Each year, we collect the highest-scoring beers evaluated in the Official Review and compile them in a list of the finest examples. 2023 was a spectacular year for brewing, and we’ve collected the best of the best in the world of beer for you to delve into.
While hazy IPAs have long been the most popular style in the beer world, 2023 was the first time that our Official Review was absolutely overtaken by them. As such, our Top 100 Beers of 2023 story features a staggering number of hazy IPAs – an impressive number of which were rated World Class scores of 96 or above.
A whopping 12 beers achieved our vaunted World Class rating, with five of them being IPAs (hazy or otherwise). Beyond the massive number of IPAs in this year’s Top 100, you’ll find our highest-scoring cider ever, a bevy of ever-popular barrel-aged imperial stouts, a collection of delectable monastic ales and much, much more. These are just a few of the multitude of beer styles found within, so read on to explore the Top 100 Beers of 2023. Cheers!
ABOUT THE OFFICIAL REVIEW
The Official Review is conducted in a single-blind tasting format that adheres to the Beer Judge Certification Program 2021 Style Guidelines. This method provides the best opportunity to rely on facts and to avoid favoritism, ensuring a level playing field for all brewers. It serves both the industry and the consumer to have unbiased and objective scores from qualified experts.
In an effort to provide the most credible evaluations, The Beer Connoisseur hand-selects judges with a minimum BJCP ranking of “National” or Master Cicerone®. Judges are required to work with an assistant that handles beer prior to evaluation, and breweries are not allowed to solicit judges directly.
In the single-blind tasting format, judges are presented with a chilled, properly poured beer and given its style category. Scoring is then done on the following basis using a 100-point scale: Aroma (24 points), Appearance (6 points), Flavor (40 points), Mouthfeel (10 points) and Overall Impression (20 points).
The score breakdown is as follows:
100 to 96: World Class – You need this beer in your life.
95 to 91: Exceptional – Don’t hesitate.
90 to 86: Very Good – A brew to savor.
85 to 75: Average – Somewhat unimpressive.
74 and below: Not Recommended – Just walk away.
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