Brad became interested in the science behind beer while taking a senior elective course, Biochemical Engineering, where the professor spoke of enzymes (among other things) and took the class on a brewery tour. He has since begun home brewing and earned a BJCP Grand Master I rank, currently serving as volunteer exam grader while continuing to judge competitions around the U.S. and educating himself and others. In his spare time Brad visits breweries around the world, always on the hunt for those who produce world-class examples of hard-to-find, obscure or innovative styles.
Oatmeal Stout by East Brother Beer Co. is an Oatmeal Stout and is being evaluated as an Oatmeal Stout (2015 BJCP Category 16B) offering according to BJCP guidelines. For this style expect a dark and full-bodied ale with roasty malt.
The initial aroma is of roasted malt, nearly chocolate... Read More
Reindeer Tears Bourbon Barrel Aged Barleywine by Heathen Brewing is a Bourbon Barrel Aged Barleywine and is being evaluated as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (2015 BJCP Category 33B) according to BJCP guidelines. For this style expect the base beer style blended well with characteristics picked up... Read More
Bourbon Barrel Epitaph by Heathen Brewing is a Bourbon Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout and is being evaluated as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (2015 BJCP Category 33B) according to BJCP guidelines. For this style expect the base beer style blended well with characteristics picked up during the... Read More
Samuel Adams Jack-O Pumpkin Ale by The Boston Beer Co., and I am judging this according to the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 30B, Autumn Seasonal Beer.
A medium-sweet pumpkin and yam aroma greats my nose alongside typical pumpkin pie spices of cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar. The... Read More
Starburst IPA by Ecliptic Brewing is an IPA and is being evaluated as an American IPA (2015 BJCP Category 21A), according to BJCP guidelines. For this style, expect a hoppy and bitter beer with balanced malt character. These are bolder than American Pale Ales and present a hop-forward balance, a... Read More
Capella Porter by Ecliptic is a Porter and is being evaluated as an English Porter (2015 BJCP Category 13C) offering according to BJCP guidelines. For this style expect a moderate-strength brown beer with a restrained roasty character and bitterness. While diverse roast qualities exist, this... Read More
