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Tom Cannon

Tom Cannon's picture
Beer Judge

Tom has been drinking beer for 40 years, hunting for good beer for 26 years and homebrewing for 22 years. He is currently an Exam Director for the Beer Judge Certification Program and has achieved the Grand Master II level as a beer judge. He has visited breweries from Portland, Oregon to Pilzen in the Czech Republic and is always on the lookout for new beer experiences. 

 

My reviews

Westmalle Dubbel

Westmalle Dubbel
Judges Rating:
97
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
20 / 20

Dubbels are usually a bit lighter and more complex than other Belgian dark strong ales. This Dubbel has more than enough complexity. It starts with an aroma of Belgian spicy yeast, white pepper, with maybe a touch of rum, and burnt sugar. In the glass, it’s garnet brown with a big creamy head.... Read More

Treasure Chest

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

What this beer is, more than anything else, is a good IPA. The normally citrusy hops in the beer become accentuated with the addition of grapefruit. The aroma is redolent of citrus and tropical fruits, and the hibiscus masks itself as a floral hop presence. The beer itself is a not-quite-clear... Read More

Valar Morghulis

Brewery Ommegang Valar Morghulis Dubbel Ale beer
Judges Rating:
95
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

This beer walks the fine line between the Belgian Dubbel style and its bigger cousin, the Belgian Dark Strong Ale. In the glass it is a deep brown with a reddish/orange hue and a big, white, rocky head. The Belgian yeast provides plum, raisin, maybe some green banana, along with cocoa, spun... Read More

Bombshell Blonde

Bombshell Blonde Ale Southern Star Beer
Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

How do you define a great American Blond Ale? A perfect one would be exceptionally clean and refreshing, but after that, not much can be said – that’s just the nature of the style. This example has a light, bready and slightly sweet malt aroma with only a hint of a citrusy hops. It’s a clear,... Read More

Devils Backbone Vienna Lager

Devils Backbone Vienna Lager

Virginia
United States
Devils Backbone Vienna Lager
Description 

Devils Backbone Vienna Lager is a delicious and smooth amber lager with no frills – unless you count all the medals it’s earned since 2008, then it’s got some flair. It pairs perfect with just about any food and is a crowd pleaser at the smallest reunions and the biggest celebrations. What’s not to love about perfectly balanced caramel sweetness and toasted malts? No matter where you find yourself, you'll have the taste of home wherever you’ve got a cold Vienna and your favorite people. 

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.2%
IBUs: 
18
Served at: 
45° - 50° F
Malts: 
Vienna, Pilsen, Dark Munich, CaraAmber
Hops: 
Northern Brewer, Saaz

 

 


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Judges Rating:
96
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
20 / 20

The beer pours a lovely clear amber, with burnt orange highlights. The aroma is clean bright malt, somewhat reminiscent of freshly baked cookies, with maybe a touch of toasted pine nuts. The flavor extends the malt expression found in the aroma. Again, the malt flavor is clean and toasty, with... Read More

Valkyrie

Valkyrie Double IPA Southern Star Beer
Judges Rating:
87
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

There’s been some discussion on what the difference is between East Coast and West Coast IPAs, and it seems to be the balance between malt and hops in the East Coast versions and the hop dominance in the West Coast examples. This Double IPA follows much more closely to the East Coast Version. It... Read More

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