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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

Raspberry Tart

Raspberry Tart
Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Since first opening the doors and firing the kettles at New Glarus back in 1993, Deborah and Dan Carey have been producing some of the most noteworthy beers on the market. Outside of the brewery’s backyard, the beers have developed a “buy them if you can find them” cachet and inspire dedicated... Read More

Hop Crisis

Hop Crisis 21st Amendment Beer
Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

When they decided to start packaging beer, 21st Amendment Brewery founders Nico Freccia and Shaun O’Sullivan opted for cans over bottles. If ever there was a beer to make believers out of those who turn up noses at canned beer, Hop Crisis is it. The aroma of this imperial IPA, is dominated by... Read More

Burning River Pale Ale

Burning River Pale Ale
Judges Rating:
85
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20

Set on the shores of Lake Erie and situated just across the street from the famed Westside Market, Cleveland’s own Great Lakes Brewing Company has been bringing the beer since 1988. These days they produce over 100,000 barrels annually and continue to deliver the goods with a star-studded lineup... Read More

Troubador Blond

Troubador Blond
Judges Rating:
80
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20

Made in a brewery launched by four Belgian schoolmates in 2000, Troubador Blond introduces itself with a complex nose. It teems with aromas of vanilla bean, clove, apricots, and cherries. Underneath the dominant fruit and spice notes, Mike picked out an engaging cotton candy sweetness... Read More

Cutthroat Porter

Cutthroat Porter Odell Brewing Beer
Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Now in their third decade of operation, Odell is still churning out well-crafted, highly individualistic brews for an ever-growing legion of fans. Their Cutthroat Porter is a dark and enticing brew, imbued with aromas redolent of cocoa, luscious caramel and café au lait emanating from the glass... Read More

St. Bridget's Porter

Retired Saint Bridget's Porter
Judges Rating:
89
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

This is a rich, amber/brown-hued beer and a decidedly roasty, caramel accented porter, laced with hints of licorice, black cherries and figs. It pours with a prodigious, mousse-like beige head that refuses to subside, clinging to the sides of the glass from the first sip to the last. Our panel... Read More

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