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BC Review

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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

Jai Alai

Jai Alai

Florida
United States
Cigar City Jai Alai
Description 

Jai Alai, a game native to the Basque region of Spain, is played on a court called a fronton. Jai Alai players attempt to catch a ball using a curved mitt whilst the ball travels at speeds up to 188 miles per hour! Proving they have a sense of humor the Spanish dubbed this game, with its ball traveling at racecar speeds, “the merry game.” Tampa was once home to a bustling Jai Alai fronton but sadly all that remains of Jai Alai in the Tampa Bay area is this India Pale Ale that we brew in tribute to the merry game. The India Pale Ale style of beer has its roots in the ales sent from England to thirsty British troops in India during the 18th century. Pair Jai Alai India Pale Ale with Beef Empanadas, Deviled Crabs and other spicy dishes.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
7.5%
IBUs: 
70
Served at: 
55° F

 

 


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Judges Rating:
87
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

A forerunner of the resurgent Florida brewing scene, Cigar City Brewing has quickly developed a reputation for crafting tasty beers. Jai Alai IPA bounds with aromas of ripe tropical fruits, Florida oranges, and chewy, sweet caramel. The aroma’s fruitiness took Tom by surprise, but he... Read More

Sweetwater IPA

Sweetwater IPA Beer
Judges Rating:
87
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Proving that you don’t have to spring forth from the West Coast if you want to be a hop monster, SweetWater’s IPA comes out of Atlanta bursting with great fistfuls of hops. This bruiser hits the glass with a deep, seductive golden color that verges on being brassy. It pitches a towering creamy,... Read More

Duvel

Duvel
Judges Rating:
84
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Initially brewed in 1918 and fermented to this day with the original yeast strain, Duvel is a beer of incredible complexity, demanding a full three months to produce. Swirling with notes of bread, ripe pears, and spicy Czech hops, Duvel’s nose is distinctive and identifiable. Tom enjoyed the... Read More

Prima Pils

Prima Pils

Pennsylvania
United States
Prima Pils Victory Brewing Company
Description 

A crisp yet distinct Pilsner brewed with German hops that bring vivid notes of floral and spice with citrus and lemon. This is truly brilliant, bringing nuanced complexity together with smooth, easy drinking.

“Prima!” it is an exclamation of pure joy heard from brewmasters and beer lovers near and far each time they enjoy one of our most adored beers. It is also how she got her name. Like any proud parent, we have crowned her as one of our favorites. We lavish her with hand-picked hops, only the finest ingredients and painstakingly work to balance her distinct and nuanced complexity with smooth, easy drinking.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.3%
IBUs: 
Between 40 and 50
Served at: 
40 - 45˚ F
Malts: 
German Two-Row
Hops: 
Tettnang, Hallertau, Spalt, Saaz

 

 


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Judges Rating:
99
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
40 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
20 / 20

Since first firing up the brewhouse in 1996, the good people at Victory Brewing have continually delivered some of the finest beers in America, displaying their considerable skills in every bottle and keg that reaches their devoted public. Prima Pils, one of Victory’s flagship beers, is nothing... Read More

Black Mocha Stout

Black Mocha Stout by Highland Brewing
Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

This hoppy, bitter, roasty stout, which appears dark, opaque brown and topped by a rocky, light brown head, contains the low aroma of resiny hops and more pronounced scents of dark roasted grains, coffee and chocolate, Ed said. Chris cited its admirable head retention and foamy lace that are... Read More

Imperial Pumpkin Ale

Imperial Pumpkin Ale
Judges Rating:
75
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
18 / 24
Flavor:
29 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20

A spice-driven 8.0 percent ABV brew, Weyerbacher Brewing Company’s Imperial Pumpkin Ale seethes with caramel, clove and cinnamon, but only the occasional hint of pumpkin. This beer’s aroma pummels the senses with wave after wave of nutmeg, cinnamon, and even traces of fresh ginger. Rick... Read More

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