The last in a distinguished string of Vertical Epic Ale releases, 12.12.12 is Stone Brewing’s homage to Belgium’s dark, powerful and spicy Bières de Noël. Overflowing with spicy notes of ginger, cinnamon, and clove, all punctuated by a dark pumpernickel bread maltiness, this brew imbues the... 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:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Since first opening in Palo Alto in 1988, Gordon Biersch has grown into an international brewing powerhouse. Despite the growth, Gordon Biersch has remained committed to crafting exemplary German-style beers and maintaining an unwavering devotion to quality. Brewed in the true Oktoberfest... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Hofbräuhaus, in Munich, is truly a “must see” spot for beer lovers, and their beers are rightfully legendary. Hofbräu Hefe Weizen is an elegant interpretation of this classic style, displaying all the trademark aromas and flavors of banana, bubble gum, cotton candy, clove and lemon zest. Yet all... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Now in its 20th year of providing painstakingly crafted beers with all brewery power being wind or solar-derived, Uinta is dedicated to sustainability in terms of both the environment and distinctive brews. Baba Black Lager is the Salt Lake City brewers’ schwarzbier entry, one bursting with... Read More
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Brewing powerhouse Boston Beer Company has diverged from the ubiquitous Samuel Adams label in its recent foray into big beer – Griffin’s Bow Oaked Blonde Barleywine Ale. True to the style, Griffin’s Bow boasts a nose chock full of sweet malt, ripe fruit, and most prominently, alcohol. Pete liked... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
From Stone’s humble Southern California beginnings back in 1996, Steve Wagner and Greg Koch have grown their operation into a craft beer powerhouse, producing some of the most widely recognized and sought-after beers anywhere. Ruination IPA is one such beer, boasting an incredible 100+ IBUs and... Read More