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Pete Garofalo

Pete Garofalo's picture
Beer Judge

A Grand Master IV beer judge, Pete has been appreciating good beers since the days when locating a tavern with two “alternative” taps was a major find. He has been a homebrewer since 1991 and an active member of the Beer Judge Certification Program since 1994. He formerly served on the BJCP Board of Directors as the Northeast/International representative and remains active as a judge. 

 

BJCP Certificate

My reviews

Alt-Eration

alteration hops and grain beer
Judges Rating:
85
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
6 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

This is a crisp, clean example of an aged ale. The first impression is a malt-forward aroma, with elements of bread crust, nutty grain, dark chocolate, and light toastiness. A hint of caramel or toffee adds complexity and fruity esters are subdued, indicating a clean fermentation. Hops make a... Read More

Choklat

Southern Tier Choklat
Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

The aroma of intense chocolate suggests a hot fudge sundae or a pan of freshly baked brownies. A malty edge provides an overall candylike impression. Some aspects of dried fruit are also present: raisin, fig, and cherry. The flavor is also rich in chocolate character, along with suggestions of... Read More

Thiriez Extra

Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

This hoppy interpretation of a Saison starts off with a yeasty, bread-like aroma that gradually melds with a honey sweetness. Perfumy hops mingle with some peppery phenols and hints of lemon zest, resulting in a very appealing bouquet. The flavor is somewhat of a surprise, with an intense... Read More

Ballantine IPA Beer

Ballantine IPA Beer

California
United States
Ballantine IPA by Pabst Brewing Co
Description 

With a deep golden to amber color, Ballantine India Pale Ale is delightful to behold after a lively pour in its characteristic “tulip” pint glass, with a strong foamy head. At 7.2% ABV and with 70 IBUs of bitterness, this refreshing brew is unique among IPAs in that it has been both dry hopped as well as includes hop oils imported directly from the United Kingdom in order to capture the balanced but defined hop flavor of Peter Ballantine’s original brew. Originally aged for over a year in oak barrels, our innovative proprietary brewing method ensures that every drop of Ballantine IPA comes in contact with American oak.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
7.2%
IBUs: 
70
Served at: 
48°
Malts: 
Pale, Caramel 20, Caramel 40, Munich, Acidulated malt, Cara-Pils
Hops: 
Magnum, Columbus, Willamette, Cascade, Brewers Gold

 

 


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Judges Rating:
88
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Resinous, piney hop aromas are fresh and appealing, fading as caramel malt emerges. Fruity esters add an accent of strawberries and citrus fruit: tangerine and mandarin orange. A more restrained bready, grainy malt character is secondary. The initial flavor is quite caramelly sweet, with hints... Read More

Frost Line Rye

Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

A surprising whiff of coffee, dark chocolate and toasted malt is initially apparent. Hops are secondary with an earthy, herbal edge that is restrained. Spicy graininess adds a layer of depth to the considerably deep, rich malt character. The malty theme continues into the initial flavor, with... Read More

Hop Sun

Southern Tier Hop Sun
Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Pungent, resinous hops greet the nose with traces of pine amidst the leafy, vinous essence. A low malt presence helps to support the pear and berry esters. Flavor follows suit, starting with a piquant hop character that is impressively fresh and appealing. Cherry and berry esters spring from the... Read More

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