This is an incredibly big version of a pilsner. The nose has hints of grapefruit and sharp matchstick, which is totally appropriate for the style. You get a mouthful of hops before it even hits your lips. This beer is thick and cloying, but it hits all the right notes: Light corn up front, then... Read More
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S J Klein
Beer Judge
Picking up homebrewing on a bicycle trip across Australia in the 80's, S J. became the official brewer of his dorm in college. Turning an obsession into a profession, he attended the Siebel Institute long program, and started and ran the Borealis Brewery for 7 years, after which he became serious about judging. S J doesn't have a favorite style of beer, so much as he appreciates a beer that is well made. He's looking for balance, character, and "something to knock my socks off". He lives in Anchorage, Alaska, which from time to time has more breweries per capita than any other city in the world.
My reviews
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
18 / 24
Flavor:
31 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
14 / 20
The nose is rich with corn and spicy floral notes, which remind me of English hop varietals. It has a very light fruitiness but I can't really tell there's tangerine in the nose if I wasn't looking for it. It's pale gold and brilliantly clear. A nice creamy white head thins out over time. In the... Read More
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
18 / 24
Flavor:
28 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
This beer pours into the glass with very little head despite copious bubbles. It has a slight cloudiness and is closer to amber than straw in color. In the nose, I picked up clove and banana, a slight green apple, a touch of goatiness, and maybe even a little old yeast scent. It also has a... Read More
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
Woah! This is a big beer, a hop bomb and a full-frontal assault. There is pine and peel in the vinous nose alongside a nice tart maltiness. The aroma is rich and wine-like with hints of orange blossom. The flavor starts with a sharp tart maltiness that hints at alcoholic strength, then... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
31 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
This Imperial Stout is deep, dark and almost black in the glass. Its brown head leaves no lacing but sticks to the glass, belying its strength. The slightly vegetal nose has aromas of coffee, warm toffee, alcohol and hints of caramel. Did I mention alcohol? The flavor hits you with molasses,... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
18 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
On first blush, the nose was grassy. Just grassy? Yes, but… on second sniff maybe it's lemongrass? If I were to parse it, I get lemon peel and straw. The beer is crystal clear, with big bubbles. It's medium-gold with a pure white head that thins out fairly quickly.
It is indeed sour.... Read More