Yet another amazing brewery from “The Class of ’96,” Paso Robles-based Firestone Walker Brewing Company has built a reputation for decidedly hop-centric ales of exceptional character. Dry hopped with three different varieties, Firestone Walker Pale 31’s aroma abounds with fistfuls of pine forest... 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:
4 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
For such a hefty beer, Malheur 12 is surprisingly quaffable and should be approached with more than a modicum of restraint and caution. As a “Quadrupel,” this beer falls loosely within the Belgian dark strong ale style and is dominated by alcohol, chewy malt and spices. The nose swirls with... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Touted as a “Double ESB Ale,” the XX Bitch Creek Grand Teton Brewing Company takes everything in the Bitch Creek ESB recipe and basically doubles it. A limited release, it makes for an imposing brew that throws around aromas and flavors with reckless abandon – in a very enticing way. Dripping... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
From their humble beginnings in the back of a San Diego homebrewing supply shop, the folks at Ballast Point have built a true beer juggernaut, knocking out superlative brews across a broad range of styles. Brewed loosely in the Kölsch style, with a decidedly American twist, their Pale Ale,... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
This crystal-clear, copper-brown ale with a tan, moussy head throws fairly clean aromas of earthy hops, very light biscuits and nuts, noted Phil. Owen called it a stronger-than-usual brown that exhibits a medium brown color, excellent clarity and a large stand of foam with attractive lacing. To... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Located in a combination brewery, winery and distillery on windswept Nantucket Island, Cisco Brewers are putting out some of the most intriguing wood-aged beers available today. Each of the beers in its “The Woods” series is aged in French oak, and Lady of the Woods is a nuanced addition to the... Read More