Start 14-Day Trial Subscription

*No credit card required

Latest Reviews

Explore The Beer Connoisseur® magazine's database of most recent beer and cider reviews as evaluated by our panel of judges in the Official Review.

Stone 26th Anniversary Imperial IPA

Stone 26th Anniversary Imperial IPA

California
United States
Stone 26th Anniversary Imperial IPA, Stone Brewing
Description 

25 years ago we celebrated the 1st Anniversary of our fledgling brewery with a beer that was far away from the craft beer norms at the time. It was far too intense. It was far too hoppy and bitter. Yet it became the shot heard ‘round the world, and beer history was changed forever. We’re talking of course about our flagship Stone IPA. So, to celebrate the beer that (eventually) launched generations of hop fanatics, we present this imperial version of the beer that made our name among the (budding) craft beer legions. Loaded with gloriously bitter notes of piney, citrusy, resinous dankness, it’s everything we love about our classic West Coast style IPA…properly turned up to celebrate 26 years.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
9.7%
IBUs: 
80
Hops: 
Centennial

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Reviewed by: David Sapsis
Judges Rating:
82
Aroma:
18 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Stone 26th Anniversary Imperial IPA by Stone Brewing is being judged as a Double IPA, in accordance with the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines, category 22A.  The beer is served in a kölsch stange at 48oF, after a vigorous pour. The beer... Read More

Stone Buenavida Hard Seltzer - Mango

Stone Buenavida Hard Seltzer - Mango

California
United States
Stone Buenavida Hard Seltzer - Mango, Stone Brewing
Description 

Heady, tropical mango transports you directly to island time. In our quest to enable our brewers to push the boundaries of what’s possible, we took on the challenge of creating a line of hard seltzers that were so good - or rather, Buena - we simply had to show them off to the world. Buenavida Hard Seltzers, in their custom-molded glass bottles, are 100 calories, sugar-free and gluten-free.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.0%

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Reviewed by: David Sapsis
Judges Rating:
88
Aroma:
20 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Stone Buenavida Hard Seltzer - Mango by Stone Brewing Co. is being judged as a fruited seltzer with mango flavoring against the 2022 Beer Connoisseur Seltzer Guidelines for fruit seltzers.

Blueberry LMN ADE

Blueberry LMN ADE

Georgia
United States
Blueberry LMN ADE, Wild Leap Brew Co.
Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.5%
IBUs: 
12

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Reviewed by: Rodney A. Tillinghast
Judges Rating:
86
Aroma:
21 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Blueberry LMN ADE by Wild Leap Brew Co. was judged as a Style 29A Fruit Beer per the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines.

Stone Buenavida Hard Seltzer - Mandarin

Stone Buenavida Hard Seltzer - Mandarin

California
United States
Stone Buenavida Hard Seltzer - Mandarin, Stone Brewing
Description 

Bright, tangy mandarin flavor. We basically bottled sunshine. In our quest to enable our brewers to push the boundaries of what’s possible, we took on the challenge of creating a line of hard seltzers that were so good - or rather, Buena - we simply had to show them off to the world. Buenavida Hard Seltzers, in their custom-molded glass bottles, are sugar free, gluten-free and 100 calories.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.0%

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Reviewed by: David Sapsis
Judges Rating:
93
Aroma:
21 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Stone Buenavida Hard Seltzer - Mandarin by Stone Brewing Co. is being judged as a fruited seltzer with mandarin against the 2022 Beer Connoisseur Seltzer Guidelines. It it served in a tall tapered pilsner glass at 43oF showing a brilliant... Read More

Side Bae Double IPA: Cashmere

Side Bae Double IPA: Cashmere

Georgia
United States
Side Bae Double IPA: Cashmere, Wild Leap Brew Co.
Beverage Profile
ABV: 
7.6%
IBUs: 
45
Hops: 
Cashmere

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Reviewed by: Rodney A. Tillinghast
Judges Rating:
81
Aroma:
20 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20

Side Bae Double IPA: Cashmere by Wild Leap Brew Co. was judged as a Double India Pale Ale (BJCP 2022 Guidelines Style 22A). 

Stone Buenavida Hard Seltzer - Watermelon Lime

Stone Buenavida Hard Seltzer - Watermelon Lime

California
United States
Stone Buenavida Hard Seltzer - Watermelon Lime, Stone Brewing
Description 

Sweet, summery watermelon balanced perfectly with tart, tangy lime. In our quest to enable our brewers to push the boundaries of what’s possible, we took on the challenge of creating a line of hard seltzers that were so good - or rather, Buena - we simply had to show them off to the world. Buenavida Hard Seltzers, in their custom-molded glass bottles, are sugar free, gluten-free and 100 calories.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.0%

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Reviewed by: David Sapsis
Judges Rating:
90
Aroma:
21 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Stone Buenavida Hard Seltzer - Watermelon Lime by Stone Brewing is being judged as a fruited seltzer with watermelon and lime flavoring against the 2022 Beer Connoisseur Seltzer Guidelines for fruit seltzers.  The beverage is presented in a tall... Read More

Stone Buenavida Hard Seltzer - Black Cherry

Stone Buenavida Hard Seltzer - Black Cherry

California
United States
Stone Buenavida Hard Seltzer - Black Cherry, Stone Brewing
Description 

Intense black cherry bursting with refreshing fruitiness. In our quest to enable our brewers to push the boundaries of what’s possible, we took on the challenge of creating a line of hard seltzers that were so good - or rather, Buena - we simply had to show them off to the world. Buenavida Hard Seltzers, in their custom-molded glass bottles, are 100 calories, sugar-free and gluten-free.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.0

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Reviewed by: David Sapsis
Judges Rating:
88
Aroma:
20 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Stone Buenavida Hard Seltzer - Black Cherry by Stone Brewing Co. is being judged as a fruited seltzer with black cherry against the 2022 Beer Connoisseur Seltzer Guidelines, available online... Read More

Cocoa Caliente

Cocoa Caliente

Georgia
United States
Cocoa Caliente, Wild Leap Brew Co.
Beverage Profile
ABV: 
11.
IBUs: 
20

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Reviewed by: Michael Heniff
Judges Rating:
92
Aroma:
21 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Cocoa Caliente by Wild Leap Brew Co.

Fireside Chat

Fireside Chat

California
United States
Fireside Chat, 21st Amendment Brewery
Description 

Fireside Chat is our holiday seasonal beer that’s brewed like a classic strong ale but with a subtle blend of hand-selected spices and cocoa nibs for just the right festive flair. No matter how you celebrate, or where you are, grab a fire and a friend and share the season.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
7.9%
IBUs: 
45
Served at: 
40 - 45º F
Malts: 
Pale Munich Wheat, Crystal De-bittered Black Chocolate Malt
Hops: 
Columbus Hops, US Goldings Hops

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Reviewed by: Michael Heniff
Judges Rating:
91
Aroma:
21 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Fireside Chat by 21st Amendment Brewery is a spiced beer and is being evaluated as a Winter Seasonal Beer (category 30C from the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Winter Seasonal Beers are spiced beers that are... Read More

Cognac Barrel-Aged Double Mash Imperial Stout

Cognac Barrel-Aged Double Mash Imperial Stout

Cognac Barrel-Aged Double Mash Imperial Stout, pFriem Family Brewers
Description 

This most massive of imperial stouts is both beastly and beautiful, pouring a seductive onyx, swirling with notes of fresh espresso, toasted caramel, chocolate and cherries. Savor the warm barrel finish with every delectable sip.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
14.0
IBUs: 
45
Served at: 
45 - 50ºF
Malts: 
Maris Otter Pale Malt, Chocolate, Pale Chocolate, Crystal Dark, Roast Barley, Black Malt
Hops: 
Chinook

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Reviewed by: Michael Heniff
Judges Rating:
95
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Cognac Barrel-Aged Double Mash Imperial Stout by pFriem Family Brewers is being evaluated as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (category 33B from the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Specialty Wood-Aged Beers are aged in... Read More

Golden Raspberry Barrel Aged Belgian Ale

Golden Raspberry Barrel Aged Belgian Ale

Oregon
United States
Golden Raspberry Barrel Aged Belgian Ale, pFriem Family Brewers
Description 

pFriem Golden Raspberry Barrel Aged Belgian Ale rests in Sauvignon Blanc barrels before adding Oregon grown Golden Raspberries. The result is a sunny blonde rustic beer with notes of honeyed apricot, raspberry preserves, and fresh baked bread.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
7.0%
IBUs: 
18
Served at: 
45 - 50ºF
Malts: 
Gambrinus Pilsner, Rahr Unmalted Wheat
Hops: 
Tettnanger, Hallertau Blanc

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Reviewed by: Michael Heniff
Judges Rating:
94
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Golden Raspberry Barrel Aged Belgian Ale by pFriem Family Brewers is being evaluated as a Mixed-Style Beer (category 34B from the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Belgian Blond Ales (category 25A in the 2021 BJCP Beer... Read More

KEREL Stout

KEREL Stout

KEREL Stout, Verbeeck-Back-De Cock Brewery
Description 

All stouts are dark and mysterious, but the VBDCK brewers deepen its typical roasted flavors even further by lightly hopping the brew or adding coffee or chocolate during the brewing process for a sweet mocha touch.

Taste: Deep, dark and rich with coffee and pure chocolate flavors, rounded off by modern hops.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.5%

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Reviewed by: Michael Heniff
Judges Rating:
92
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

KEREL Stout by Verbeek-Back-De Cock Brewery is a Belgian Stout and is being evaluated as a Foreign Extra Stout (category 16D in the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Foreign Extra Stouts are moderately strong stouts... Read More

KEREL Bière de Garde

KEREL Bière de Garde

KEREL Bière de Garde, Verbeeck-Back-De Cock Brewery
Description 

The brewing process of a “Bière de Garde” (“Beer for keeping”) is an artisanal high-wire act because you’re looking for a brew that’s simultaneously rich and sinewy; clean and earthy; muscular and refreshing. It’s a good thing Kerel has lots of experience combining muscles, beauty and a complex character.

Taste: Very malty, very high-maintenance but irresistible to the true beer connoisseur. Try it for the touch of caramel, stay for the complex character full of delicious paradoxes.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
7.0%

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Reviewed by: Michael Heniff
Judges Rating:
92
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

KEREL Bière de Garde by Verbeek-Back-De Cock Brewery is a Bière de Garde and is being evaluated as a Bière de Garde (category 24C in the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Bière de Gardes are a family of malty French... Read More

KEREL Saison

KEREL Saison

Belgium
KEREL Saison, Verbeeck-Back-De Cock Brewery
Description 

Everybody knows that if you want a great summer body, you need to work on it during winter. The same goes for this beer’s complex body of flavors. It is traditionally brewed during winter and savoured during spring / summer. It’s usually very fruity with deep earthy yeast tones and a mild tartness. The VBDCK version has all of that, plus a dry character and medium bitterness perfectly suited to bathing suit season and beyond.

Taste: This easy to love thirst quencher uses different kinds of hops and grains so you’ll discover new aspects of its flavor with every sip or swallow

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.5%

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Reviewed by: Michael Heniff
Judges Rating:
87
Aroma:
20 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

KEREL Saison by Verbeek-Back-De Cock Brewery is a Saison and is being evaluated as a Saison (category 25B in the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines).  Saisons are typically well-carbonated and well-attenuated ales with a... Read More

Cherry Brandy Barrel Aged Belgian Strong Dark

Cherry Brandy Barrel Aged Belgian Strong Dark

Cherry Brandy Barrel Aged Belgian Strong Dark, pFriem Family Brewers
Description 

Belgian tradition and Oregon brewing ingenuity do a little jig in cherry brandy barrels to deliver an alluringly complex beer, alive with layers and notes of dark fruit, chocolate, caramel and fig, a best-of-both-worlds brew that’s robust and oh-so-smooth.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
10.0%
IBUs: 
38
Served at: 
45 - 50ºF
Malts: 
Pilsner, Pale Chocolate, Black Malt, Double Roasted Crystal
Hops: 
Tettnang, Perle

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Reviewed by: John C. Tull
Judges Rating:
86
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Cherry Brandy Barrel Aged Belgian Strong Dark Ale by pFriem Family Brewers was judged as Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (33B BJCP 2021) with a base Belgian Strong Dark Ale (26D) and Fruit Beer (29A). Rich pie cherry and whiskey barrel qualities... Read More

Barrel Aged Saison V

Barrel Aged Saison V

Barrel Aged Saison V, pFriem Family Brewers
Description 

In our hearts, it’s always Saison season. Our slightly dry, oaky version is packed with tropical hints of pineapple, guava and citrus, making this radiant, gold beauty perfect for shining through the clouds and soaking up the rays.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.7%
IBUs: 
30
Served at: 
45 - 50ºF
Malts: 
German Pilsner, White Wheat, Raw Wheat, Malted Spelt
Hops: 
Tettnang, Galaxy

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Reviewed by: John C. Tull
Judges Rating:
91
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Barrel Aged Saison V by pFriem Family Brewers was judged as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (33B BJCP 2021) with a base Saison (25B). A complex aroma is evident in this beer with citrus notes, woody funk, yeast, acidity, leather and quite a mix of... Read More

Pages

Partner Sponsor - Official Review