One of a growing number of “gypsy” brewers, little is known about Brian Strumke and his Baltimore-based brewing. We do, however, know that he produces quirky, occasionally off-kilter brews in styles less daring brewers tend to shun. Stillwater’s Stateside Saison is just such a beer, redolent... Read More
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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:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Since opening Port Brewing/Lost Abbey in 2006, co-founder Tomme Arthur has earned the reputation as “The Guy” when it comes to producing Belgian-style sour ales. Red Poppy is a Flanders-style red ale, displaying all of the expected trademark sweet/sour aromas and flavors. Boasting a complex... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
Available in the United States since 2000, Hitachino Nest has garnered somewhat of a cult following among American beer lovers. Although its availability can be limited at times, this is a highly sought-after brew, and rightfully so. In keeping with Belgian traditions, Hitachino Nest is brewed... Read More
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
Earthy, slightly piney hops dominate the aroma, followed by slight toasty malt that gives way to berry and cherry fruitiness. The flavor starts with herbal and resinous hops with a supporting grainy, nutty maltiness that has a slight caramel aspect. The bitterness is fi rm, with a slight herbal... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
London’s last traditional family brewery, Fuller’s Brewery has been producing singularly British ales for nearly 200 years. Fuller’s ESB, is the archetypal bitter, displaying a rather fruit forward, malty nose while packing a solid bitterness in the flavor. Rick immediately picked upon the “... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Since 1995, Sam Calagione’s Dogfish Head in Delaware has been providing the beer drinking public with characterful, sometimes offbeat but always tasty beers. The 90 Minute IPA epitomizes the in-your-face-style Sam’s beers tend to express, and clocking in at a whopping 9 percent alcohol by volume... Read More