Starting out in the back of a local homebrewing supply store in 1996, Ballast Point Brewing has continued to expand its exceptional beer lineup, including the sublimely hop-driven Sculpin IPA. A quintessential “San Diego” IPA, Sculpin’s aroma is laced with pungent notes of citrus, tropical fruit... 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:
24 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
20 / 20
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
The good folks at Sly Fox, nestled quietly in the western Philadelphia suburbs, have been brewing quality beers for close to 15 years, and they have developed a large, seriously loyal fan base. The Saison Vos, a stunningly well-conceived and executed version of the classic Belgian farmhouse ale... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
For the last two decades, Avery Brewing has shown they know hops and are not afraid to use them. The Maharaja, Avery’s contribution to the world of Imperial IPA’s, boasts over 100 bittering units and tons of flavor and aroma hops. This is truly a paean to Humulus lupulus. Redolent of... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Family-owned Bear Republic has been brewing distinctive beers in Sonoma County since first firing the kettle in 1996. At almost 7% ABV, Red Rocket Ale can be described as a bastardized Scottish style ale. Though evincing some classic California style hop aromas, the nose is dominated by sugary... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20
Producing a wide range of sometimes quirky beers, London’s Greenwich Brewery, the home of Meantime Brewing, offers up a traditional take on a constantly updated style. Deservedly proud of their unwavering use of traditional British ingredients, Greenwich pumps Meantime India Pale Ale chock full... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Brimming with brash notes of cardamom, allspice, and ripe banana, Local 1 is yet another monster brew from Garrett Oliver and the folks at Brooklyn Brewery. Brewed in the Belgian strong ale style, Local 1 packs a whopping 9 percent ABV, derived from classic European malts and a judicious dose... Read More