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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

Black

Allagash Black
Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Allagash Brewing Company certainly knows how to do Belgian-style beers and uses that expertise to produce Black Belgian Stout at its Portland, Maine brewery. As advertised, this is a Belgian-influenced riff on the ubiquitous Irish classic. Overflowing with gobs of burnt black malt laced with... Read More

Purple Haze

Purple Haze

Louisiana
United States
Purple Haze, Abita Brewing Co.
Description 

Purple Haze® is a lager brewed with real raspberries added after filtration. It is brewed with pilsner and wheat malts and Vanguard hops. The berries add a fruity aroma, tartly sweet taste and a subtle purple color and haze...you may see fruit pulp in the beer.

This beer is best served with salads or light fruit desserts, such as soufflés or chiffon cakes. Many people enjoy it with chocolate desserts. Purple Haze® pairs well with certain cheeses, such as ripened Brie or any dessert made with mascarpone. It’s also great paired with entrees prepared with fruit, especially citrus. Consider enjoying Purple Haze® alone at the end of your meal as dessert.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.2%
IBUs: 
13
Served at: 
38° F
Malts: 
Pilsner, Wheat
Hops: 
Vanguard

 

 


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Judges Rating:
81
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
14 / 20

For nearly 25 years, Abita has been synonymous with New Orleans, and their beers are now widely distributed. Although based on a lager, Purple Haze, one of their most popular offerings, is assuredly a fruit-accented American wheat beer, displaying all of the expected tart, fruity aromas and... Read More

Upland Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest
Judges Rating:
88
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

With its sparkling clarity, dark gold/light orange tint and moderate carbonation, this lager nails the classic style descriptors for appearance. Aromas of clean malt, toasty hints of Munich malt and perhaps a touch of toasted nuts waft from the glass, while the malt-dominated flavor profile... Read More

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

Old Rasputin

Old Rasputin

California
United States
Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout
Description 

Produced in the tradition of 18th Century English brewers who supplied the court of Russia's Catherine the Great, Old Rasputin seems to develop a cult following wherever it goes. It's a rich, intense brew with big complex flavors and a warming finish.

The Old Rasputin brand image is a drawing of Rasputin with a phrase in Russian encircling it — A sincere friend is not born instantly.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
9.0%
IBUs: 
75
Served at: 
50°

 

 


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Judges Rating:
87
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20

Tucked away from the big city hubbub just north of the San Francisco Bay Area, Fort Bragg’s North Coast Brewing Company is a heavy hitter, perennially turning out a range of superb beers, including Old Rasputin Imperial Stout. Dominated by stingingly sharp espresso notes, the aroma also provides... Read More

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