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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

HopBack

HopBack Troegs Beer
Judges Rating:
84
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

The initial aroma is of caramel and toasty malt, followed by woody, earthy hops that have a pithy character. Moderate strawberry esters have an overripe fruitiness, with a low-level sour/sulfury quality that is distracting. The flavor starts off with moderately toasted caramelly malts that are... Read More

Organic Pale Ale

Samuel Smith's Organic Pale Ale beer
Judges Rating:
89
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

The aroma of this beer initially came across as a mélange of fruit: strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and stone fruit with a touch of honey. The flavor features nutty, biscuity malt with hints of caramel and toffee that fade as a sharp wave of minerally bitterness washes through mid-taste.... Read More

Jacobite Ale

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

Spicy woodiness greets the nose followed by a caramel/toffee malt with a whiff of alcohol. Fruity character includes a dark dried fruit (fig, date, raisin). The flavor focuses first on the malt then adds a touch of woodiness, drying out as spiciness emerges toward the finish. Alcohol is subtle,... Read More

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