Starting out in the back of a local homebrewing supply store in 1996, Ballast Point Brewing has continued to expand its exceptional beer lineup, including the sublimely hop-driven Sculpin IPA. A quintessential “San Diego” IPA, Sculpin’s aroma is laced with pungent notes of citrus, tropical fruit... Read More
Start 14-Day Trial Subscription
*No credit card required
BC Review
The Expert Panel
The Beer Connoisseur® review was conducted as a round table single blind review by our panel of expert judges. Four to six judges reviewed 8-14 beers per session and submitted their individual scores and notes. The scores were averaged into a single score and notes compiled and summarized for publishing in magazine issues 1-14. These reviews have been republished here in this online format.
The names and biographies of the contributing judges were publsihed with each magazine issue and are listed below.
Charlie Gow - Founding Beer Review Coordinator (1960 - 2014)
Tim Artz
Tom Cannon
Phil Farrell
Pete Garofalo
Rick Garvin
Lee Anthony Hitchins
Owen Ogletree
My reviews
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
20 / 20
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
The good folks at Sly Fox, nestled quietly in the western Philadelphia suburbs, have been brewing quality beers for close to 15 years, and they have developed a large, seriously loyal fan base. The Saison Vos, a stunningly well-conceived and executed version of the classic Belgian farmhouse ale... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
This beer makes a great first impression with a tall white head topping a clear gold column of beer. The familiar pine and citrus of Cascade hops are restrained but not so high as to blank out the cracker, hay and touch of honey from the malt. The flavor has a little more malt than the aroma.... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
After nearly three decades of operation, Deschutes Brewing is considered one the Pacific Northwest’s “Old Guard” breweries. Among its assertive brews, Deschutes keeps things interesting with the annual release of Hop Henge. Laden with swirling notes of tropical fruit, fog shrouded coastal... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Arriving on the California brewing scene around the same time as their Northern California counterparts (e.g., Moylan’s, Bear Republic), and situated in the Central Coast wine country, Firestone Walker has put out exceptional products from day one. Union Jack, their American IPA, continues that... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
A quirky take on a classic Belgian style, Tripel Karmeleit uses oats and wheat in addition to malted barley. Aromas of vanilla, Satsuma, and honey abound, all floating over soft, lightly sugary pilsner malt. Lee was surprised to find tart, almost wine-like notes in the nose, but truly enjoyed... Read More