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Brian Eichhorn

Brian Eichhorn's picture
Beer, Mead & Cider Judge

Brian started diving into the world of craft beer in 2004, tracking all of the beers he tasted online, with notes. He picked up homebrewing in 2008 and began judging in 2010. Taking pride in the opportunity to give feedback to brewers of all sorts, he has progressed through the BJCP, attaining the rank of Master in 2013. He formerly acted as an Associate Exam Director for the BJCP, as well as an exam administrator and proctor, and presently holds the rank of Grand Master IV, as well as Mead judge. To him, the most important aspect of judging is to know your limits and learn how to recognize them and expand them. To achieve that end, Brian has judged in over 100 competitions in 12 states and counting, including the Great American Beer Festival, and visits innumerable breweries. He also helps organize a few competitions each year, including the role of judge coordinator for the Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer (which you may know as FoBAB), the largest of its kind in the world.

 

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My reviews

Ca Phe

Ca Phe

Louisiana
United States
Ca Phe, Urban South Brewery
Description 

A luscious Vietnamese-style coffee stout brewed with lactose sugar and locally roasted coffee from French Market Roasters. 2017 Beer Army Foundation gold medal winner for Best Sweet Stout.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
7.0%
IBUs: 
24
Served at: 
45 - 55ºF
Malts: 
Pilsner, Caramel 80, Roasted Barley, Black Wheat, Vienna, Rolled Oats, White Wheat, Lactose
Hops: 
Fuggles

 

 


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Judges Rating:
88
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Cà Phȇ​ by Urban South Brewery is a Vietnamese Coffee Stout that is being judged as 30A-Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer with 16A-Sweet Stout as the base style. In the aroma, this beer is definitely all about coffee. Fresh and clean with a high-quality coffee aroma. Notes of toffee and chocolate... Read More

Pulp Theory Hazy IPA

Pulp Theory Hazy IPA

Colorado
United States
Pulp Theory Hazy IPA, Odell Brewing
Description 

What happens when the art of brewing and science of fermentation collide? Eureka! You get a brilliant creation and call it Pulp Theory. This 7.5% Hazy IPA was created to accentuate bold hop flavors of ripe orange, pineapple juice, and fruit punch.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
7.5%
IBUs: 
45
Hops: 
Fresh Grind Galaxy, Cashmere, Strata

 

 


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Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Pulp Theory Hazy IPA by Odell Brewing Co. is being judged as a 21b Specialty IPA, specifically a Juicy/Hazy IPA, per the BJCP 2015 Style Guidelines.

The pour is hazy, obviously, bordering on turbid with a pale gold and touch of orange and a creamy white head that persists. The nose is... Read More

La Fontaine

La Fontaine

Georgia
United States
 La Fontaine, Social Fox Brewing
Description 

Is it Wine, or is it Beer? La Fontaine is an Oenobeer fermented with pinot noir grapes from California giving it a deep ruby-red wine color. The palate is challenging: a malty bock base that sneaks through an acidic, tart wine like character. Highlighting a rich, medium body and hints of spice

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
8.0%
Served at: 
45º F

 

 


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Judges Rating:
89
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

La Fontaine by Social Fox Brewing is being evaluated as a BJCP 2021 style 29A (Fruit Beer), as a traditional bock with Pinot Noir grapes. Note that the "Grape Ale" category is specifically for more neutral beers, hence this classification. This one pours a deep ruby-brown with a clingy beige... Read More

Kingston Black

Kingston Black

Colorado
USA
Kingston Black, Snow Capped Cider
Description 

Kingston Black is considered the most famous English cider apple from Taunton, England during the 18th century. With a naturally heavy tannin structure, it's processed and finished to be completely dry. The cider is aged one year prior to packaging. High elevation grown (above 6,130 feet) with layers of complex flavor, medium body, and dry mouthfeel give every cider drinker the chance to experience an English style cider in an approachable can format.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
8.5%

 

 


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Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Kingston Black by Snow Capped Cider is being evaluated as a C1B, English Cider, per the 2015 BJCP Cider guidelines.

The nose on this is fantastic. Great apple skin and perfumy notes, green fruit and pleasant white wine aromatics. There's a freshness, but also an austerity that I really... Read More

Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Munich Dunkel (8A). The beer pours a deep red brown with a thin off-white head. There is a faint haze to the beer, but overall fairly attractive. The initial aroma is toasty and bread-like with a faint cocoa note. It's very fresh and Munich malt dominated, with minimal hop character, with the... Read More

The Cannibal

The Cannibal, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
Judges Rating:
88
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

The Cannibal by Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant was judged as a 25c Belgian Golden Strong Ale.

The beer pours a hazy gold that appears to have some suspended particulate, very fine with a frothy white head that persists. The nose is quite clean, though distinctly Belgian. Lightly... Read More

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