Home to some of the most idiosyncratic beers in the world, Franconia is rightfully known as the brewing world’s epicenter for rauchbiers, which are noted for the pungently smoky aromas and flavors. Aecht Schlenkerla Eiche, a rauch (smoked) doppelbock from Brauerei Heller-Trum in Bamberg,... Read More
Start 14-Day Trial Subscription
*No credit card required
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:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Left Hand’s flagship brew, Sawtooth Ale is another American riff on Extra Special Bitter, drawing depth and complexity from Pacific Northwest hops, Caramel and Munich malts. Lightly fruity, with teases of pear and brandied peaches, the aroma is dominated by citrusy, earthy, and grassy notes... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
French Broad’s strong Scotch ale, widely considered the brewery’s most full-bodied and flavorful offering, appears crystal clear with a deep red, garnet, light brown color and a mild, light tan head. This potent ale produces subtle aromas of malt, caramel, toffee, sorghum, molasses, plums,... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
Heiner Brau’s German owner/brewmaster produces traditional lagers in Covington, La., with his German-style Maerzen being the brewery’s flagship brand. With brilliant clarity, a gorgeous amber/orange hue and a thick layer of off-white foam, this beer’s appearance elicited a unanimous “thumbs-up”... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Located in a combination brewery, winery and distillery on windswept Nantucket Island, Cisco Brewers are putting out some of the most intriguing wood-aged beers available today. Each of the beers in its “The Woods” series is aged in French oak, and Lady of the Woods is a nuanced addition to the... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
From its earliest days back in the fall of 1988, Cleveland-based Great Lakes Brewing Company has developed a rightfully deserved reputation as one of America’s top breweries. Certainly one of Great Lakes’ flagship beers, Edmund Fitzgerald Porter is the quintessential Robust Porter, tossing... Read More