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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

Lone Buffalo: Rye Barrel Aged Stout

Lone Buffalo: Rye Barrel Aged Stout

Lone Buffalo: Rye Barrel Aged Stout, Wild Leap Brew Co
Beverage Profile
ABV: 
13.9
IBUs: 
65

 

 


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Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Lone Buffalo: Rye Barrel Aged Stout by Wild Leap Brew Co., and I am judging this according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 33B – Specialty Wood-Aged Beer.

A dark black, nearly opaque beer arrives with a large, fizzy brown head that fizzles away quickly despite bubbles... 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

Tropical Squeeze

Tropical Squeeze, Armadillo Ale Works
Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Tropical Squeeze by Armadillo Ale Works is a Fruited Sour Ale with mango, guava and passion fruit and is being evaluated as a Wild Specialty Beer (2015 BJCP Category 38C) offering according to BJCP guidelines. For this style expect a sour and/or funky version of the base fruit, spice or herb... Read More

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

Pie Thief

Pie Thief by Wren House Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
87
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Pie Thief by Wren House is a Wheat Whiskey Barrel Aged Pumpkin Wheat Wine and is being evaluated as a Specialty Wood Aged (2015 BJCP Category 33B) offering according to BJCP guidelines. For this style expect variety depending upon the base style and the spirit barrel. The length of time in the... Read More

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