Twain by Upland Brewing Co. was judged as a 28C (Wild Specialty Beer) under the 2015 BJCP Guidelines. This beer was very difficult to categorize for the following reasons ; It is a sour, it has apple cider and it was aged in bourbon barrels. The aroma of this beer had a funky sour aroma ( a... Read More
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Richard Wong
Beer Judge
Richard currently holds the distinction of National Judge and has been a BJCP member since 1996. As well, he has been a homebrewer for more than 15 years. He enjoys visiting new brewpubs and breweries and is always on the lookout for new beers. He resides in the San Francisco Bay Area.
My reviews
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
14 / 20
This dark brown beer's aroma was accentuated by roasted malts up front with no discernible hop character. The carbonation was fine with small, tight bubbles. The flavor had a nice roastiness balanced with good bittering hops, but the beer seemed a little light in mouthfeel and body for an... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
31 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20
Santa's Berries by Low Road Brewing was judged as a Wild Specialty Beer under the BJCP category of 28C. The aroma of this beer had nice hints of cranberry and subtle strawberry along with citric acidity. The pour revealed a very nice "sunset" hue of slight orange and red that was very hazy and... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
We were off to a great start when I sniffed aromas of slight roastiness and a very strong bourbon presence. The beer poured pitch black with a nice tan head with moderate carbonation. Rich, complex flavors of bourbon barrel jumped out on the first sip from the oak rye whiskey barrels this beer... Read More
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
29 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
13 / 20
Shiner Prickly Pear by The Spoetzl Brewery was judged as a #29A Fruit Beer according to the 2021 BJCP Guidelines.
The pour of this beer revealed a hazy, cloudy, light burgundy hue. It had good carbonation that lingered in the glass. The aroma of this beer initially was reminiscent of a ... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Despite this being an Imperial IPA, the hop aroma was surprisingly restrained. I was expecting a big hit of pine notes, but it was instead quite subtle. A beautiful light copper poured nicely into the glass followed by a well carbonated and creamy head. Upon initial sip, this was indeed an ... Read More