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Pete Garofalo

Pete Garofalo's picture
Beer Judge

A Grand Master IV beer judge, Pete has been appreciating good beers since the days when locating a tavern with two “alternative” taps was a major find. He has been a homebrewer since 1991 and an active member of the Beer Judge Certification Program since 1994. He formerly served on the BJCP Board of Directors as the Northeast/International representative and remains active as a judge. 

 

BJCP Certificate

My reviews

Old Brown Dog

Old Brown Dog Smuttynose Beer
Judges Rating:
87
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Malt dominates this beer with tones of chocolate, nutty toastiness and dark dry fruit. Hops are restrained and allow the malt to shine with its many layers including cocoa, bread crust and light caramel. Hop bitterness is just enough to balance the complex malt and alcohol dries out the finish.... Read More

Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Dark fruity esters and rich malt rule the aroma, with elements of raisin, fig, and date complementing the lush malt backbone of molasses, chocolate, and roast grain. Some barrel-derived wood character contributes a coconut aspect that adds to the overall appeal. The first sip reveals rich, chewy... Read More

Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Peaches initially leap out from this beer with a sugary, candylike quality. As the aroma opens up, some spicy/peppery yeast character and grainy/bready malt join in. The flavor continues the peach-first theme, buttressed by apricot and tangerine notes. The fruit is supported by bready malt with... Read More

Green Man IPA

Green Man IPA
Judges Rating:
75
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
18 / 24
Flavor:
31 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
14 / 20

An earthy, leafy hop essence supports the initial nutty, toffee/caramel, candy-like malt bouquet. Esters are subdued with an Earl Grey tea character that hints at berries and citrus. The malt starts out leading the flavor, but is rapidly replaced by a firm, emphatic bitterness that lasts to the ... Read More

A Night in Brussels

A Night in Brussels Three Taverns Craft Beer
Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

This is an interesting concept beer that lovers of Belgian beers or IPAs will enjoy. Initially quite aromatic, with floral, perfumy American hops atop a peppery Belgian yeast character and subtle toasty malt. Bitterness seems subdued for an IPA, but spicy yeast character helps bring this beer... Read More

Hell's Belle

Hell's Belle
Judges Rating:
83
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Nutty, grainy malt initially takes center stage buttressed by a sweet, honey-like character. Light tropical fruit esters along with a spicy alcohol punch round out the aroma. The flavor likewise begins with a sweet bready/grainy, graham cracker maltiness that turns into tongue-grabbing ... Read More

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