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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

Carina Peach Sour Ale

Carina Peach Sour Ale by Ecliptic Brewing
Judges Rating:
84
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Carina Peach Sour Ale by Ecliptic is a Sour Peach Ale and is being evaluated as a Wild Specialty Beer (2015 BJCP Category 28C) according to BJCP guidelines. For this style expect a sour fruited version of a fruit beer.

Soft, supple peach skin and flesh greet my nose immediately as I... Read More

Lake King

 Big Lake Brewing Lake King, Big Lake Brewing
Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Lake King by Big Lake Brewing is a West Coast IPA and is being evaluated as an American IPA (2015 BJCP Category 21A) offering according to BJCP guidelines. For this style expect intense hoppiness supported by malt and showcasing New World hop varieties.

The beers pours a lightly hazy... Read More

Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Cherry Chocolate Milk Stout by Garage Brewing Co. was judged according to the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 29A, Fruit Beer.

An initial fragrant, lightly perfumed cherry aroma draws my immediate attention to the glass where a brilliantly clear black beer awaits. Upon first full... Read More

Barrel-Aged Twelfth Night

Barrel-Aged Twelfth Night

Louisiana
United States
Barrel-Aged Twelfth Night, Urban South Brewery
Description 

Our favorite barley wine, Twelfth Night, now barrel-aged into a bold, mature brew. Expect similar notes of rich toffee, dried fruit notes with pleasant hop character.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
11.6%
IBUs: 
35

 

 


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Judges Rating:
89
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Barrel-Aged Twelfth Night by Urban South Brewery is being judged according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 33B - Specialty Wood-Aged Beer.

Rich caramel and toffee malt emerges from beneath the large, coarse-bubbled frothy... Read More

pFriem Schwarzbier

pFriem Schwarzbier

pFriem Schwarzbier, pFriem Family Brewers
Description 

Schwarz means black in German but don’t let pFriem Schwarzbier’s dark color fool you. This is an elegant lager with a light roastiness and hints of caramel and honey. Once you’ve experienced the notes of cocoa and toffee, you’ll be happy to join the dark side.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.8%
IBUs: 
28
Served at: 
40 - 45º F
Malts: 
Gambrinus Pilsner, Weyermann Pilsner, Weyermann Munich II, Carafa III, CaraRed
Hops: 
Perle, Tettnang

 

 


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Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

pFriem Schwarzbier by pFriem Family Brewers was judged according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 8B – Schwarzbier.

A beautiful dark brown beer with lighter brown highlights supports a large, rocky light beige head. The head... Read More

Capella Porter

Capella Porter by Ecliptic Brewing
Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

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

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