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Brad Darnell

Brad Darnell's picture
Beer Judge

Brad became interested in the science behind beer while taking a senior Chemical Engineering 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 II rank, currently serving as the Mountain/Northwest Regional Representative and Associate Exam Director 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.

My reviews

He Is Resin

He Is Resin

Louisiana
United States
He Is Resin, Gnarly Barley Brewing
Description 

We decided to celebrate the arrival of spring with the dankest thing we could fathom: a piney, resinous IPA laden with Amarillo, Simcoe, and Citra hops. Put on your drinkin pants, y’all, cause it’s time to rise to the occasion with He is Resin: West Coast IPA

Beverage Profile
Malts: 
Two-row, Cara-Pils
Hops: 
Amarillo, Simcoe, Citra

 

 


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Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

He Is Resin is a West Coast IPA from Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. is being judged according to the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 21A - American IPA.

Heavy fresh citrus and pine hops emanate from the glass as I lift it towards me and then I perceive the lightly sweet bread malt and... Read More

Old Gold

Old Gold

Texas
United States
Old Gold, Grain Theory
Description 

Old Gold is the product of years of tweaking. Originating as a homebrew recipe that was brewed many many times until it medaled at the national level. Fast Forward about 10 years and now it is a taproom favorite at the brewpub. Grain Theory features a wraparound balcony on the 2nd floor in downtown Abilene, Texas. A crisp, easy, and traditional light lager that satisfies our hot little West Texas community on our sunny balcony.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.6%
IBUs: 
23
Served at: 
40
Malts: 
Pilsner, Light Munich
Hops: 
East Kent Goldings, Saaz, Tettnager

 

 


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Judges Rating:
72
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
18 / 24
Flavor:
29 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
14 / 20

Old Gold by Grain Theory is being judged according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 5D – German Pils.

The glass arrives with a nearly clear dark golden orange beer and a small bubbly white that persists as a thin and patchy... Read More

Racer 500

Racer 500, Bear Republic Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
89
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Racer 500 by Bear Republic is an “Indy Pale Ale” and is being evaluated as an IPA (2015 BJCP Category 21A) offering 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... Read More

Honey Please

Honey Please, Armadillo Ale Works
Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
3 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Honey Please by Armadillo Ale Works is a Mesquite Bean Blonde Ale with Texas honey and is being evaluated as a Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beer (2015 BJCP Category 30A) offering according to BJCP guidelines. For this style expect the base beer to remain present while spice, herb, or vegetable... Read More

Imperial Peanut Butter Korova

Imperial Peanut Butter Korova

Imperial Peanut Butter Korova, Gnarly Barley Brewing
Description 

Imperial Peanut Butter Korova is the pinnacle of luxury. A decadent exploration of dessert-laden darkness. It’s a 9% amped up version of our signature Baltic Oatmeal Porter, dripping with smooth creamy peanut butter flavors.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
9.0%
Malts: 
Two-row, Munich, Chocolate, Crystal 30, Brown Malt, Oats, Flaked Barley
Hops: 
Cascade

 

 


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Judges Rating:
97
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Imperial Peanut Butter Korova Milk Porter by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. is being judged according to the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines for Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer (Style 30A).

My glass arrives with what I originally believe to be a melted peanut butter cup! The peanut butter aroma is as... Read More

Starship Ranger

Starship Ranger

Texas
United States
Starship Ranger, Grain Theory
Description 

In efforts to test the boundaries of the new thiolized yeast strains available, we pulled back on our typical IPA equation to create a classic pale ale while incorporating a minimal thiol precursor. The successful result is a highly crushable brisk pale ale with flavors of white grape and lemongrass that exhibits an enticing guava aroma with a pleasant little dank note. 

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.9%
IBUs: 
36
Served at: 
40º F
Malts: 
Pale Ale, Pilsner, Dextrin, Biscuit
Hops: 
Cascade, Chinook, Hallertau Blanc, Centennial, Nelson Sauvin, Hallertau Blanc

 

 


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Judges Rating:
85
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Starship Ranger by Grain Theory is being judged according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 18B – American Pale Ale.

I am presented with a beautiful harvest orange and mostly clear beer that supports a medium-sized eggshell... Read More

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