The Double Black IPA is one of the top-notch beers consistently made by Alaskan Brewing Company for an army of zealously faithful beer connoisseurs. Teetering precariously between a Cascadian black ale and a black imperial IPA, this brute packs a mighty 8.5% ABV. It offers brash notes of Cuban... 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:
22 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
20 / 20
Hailing from the northern Franconian town of Bamberg, Aecht Schlenkerla truly is the quintessential rauchbier. The aroma, redolent of rich beech wood smoke, pervades the room as soon as the beer hits the glass. Though pungently smoky, the aroma still evinces a slightly toasty malt character... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
For 25 years, Middleton, Wisconsin’s Capital Brewery has supplied an increasingly large following with a solid line up of fine ales and lagers. Autumnal Fire is a malty, chewy, distinctly American take on the classic doppelbock, employing a dose of honey to lend the brew a faint tartness and... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
One of 24 Köln-based signatories to the Kölsch Convention, Reissdorf produces their flagship beer in strict compliance with the tenets of the Convention as well as the Reinheitsgebot. This is a classic Kölschbier, displaying subtle aromas of faintly crackery malt and restrained, pear-like... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20
Although not an overly popular style, more and more brewers are producing sweet stouts, and Left Hand Brewing has a winner on their hands. The judges praised this beer for its luscious, creamy, long lasting, beige head, as well as its deep, saturated brown color and brilliant clarity. In keeping... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Kansas City doesn’t usually evoke thoughts of world class Belgian-style beers, yet that is exactly what Boulevard Brewing has been producing for the last 25 years. Long Strange Tripel falls in the classic Belgian Tripel style, evincing notes of pear, peach, and warm bread throughout the nose.... Read More