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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

Abita Abbey Ale

Abbey Ale
Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

This strong, complex, malty Belgian-style ale has aromas and flavors balanced toward malt with notes of dark fruit, plum, raisins, candy sugar, slight caramel and clove, Chris said, adding that there’s good clarity, a big, creamy, off-white head and deep copper color. Phil also found lots of... Read More

La Trappe Dubbel

Bierbrouwerij de Koningshoeven
Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Established in Tilburg, The Netherlands in 1884, Koningshoven was the first Trappist brewery in operation outside Belgium’s borders. Considered the most commercialized of the Trappist breweries, it continues to produce traditional beers of exceptional quality and character. La Trappe Dubbel... Read More

Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20

A malt-driven example of what has become a uniquely American beer style, loaded with gobs of creamy, caramel malt. Typical of the style, this beer pours a deeply saturated copper and is brilliantly clear. Topped by a creamy, light-tan head, Green Lakes Organic amber throws massive caramel malt... Read More

Autumnal Fire

Autumnal Fire
Judges Rating:
94
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

Red Poppy

Red Poppy
Judges Rating:
95
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Since opening Port Brewing/Lost Abbey in 2006, co-founder Tomme Arthur has earned the reputation as “The Guy” when it comes to producing Belgian-style sour ales. Red Poppy is a Flanders-style red ale, displaying all of the expected trademark sweet/sour aromas and flavors. Boasting a complex... Read More

Judges Rating:
89
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Available in the United States since 2000, Hitachino Nest has garnered somewhat of a cult following among American beer lovers. Although its availability can be limited at times, this is a highly sought-after brew, and rightfully so. In keeping with Belgian traditions, Hitachino Nest is brewed... Read More

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