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Joseph Formanek

Joseph Formanek's picture
Beer Judge

​Joe Formanek started homebrewing in 1987 as an undergraduate in Microbiology at the University of Minnesota. He was bitten by the brewing bug after taking a tour of Summit Brewing Company within a year after they had opened in St. Paul in 1987, and he has been going ever since. Joe later went to Graduate School at the University of Illinois and helped found the Boneyard Union of Zymurgical Zealots (BUZZ) Homebrew Club. He currently resides in Bolingbrook, IL, is a Director for a food ingredient company in Itasca, IL, and is a proud member of the Urban Knaves of Grain Homebrew Club. Joe holds a National Judge ranking with the BJCP, and is a previous Midwest Regional Rep and Vice President of the organization.

Over the years, Joe has received many honors related to homebrewing. He has won numerous BOS awards at local and regional competitions, is a 6 time winner of the Midwest Homebrewer of the Year award (1999, 2001-2004, 2007) and won the American Homebrewers Association Meadmaker of the Year award in 2004.  Joe is a 2 time winner of the American Homebrewers Association Ninkasi Award (2000, 2006) for winningest brewer in the final round of judging, and was honored as being named one of the two homebrewer winners of the 2011 Sam Adams Longshot American Homebrewing Competition with his Russian Imperial Stout, which was distributed nationally in the 2012 Longshot multipack.

My reviews

Concrete Dinosaur

Concrete Dinosaur by Right Brain Brewery
Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Concrete Dinosaur Brown Rye IPA by Right Brain Brewery is a great example of a well-crafted very flavorful Rye IPA with amazing balance and drinkability, and should be a definite go-to brew if available in your area. Due to it being a Brown Rye IPA (combination of Brown IPA and Rye IPA), this is... Read More

Flayrah

Flayrah, Upland Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
85
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Flayrah by Upland Brewing Co. is one of their offerings in the Bourbon Barrel aged beer craze – this one is a Wee Heavy. This one does have a solid backbone, but some of the malty richness associated with the base style was reduced, presumably due to this aging process. This beer is being... Read More

Rhymes With Purple

Rhymes With Purple

North Carolina
United States
Rhymes With Purple
Description 

Berliner Weisse Style Ale with Boysenberry, Elderberry, Black Currant, Raspberry, Blackberry, & Blueberry

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.4%
IBUs: 
3.6
Served at: 
50º F

 

 


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

Rhymes With Purple by Bhramari Brewing Co. is a delicious and refreshing take on a fruited Berliner Weisse. While the strength of the beer takes it above the expected range for the style, the berry character of the presentation complements the character of the base beer very well.  This beer is... Read More

Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Upland Dantalion Dark Wild Ale is a well-crafted American Sour that has the potential to improve with age.

The aroma of this brew is very complex with cherry, apple, sour fruit and spicy notes. There is a strong Lacto character along with some brown sherry aromas. Visually, this well-... Read More

Flor de Jamaica

Flor de Jamaica

Louisiana
United States
Flor de Jamaica, Miel Brewery & Taproom
Description 

Flor de Jamaica is a gose brewed with hibiscus flowers, cinnamon bark, and pink Himalayan salt. Hibiscus gives this beer is notable color and flavor while the cinnamon bark balances out the floral notes with warm spice. The pink sea salt accentuates the crisp and sour finish. More complex than it appears, at 6% ABV this beer pairs perfectly with warm evenings and spicy foods. This beer was inspired by the tropical playas of Honduras, where our brewery co-founder Janice grew up and enjoyed many summer drinks utilizing refreshing hibiscus tea.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.0%
IBUs: 
15
Served at: 
38° F
Malts: 
Two Row, Wheat
Hops: 
CTZ

 

 


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Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Flor de Jamaica by Miel Brewery & Taproom is being evaluated as a Category 30A Spice, Herb and Vegetable Beer with a Category 27 Historical Beer – Gose base as per the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines.

The aroma has a moderate tart lactic character along with a... Read More

Oatsmobile Ale

Bell's Oatsmobile Ale Beer
Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Oatsmobile Ale is a good example of a Session IPA with enough body and flavor to satisfy and compensate for the style's hallmark – a lack of alcohol.

Moderately complex dank hop characteristics dominate the aroma, with the earthy dankness augmented by roasted onion and garlic notes up... Read More

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