicked juicy and tropical. A massive amount of hops is packed into this beer, and it even shows in its appearance; this beer is a murky deep orange with a big white head… CONTINUE READING
97
N10 Imperial Blended Ale
Ninkasi Brewing Co.
Mixed-Style Beer
Reviewed by Michael Heniff
Touting a “striking hop intensity” and a “rich backbone of caramel and roasted malt”, this rich and complex beer impresses at all levels. Measuring in at 10% abv and 100 IBUs, this beer is a blend of 50% Imperial Stout, 10% Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout, 12.5% Imperial Total Domination IPA, 12.5% Imperial Maiden of the Shade IPA, and 15% Critical Hit Barleywine. This opaque, black ale starts off with an aroma that is almost all Imperial Stout with aggressive roasted, chocolate, and burnt malt with a background of light bourbon… CONTINUE READING
99
Frambozen
pFriem Family Brewers
Fruit Lambic
Reviewed by John C. Tull
The aroma of this fruit lambic is a menagerie of olfactory delights: dominating raspberry, woody pith, hints of tartness, sweetness, and a little barnyard for good measure. The color is an interesting pale burnt orange/red with some haze and almost no head leftover from the outpouring of gaseous bubbles continually rising from the bottom of the glass. The flavor is strongly raspberry fruit and pithy/woody extractions from the seeds. Beyond the fruit, which is by no means overbearing, some interesting wild yeast funk can be found… CONTINUE READING
97
The Partner Ships Series: Stone Brewing Co.
Heavy Seas Beer
Specialty IPA
Reviewed by Pat Mulloy
This was evaluated as a BJCP style 21B Specialty IPA: Brown IPA, and I must say, I love this beer. It brings together a rich, creamy zaftig brown ale texture and body with a big, soft alcohol character and a balancing yet assertive hop bitterness. Hop resin and berry aromas blend with light chocolate, traces of dark sugar and nuts. It’s a stunningly beautiful, brilliant chestnut-colored beer blanketed by a two-inch rocky tan layer of foam… CONTINUE READING
96
Rodenbach Fruitage
Brouwerij Rodenbach
Wild Specialty Beer
Reviewed by James Link
Poured from what appeared to be an eight-ounce bottle into a nine-ounce snifter and subsequently reviewed as per BJCP 2015 style guidelines under catagory 23B European Sour Ale , Flanders Red Ale. A complex blend of aromatics delight the nostrils upon first pour. Dark cherries are first evidenced and combine pleasantly with a light lactic tartness and just a touch of Brettanomyces. Burgundy in color and capped… CONTINUE READING
98
The Topsail
Cape May Brewing Co.
Mixed-Fermentation Sour Beer
Reviewed by Dan Martich
The aroma of this beer is inviting with lots of ripe pineapple, green mangoes, red apples, ripe pear, and light citrus fruity esters. The grainy malt character is secondary. Sink your nose into the glass, and you’ll find the straw and hay notes of this sour ale. It pours light golden yellow with a firm haziness and thick foamy head that lasts and lasts. The first sip reveals a medium-light ripe pineapple note… CONTINUE READING
96
Four Seasons Spring ’17
Mother Earth Brewing Co.
Fruit Beer
Reviewed by Randy Scorby
This beer is marketed as a dry hopped saison brewed with kumquats, and it delivers with a solid representation of the base beer combined with a well-integrated character from the kumquats. It pours a light gold color with near brilliant clarity, and a creamy white head that lasts throughout. The aroma greets the drinker with a moderate black pepper phenol quickly followed by a light orange citrus character. A moderate and slight rich bready maltiness and crackers seasoned with black pepper emerge closely behind. The flavor follows… CONTINUE READING
97
Four Seasons Winter ’16
Mother Earth Brewing Co.
Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer
Reviewed by John C. Tull
A robust coffee aroma leaps out of the glass. Dark malts blend with the coffee as a rich chocolate and roasty undertone; hints of caramel, vanilla, and alcohol sweetness are layered in as well. The color is black like coal smoke from an 1800’s London industrial smokestack. Held up against the light, you can just make some light through the beer along the very top edge of the glass. A velvety froth of dark tan, nearly brown bubbles covers much of the surface. The flavor is led with a bit of coffee… CONTINUE READING
97
Rodenbach Vintage 2015
Brouwerij Rodenbach
Flanders Red Ale
Reviewed by James Link
A potpourri of aromas is immediately upon you at initial pour. Intensely fruity, tart and vinous with a touch of oak in the background.A medium off white head is supported by a reddish-hued beer which is quite clear. This is a very complex beer with lots going on. Fruitiness perceived in the aroma is more cherry like in the flavor. The aforementioned tartness as provided by the bacteria and Brettanomyces used here during fermentation is subdued and marries well with the other components and is… CONTINUE READING
96
Nitro Irish Stout
Breckenridge Brewery
Irish Stout
Reviewed by Michael Heniff
This stout pours an opaque pitch black with a very finely beaded creamy tan head. The aroma is prominent, rich dark malts with aromas of roasted espresso, chocolate and toasted malts. The flavor is similarly and appropriately malt-focused with a rich, flavorful blend of roasted espresso and dark chocolate malt flavors. The body is medium and very velvety smooth. The finish is lightly bittered with a rich, complex malt depth of coffee and dark chocolates lingering for a long time… CONTINUE READING
96
Tunnel Vision DDH with Citra
Bearded Iris Brewing
American IPA
Reviewed by Sal Mortillaro II
This beer pours a deep gold color with opaque clarity due to the use of dry hopping. A modest off-white head forms but dissipates fairly quickly. As the beer is imbibed, it leaves a lovely lacing on the glass. On the nose is a moderately high juicy mandarin orange profile with low notes of pineapple taking the forefront on this beer. A low level of malt sweetness helps support the hop aroma and makes the beer almost candy-like. Any esters in the beer are lost behind the fairly intense hop character. Light wisps of alcohol are apparent… CONTINUE READING
98
Privat
Brauhaus Riegele
Festbier
Reviewed by Michael Bury
At first glance, the effervescent bubbles rapidly climb through this brilliantly clear, light golden beer and help to support a stand of white foam. The appearance of this beer is just the tip of the near-perfect iceberg however. The clean lager fermentation allows the hops, but especially the malt, to shine through. Moderately-low light toasted malt with a soft doughiness mingles with the characteristic qualities of noble hops: floral and spice. Sip after sip, you’ll be greeted with lightly toasted malt, notes of graham cracker, honey and a subtle doughiness. Medium-low floral hops with a restrained spiciness and a similar level of bitterness perfectly balances the malt. You’ll find no faults in the fermentation… CONTINUE READING
97
Mexican Empire
Arches Brewing
Vienna Lager
Reviewed by Sean Coughlin
The initial aroma of this beer is all malt – toasted bread and bread crust are prominent. The malt aroma is straightforward and does a great job of displaying a rich breadiness/nuttiness without adding anything superficial. There are no hops or other aromatics present and the fermentation profile is exceptionally clean without any hint of sulfur or fruitiness. The beer is an attractive amber with a strong, tightly packed light-khaki head. The clarity on this beer is exceptional and highlights an appearance that truly whets the appetite. The flavor follows the aroma… CONTINUE READING
97
Seedstock Dusseldorf Alt
Seedstock Brewery
Altbier
Reviewed by Michael Bury
The nose is quite malt-forward with toast, brown bread and a bit of baker’s chocolate. Restrained prunes and light floral hop presence provides intrigue. The flavor of this beer is similar to the aroma but, again, with a bit more intensity. Above average brown bread, hints of nuts and dark fruit are balanced by the moderately high bitterness, which ultimately tilts the balance in its favor. It’s cleanly fermented with no off-flavors… CONTINUE READING
96
Rupture
Odell Brewing Co.
American Pale Ale
Reviewed by Rick Franckhauser
Rupture does, in fact, rupture out of the glass with super fresh grassy, herbal and lemony citrus hop aromatics. Imagine sticking your face in two big handfuls of fresh hops. Once you acclimate to the hops you get hints of slightly sweet and grainy malts with a touch of light toast. Super inviting. The beer pours a light golden color with good clarity and a creamy white head. Millions of tiny bubbles stream up, assisting in sustaining the head throughout. A beautiful beer. The flavor follows the aromatics by delivering those fresh hops to the palate. Resinous with lemon zest and a touch of grassy… CONTINUE READING
96
Sonoma Tart
Bear Republic Brewing Co.
Wild Specialty Beer
Reviewed by Randy Scorby
Sonoma Tart pours a deep, hazy yellow with a white head that lingers. The aroma starts with prominent mixed passion fruit that eventually gives way to an identifiable guava character. A light tartness in the nose, light candied orange and bready malt notes emerge as it warms. Although the passion fruit is prominent the overall aroma is fairly complex. The flavor follows with pronounced guava, mango, light pineapple and candied orange. A moderate and clean lactic sourness balances the light residual sweetness that emerges mid-palate, along with a very light hop bitterness and bready malt. The lactic… CONTINUE READING
95
pFriem Golden Coffee Pale
pFriem Family Brewers
Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer
Reviewed by Randy Scorby
The beer has a light cracker malt front rounded by faint herb/coffee with an initial citrus-leaf angle, with the nice light malt underlain by aromatics with dark earthy notes. Upon swirling, a big, fresh, light coffee bean (un-ground, rich, but relatively light/Vienna roast) comes out. Off-dry overall and really, really nice. The coffee aroma mixed with the light malt sweetness is very well-balanced. A biscuity-cereal malt start goes quickly to a firm and assertive coffee (Vienna roast, again) note that seems to substitute largely for bitterness with mid-palate flavors of lovely cracker malt… CONTINUE READING
96
Oak Barrel Aged Flanders Red Ale
Moody Tongue Brewing Co.
Flanders Red Ale
Reviewed by John C. Tull
Notes of acetic acid linger on a bed of cherry fruit with hints of wood and leather. The acidity is restrained, but unmistakable. The color is a dark copper-garnet, very clear with just a faint head on the glass’s edge that is off-white. The flavor is acidic and fruity expressing both good development of the wild yeast character and a rich pie-cherry fruit. The malt is not overworked, and a good malt sweetness balances the acidity nicely. I would characterize the malt and acidity as being… CONTINUE READING
96
Brouwer’s 14th Anniversary
pFriem Family Brewers
Fruit Lambic
Reviewed by Michael Heniff
14th Anniversary pours golden in color with a slight haze and a fading rim of white head. The aroma is moderately funky with aromas of hay, barnyard, and a hint of horse blanket along with a hint of cherry-like dark fruit. The flavor is moderate-light lactic sourness with a light sweetness and black cherry-like dark fruit. The funky characters take a background in the flavor but there is still a trace of leather and hay. The complexity… CONTINUE READING
96
Terrible
Unibroue
Belgian Dark Strong Ale
Reviewed by David Sapsis
The nose is redolent with dark caramel and light cocoa with dark-dried fruit and nuts, and a side of dried herbs and molasses. Ethanol is evident in spades. Absolutely full, rich, alcoholic and sweetly dark in the nose, it is immensely alluring. The flavor starts with a dark caramel malt and trails quickly to a low-but-there bitterness with mid-palate flavors of dark fruit (dates, black cherries), modest spice, some faint chocolate and dark Brazil nut, and a hit of molasses at… CONTINUE READING
96
Cruise Control
Two Roads Brewing Co.
Munich Helles
Reviewed by John C. Tull
Bready malt dominates the aroma profile with a mild malt sweetness in the background. The color is a pale gold with exceptional clarity. An off-white head lingers on the surface and edges of the glass. The flavor bears the hallmarks of this style with a grainy-malt sweetness that is not overbearing and well balanced with modest hop bitterness. The water even has a mineral quality suggestive of classic Munich brewing water… CONTINUE READING
98
Barrel-Aged Brownie Batter Batch Blend #1
Pontoon Brewing
Specialty Wood-Aged Beer
Reviewed by Dan Martich
The aroma begins with moderate vanilla and an absence of the presumed oak barrel notes. Pleasant bourbon in the nose is up front and center but not harsh. Dark roasted malts are secondary to a slight barrel and alcohol character. In the appearance section we find an opaque beer that has a foamy, medium brown head that was fizzy and short-lived. Wow! Sweet roasted malty goodness is knocking at the door, so let ‘em in! Big bold flavors of espresso with a touch of cream and plenty of boozy alcohols play well… CONTINUE READING
94
Jucifer
Gnarly Barley Brewing Co.
Specialty IPA
Reviewed by Joseph Formanek
Extremely dank hop aromas (Citra, Mosaic, Simcoe) dominate the nose upon the pour, with the citrus and tropical fruit being most dominant. There is a light malty sweet aroma is in the background. The beer pours like a pulp-free orange juice, being completely turbid with a solid rocky white head with small bubbles and lacing. The flavor is very dank, with overripe tropical fruit and citrus hop character predominant from start through finish. Citra is the leader of the pack here. The malt backbone is light to moderate. The drink starts off somewhat dry… CONTINUE READING
95
Sion Kölsch
Radeberger
Kölsch
Reviewed by Jason Johnson
The aroma is light, but not void by any means. I easily pick up clean moderate grainy malt with a slightly cracker-like secondary note. What I really like is the hop nose on the beer. It’s noticeable and comes across as floral, the range is medium-light and falls in just short of the malt aroma. The fermentation is relatively clean, and leaves the beer’s malt and hops to speak for themselves, there is a light fruity character that steps into the light as the beer warms slightly. The color is light yellow and brilliantly clear. It poured a light fizzy white head… CONTINUE READING
97
Barrel Aged Imperial Korova
Gnarly Barley Brewing Co.
Specialty Wood-Aged Beer
Reviewed by Joseph Formanek
The aroma has an incredible complexity of bourbon, chocolate, dark malt, sweet raisins, coffee and caramel. Very attractive and it begs you to take a sip! The oak character from the barrel is mellow and complementary. The beer pours an opaque inky black color with a light tan small-bubbled head that is fleeting. The flavor mirrors the aroma quite well. Big bourbon notes are up front on top of an extremely rich chocolate, coffee and caramel malt character that is quite inviting. Hop flavor and bitterness is subtle, but there is enough of the latter to balance out the sweetness of this brew pretty well. The body is medium to medium-full, and the carbonation is rather low. Alcohol is… CONTINUE READING
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