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Brad Darnell

Brad Darnell's picture
Beer Judge

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.

My reviews

Endless Siege

Endless Siege

Endless Siege - Barrel Aged Scottish Wee Heavy, Grain Theory
Description 

Indulgently malty and warming, with lavish aromas and flavors of dark fruit, raisin, toffee, and vanilla. Complex, but dangerously smooth. This intensely rich ale is traditionally served in small ("wee") measures. And that's BEFORE you might add one to a fresh Milam & Greene whiskey barrel for a year! So don't say we didn't warn you. In fact, the best way to experience this one is with a friend or three. This decadent bad boy is the perfect bottle-share hero and was crafted to be savored in company of friends during special occasions or to be aged for years to come.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
13.3%
IBUs: 
28
Served at: 
45º F
Malts: 
Maris Otter, Pale, Munich, Cara 45
Hops: 
German Tradition

 

 


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Judges Rating:
81
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Endless Siege by Grain Theory is being judged according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 33B – Specialty Wood-Aged Beer.

A rich brown with mahogany hues supports a few white bubbles that rapidly recede from the top to form a... Read More

Lawyers, Guns & Money

Lawyers Guns & Money by Crazy Mountain Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Lawyers, Guns & Money by Crazy Mountain is a Barleywine and is being evaluated as an American Barleywine (2015 BJCP Category 22C) offering according to the BJCP guidelines. For this style expect a bold, even assertive American hop character and a rich, strong ale which lingers and “one ups”... Read More

Judges Rating:
96
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

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

You've Got a Friend in Me

You've Got a Friend in Me

California
United States
You've Got a Friend in Me, Peter B's Brewpub
Description 

Beautiful aromas of cherry blossom, black current, and citrus rind, with a minty wood and preserved lemon flavor. Very cool beer mixes nice tannic mouthfeel from the wood with a pleasant tartness from barrel microflora.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.2%
IBUs: 
22
Served at: 
38° F
Malts: 
Two-Row, Pale, Munich, Light Crystal, Medium Crystal, Extra Special, Chocolate
Hops: 
Jarrylo

 

 


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Judges Rating:
82
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

You've Got A Friend In Me by Peter B's Brewpub is a Barrel-Aged Amber and is being evaluated as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (2015 BJCP Category 33B) offering according to BJCP guidelines. For this style expect the base beer style blended well with characteristics picked up during the wood-aging (... Read More

Blood Orange Hefeweizen

Blood Orange Hefeweizen

California
United States
Blood Orange Hefeweizen, Garage Brewing Co.
Description 

This delicious hefeweizen, with its citrusy note of blood orange, will truly satisfy your thirst-quenching needs.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.5%

 

 


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Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Blood Orange Hefeweizen by Garage Brewing Co is being judged according to the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 29A – Fruit Beer.

Huge, fragrant and freshly squeezed blood orange emerges from below the thick, frothy white head, which is sitting atop a... Read More

Ruby's Red

Ruby's Red

California
United States
Ruby's Red, Garage Brewing Co.
Description 

A nice clean beer, easy drinking, very smooth, well balanced, and fairly sweet – just like Ruby. This favorable brew will be a classic.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.1%
Served at: 
45º F
Malts: 
Weyermann CaraFoam, Rahr Two-Row, Crisp Crystal 60L, Crisp Crystal 77L, Simpson Roasted Barley
Hops: 
Nugget, German Hallertau Mittelfrüh

 

 


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Judges Rating:
95
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Ruby's Red by Garage Brewing Co. is being judged according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 15A – Irish Red Ale.

A beautiful, brilliantly clear mahogany beer fills my glass while a thick, creamy and somewhat bubbly light beige... Read More

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