This Pale Ale has a very interesting hop nose of sagebrush and wintergreen with subtle notes of straw and husk underneath. It pours a hazy, deep, golden hue and a rich white head with lots of bubbles, which leave nice lacing behind on the glass. In the mouth, it has cornhusk and pale malts up... 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:
5 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
29 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
32 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
This beer pours a brilliantly clear dark blonde. It's very effervescent, and the bubbles go on and on and on. I get light bread in the nose up front, which is quickly overwhelmed by a grapefruit rind hop with notes of sawgrass and sage behind it. It's a really interesting aroma. The beer starts... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
32 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
A nice interpretation of a well-hopped style. The beer pours brilliantly clear out of the can, and it's bright and bubbly. The nose is caramel and pine, with notes almost reminiscent of spruce sap. I can't quite tell, but I sense a fair bit of alcohol in the nose too. It starts with a nice... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Burnt umber in color and dark as night, this beer pours a big, rich head that lasts. The nose is rich, with toffee and molasses overpowering any hop or other malt notes. It's warm and rich, though not too strong to enjoy. An assertive roasted malt bite and a nice sweetness play in your mouth,... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
16 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
The nose has a sharp matchstick and corn quality. There's a light spice to the hop aroma, as well as light malt sweetness. It's dark gold with a rocky white head and big bubbles that leave nice lacing in the glass. There is a clean, sharp bite to this beer, accentuated by a sharp, sulfidic... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
I have to admit, my friend (and accomplished brewer) Pete Devaris and I thought we were done reviewing Deschutes beers when we realized we had another beer in the box. Usually I review 2-3 beers in one sitting, so reviewing this beer fourth and knowing it was from Deschutes gives this review a... Read More