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Sal Mortillaro II

Sal Mortillaro II's picture
Beer & Mead Judge

Sal has been homebrewing since 2010 and has been a certified judge in the BJCP program since 2012 where he currently holds the rank of Grand Master 2. He has won several awards and medals during his time homebrewing and he currently serves as a BJCP exam proctor, exam grader, exam admin, and the Regional Representative for the Southern Region.  Sal has served as a Best of Show judge for the Alabama Craft Beer State Championship and Montana Brewery of the Year State Championship and has judged at the Great American Beer Festival, Aro Rojo, and Arizona Craft Brewers Guild commercial competitions.  Sal is one of the first ten educators in the United States for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Award in Beer Level 1 and Level 2 certifications.  He is a regular guest on the NOLA Drinks radio show & pod cast and contributor to Louisiana Craft Beer Magazine.

Sal is a member of the Mystic Krewe of Brew Homebrew Club where he serves as the Educational Director and occasional Vice President. He is also a founding board member of The Bayou State Homebrew Competition Circuit. He is the competition coordinator for the New Orleans On Tap, Bayou Beer Fest, and Larry Fest charity beer events. He has served as a “Beer Geek” in the local area for a well-known, national chain of natural grocery stores reviewing and recommending beers to their customers.

Sal enjoys brewing all styles of beer, but thoroughly enjoys venturing into the weird and wild, discovering beers that utilize non-traditional ingredients and brewing techniques. He appreciates drinking all beer styles, but particularly enjoys malty or sour beers.

BJCP Grand Master II Certificate

 

My reviews

Stone Hazy IPA

Stone Hazy IPA

California
United States
Stone Hazy IPA, Stone Brewing
Description 

When we first started brewing IPAs, they were considered an extreme style, only for hardcore beer nerds. (Like, say, us.) Today, they're the most popular style in craft beer and continuing to grow. We're proud of our role in fueling that revolution and thrilled with how the style has evolved over the years. Stone Hazy IPA comes in at an easy 6.7% and less bitter than our other IPAs, but still blooming with bold hop flavors. El Dorado and Azacca hops showcase a myriad of citrus and fruit elements while intense Sabro highlights the tropical notes of this beer. No fruit added, yet intensely juicy. The result of this unique hop combination is a creamy citrus bomb with tons of orange, lemon, melon, mango and pineapple flavors and aromas.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.7%
IBUs: 
35
Hops: 
El Dorado, Azacca, Sabro

 

 


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Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Stone Hazy IPA by Stone Brewing Co. is being judged as a Hazy IPA (category 21C) per the 2021 BJCP guidelines.

This beer pours a gold color with hazy, opaque clarity. A rocky white head is sustained, leaving a beautiful lace and large bubbles, which is sustained during the beer's entirety... Read More

In Between Times - Hibiscus Blood Orange

In Between Times - Hibiscus Blood Orange

In Between Times - Hibiscus Blood Orange, Social Fox Brewing
Description 

Our signature Berliner series In Between Times this time brewed with Hibiscus and Blood Orange. This is a refreshing beer that is fruit forward and not too tart

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.0%

 

 


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Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

In Between Times - Hibiscus Blood Orange by Social Fox Brewing is being evaluated as a Fruited Berliner Weisse (Category 29A) per the 2021 BJCP style guidelines. 

This beer pours a beautiful raspberry red color with a medium haziness. On the pour a mousse-like head of off-white is creamy... Read More

Arjuna

Arjuna by Anthem Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

This Wit pours a deep gold color with cloudy clarity. A foamy bone colored white head quickly dissipates but leaves a ring around the glass. The aroma consists of moderate malt sweetness with a light doughy and tart wheat character. There is no noticeable hop character, but a moderate-low bitter... Read More

Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Festie by Starr Hill Brewery is being evaluated as a Festbier (Category 4B) from the 2015 BJCP guidelines.

This beer pours a deep gold, bordering light amber, color with no head when poured.  A very thin, white ring stayed around the glass during the entire drink.  The aroma is malt... Read More

Prize Inside

Prize Inside, Wild Leap Brew Co.
Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Prize Inside by Wild Leap Brew Co. is being evaluated as a Imperial Stout (Category 16A) according to the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines while keeping in mind the intentional addition of peanuts and caramel to the beer.

This beer pours a very dark brown clarity which is opaque with a thin,... Read More

Situational Ethics Apple Brandy Barrel-Aged

Situational Ethics Apple Brandy Barrel-Aged

Situational Ethics - Apple Brandy, Monday Night Brewing
Description 

Situational Ethics is a series of decadent imperial stouts, each aged in a different barrel. This bottle is an apple brandy barrel aged version. We added fresh meadowfoam honey and Ugandan vanilla beans.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
13.9%
Served at: 
45 - 55ºF

 

 


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Judges Rating:
97
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Situational Ethics - Apple Brandy by Monday Night Brewing is being judged as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (Category 33B), with an Imperial Stout base beer (Category 20C) per the 2015 BJCP Guidelines. This apple brandy barrel aged Imperial Stout with honey and vanilla beans added is part of the... Read More

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