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Latest Reviews

Explore The Beer Connoisseur® magazine's database of most recent beer and cider reviews as evaluated by our panel of judges in the Official Review.

KEREL Bière de Garde

KEREL Bière de Garde

KEREL Bière de Garde, Verbeeck-Back-De Cock Brewery
Description 

The brewing process of a “Bière de Garde” (“Beer for keeping”) is an artisanal high-wire act because you’re looking for a brew that’s simultaneously rich and sinewy; clean and earthy; muscular and refreshing. It’s a good thing Kerel has lots of experience combining muscles, beauty and a complex character.

Taste: Very malty, very high-maintenance but irresistible to the true beer connoisseur. Try it for the touch of caramel, stay for the complex character full of delicious paradoxes.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
7.0%

 

 


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Reviewed by: Michael Heniff
Judges Rating:
92
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

KEREL Bière de Garde by Verbeek-Back-De Cock Brewery is a Bière de Garde and is being evaluated as a Bière de Garde (category 24C in the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Bière de Gardes are a family of malty French... Read More

KEREL Saison

KEREL Saison

Belgium
KEREL Saison, Verbeeck-Back-De Cock Brewery
Description 

Everybody knows that if you want a great summer body, you need to work on it during winter. The same goes for this beer’s complex body of flavors. It is traditionally brewed during winter and savoured during spring / summer. It’s usually very fruity with deep earthy yeast tones and a mild tartness. The VBDCK version has all of that, plus a dry character and medium bitterness perfectly suited to bathing suit season and beyond.

Taste: This easy to love thirst quencher uses different kinds of hops and grains so you’ll discover new aspects of its flavor with every sip or swallow

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.5%

 

 


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Reviewed by: Michael Heniff
Judges Rating:
87
Aroma:
20 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

KEREL Saison by Verbeek-Back-De Cock Brewery is a Saison and is being evaluated as a Saison (category 25B in the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines).  Saisons are typically well-carbonated and well-attenuated ales with a... Read More

Cherry Brandy Barrel Aged Belgian Strong Dark

Cherry Brandy Barrel Aged Belgian Strong Dark

Cherry Brandy Barrel Aged Belgian Strong Dark, pFriem Family Brewers
Description 

Belgian tradition and Oregon brewing ingenuity do a little jig in cherry brandy barrels to deliver an alluringly complex beer, alive with layers and notes of dark fruit, chocolate, caramel and fig, a best-of-both-worlds brew that’s robust and oh-so-smooth.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
10.0%
IBUs: 
38
Served at: 
45 - 50ºF
Malts: 
Pilsner, Pale Chocolate, Black Malt, Double Roasted Crystal
Hops: 
Tettnang, Perle

 

 


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Reviewed by: John C. Tull
Judges Rating:
86
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Cherry Brandy Barrel Aged Belgian Strong Dark Ale by pFriem Family Brewers was judged as Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (33B BJCP 2021) with a base Belgian Strong Dark Ale (26D) and Fruit Beer (29A). Rich pie cherry and whiskey barrel qualities... Read More

Barrel Aged Saison V

Barrel Aged Saison V

Barrel Aged Saison V, pFriem Family Brewers
Description 

In our hearts, it’s always Saison season. Our slightly dry, oaky version is packed with tropical hints of pineapple, guava and citrus, making this radiant, gold beauty perfect for shining through the clouds and soaking up the rays.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.7%
IBUs: 
30
Served at: 
45 - 50ºF
Malts: 
German Pilsner, White Wheat, Raw Wheat, Malted Spelt
Hops: 
Tettnang, Galaxy

 

 


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Reviewed by: John C. Tull
Judges Rating:
91
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Barrel Aged Saison V by pFriem Family Brewers was judged as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (33B BJCP 2021) with a base Saison (25B). A complex aroma is evident in this beer with citrus notes, woody funk, yeast, acidity, leather and quite a mix of... Read More

Abrikoos - 2022

Abrikoos - 2022

Oregon
United States
Abrikoos - 2022, pFriem Family Brewers
Description 

pFriem Abrikoos has been reimagined as a soft and subtle farmhouse ale. Aged for 10 months, before maturing on fresh juicy apricots from our friends at Gunkel Orchards, Abrikoos is a bright and spritzy ray of summer sunshine captured in a glass.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.3%
IBUs: 
18
Served at: 
45 - 50ºF
Malts: 
Gambrinus Canadian Pilsner, Rahr Raw White Wheat
Hops: 
Aged Czech Saaz

 

 


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Reviewed by: John C. Tull
Judges Rating:
90
Aroma:
21 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Abrikoos - 2022 by pFriem Family Brewers was judged as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (33B BJCP 2021) with a base Fruit Beer (29A). Apricot notes are abundant providing a floral and fruity aroma that comes across as very fresh.

Black Gold

Black Gold

Georgia
United States
Black Gold, Arches Brewing
Description 

Built on a traditional Schwarzbier base, this German dark lager blends light notes of roast and chocolate with floral and spicy hops. A subtle hop profile featuring noble German hops provides just enough bitterness to balance the beer’s signature roast character. While dark in color, Black Gold drinks incredibly light and sessionable.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.3
IBUs: 
24
Served at: 
45º F
Hops: 
Perle, Tettnang

 

 


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

Black Gold by Arches Brewing is being evaluated as a Schwarzbier (category 8B in the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Schwarzbiers are black German lagers with prominent roasty malt flavors, smooth mouthfeel and... Read More

Klieg Kölsch

Klieg Kölsch

Georgia
United States
Klieg Kölsch, Arches Brewing
Description 

Klieg is a light, golden, beer that is top-fermented and well-lagered. Expect doughy pilsner malt up front and a crisp hop finish.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.0%
IBUs: 
22
Malts: 
Barke Pilsner
Hops: 
Tettnang

 

 


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Reviewed by: Michael Heniff
Judges Rating:
94
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Klieg Kölsch by Arches Brewing is being evaluated as a Kölsch (category 5B in the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). The Kölsch style is a German ale that has a delicate balance of malt, hops and esters.

Birthday Month: Czech-Style Pilsner

Birthday Month: Czech-Style Pilsner

Birthday Month: Czech-Style Pilsner, Wild Leap Brew Co
Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5%
IBUs: 
49

 

 


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Reviewed by: Jim Koebel
Judges Rating:
93
Aroma:
23 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Birthday Month: Czech-Style Pilsner by Wild Leap Brew Co. was judged as 2021 BJCP Category 3B, Czech Premium Pale Lager. Typified by a certain green-bottled Czech import, this style has richer, more characterful malt flavors than most Pils-type... Read More

pFriem Mexican Chocolate Stout

pFriem Mexican Chocolate Stout

pFriem Mexican Chocolate Stout, pFriem Family Brewers
Description 

Pastry Stouts stretch a brewer’s imagination; some find inspiration in favorite desserts, others in cocktails or candies. We found ours in Mexican spiced cocoa. We seasoned our creamy stout base with cinnamon, nutmeg, and Pasilla peppers for a complex and flavorful nod towards the ancient libation — chocolate. ¡Salud!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
8.1%
IBUs: 
45
Served at: 
45º - 50º F
Malts: 
Simpson’s- Marris Otter, Crystal Dark, DRC, Thomas Fawcett Pale Chocolate, Chocolate
Hops: 
Chinook

 

 


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Reviewed by: Joseph Formanek
Judges Rating:
98
Aroma:
24 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

pFriem Mexican Chocolate Stout by pFriem Family Brewers is truly a joy to behold.

pFriem Canadian Lager

pFriem Canadian Lager

Oregon
United States
pFriem Canadian Lager, pFriem Family Brewers
Description 

Inspired by our friends to the North, this Canadian Lager sparkles like glacial snow melt, pouring almost translucent, snappy with light aromas of ripening grain fields, orange flower blossom and fresh pastry. It’s off the crushability charts!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.0%
IBUs: 
10
Served at: 
40 - 45º F
Malts: 
CMC Superior Pilsen, Gambrinus Pilsner, Rice Syrup
Hops: 
Perle, Tettnang

 

 


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Reviewed by: Joseph Formanek
Judges Rating:
95
Aroma:
23 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

pFriem Canadian Lager by pFriem Family Brewers is an exceptional example of the BJCP Category 2A International Pale Lager as per the 2021 BJCP style guidelines. Canadian lagers have typically been distinctive when compared to their American... Read More

Seattle Cider Co. Honeycrisp

Seattle Cider Co. Honeycrisp

Washington
United States
Seattle Cider Co. Honeycrisp, Seattle Cider Co.
Description 

Cultivated for their perfect balance of sweet and tart, Honeycrisp apples are the modern darling of pomme fruit. vibrant, juicy, and apple-forward, Honeycrisp is delightfully aromatic and pleasantly crisp. Our Honeycrisp cider is like taking a bite of a fresh apple.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.5%
Served at: 
50 - 55º F

 

 


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Reviewed by: Pat Mulloy
Judges Rating:
92
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
4 / 6
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Seattle Cider Co. Honeycrisp by Seattle Cider Co. was judged per the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines, New World Cider.

Seattle Cider Co. Light Cider

Seattle Cider Co. Light Cider

Washington
United States
Seattle Cider Co. Light Cider, Seattle Cider Co.
Description 

Crisp, refreshing, and satisfying, Light Cider is the modern definition of drinkability. At 98 calories and 4.2% ABV, Light Cider packs an exhilarating apple flavor in every 12 ounce can. Uncompromising on quality, unparalleled in taste, Light Cider was crafted from our favorite ingredient, fresh pressed Washington apples! All that flavor, from whole apples? Crazy, we know.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.2%
Served at: 
50 - 55º F

 

 


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Reviewed by: Pat Mulloy
Judges Rating:
86
Aroma:
20 / 24
Appearance:
4 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Seattle Cider Co. Light Cider by Seattle Cider Co. was judged as BJCP Style New World Cider.

Cerveza Toña

Cerveza Toña

Cerveza Toña, Compañía Cervecera de Nicaragua
Description 

For consumers seeking authentic cultural drinking experiences, Cerveza Toña is a smooth, refreshing lager from Nicaragua, a land of pristine beauty that’s rich in natural resources, authenticity, and adventure. Made with 100% natural ingredients and a commitment to sustainability, it is easy to see why Cerveza Toña is Central America’s number one-selling beer. Since 1976, Cerveza Toña has been brewed using pure water sourced from the Southern Basin of Xolotlan Lake. The beer is a highly drinkable lager with 4.6% ABV and that is pale golden in color with a light, frothy head. Cerveza Toña features an impeccably smooth light malt flavor with a nicely balanced bitterness from the use of light hops.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.6%

 

 


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Reviewed by: Nelson Crowle
Judges Rating:
89
Aroma:
21 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Cerveza Toña by Compañía Cervecera de Nicaragua was evaluated as an International Pale Lager per the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines (2A). 

Timmermans Kriek

Timmermans Kriek

Timmermans Kriek, Brouwerij Timmermans
Description 

Authentic cherry lambic. A nice balance between the fruity notes of the cherries and the subtle acidity of a young lambic of the world’s oldest lambic brewery. After one year of maturation of the lambic in oak barrels, 100% natural cherry juice is added to lambic beer.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.0%

 

 


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Reviewed by: Nelson Crowle
Judges Rating:
88
Aroma:
21 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Timmermans Kriek by Brouwerij Timmermans was evaluated as a Fruit Lambic per the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines (23F).  

Bourgogne des Flandres

Bourgogne des Flandres, Bourgogne des Flandres
Reviewed by: Nelson Crowle
Judges Rating:
87
Aroma:
21 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Bourgogne des Flandres by Brouwerij Timmermans was evaluated as a Flanders Red Ale per the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines (23B).

Gouden Carolus Tripel

Gouden Carolus Tripel

Gouden Carolus Tripel, Brouwerij Het Anker
Description 

This Belgian blond special ale is golden yellow in color with a clean, neat taste. With a full-bodied flavor and balanced hopping, this pleasant blond ale is preferred by all who love heavier, somewhat seasoned and refreshing ales.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
9.0%

 

 


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Reviewed by: Richard Wong
Judges Rating:
90
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Gouden Carolus Tripel by Brouwerij Het Anker was judged as #26C (Belgian Tripel) per the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines. 

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