You expect complexity in a Belgian-style ale and this one has plenty. The aroma has hints of spun sugar, plums, currants, and spices reminiscent of grains of paradise and allspice. The beer is hazy, light brown, beige, with substantial initial head and nice lacing on the glass. Though alcohol is... Read More
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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:
22 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
14 / 20
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Although not a wildly popular style, American dark lager is starting to build a following, and Full Sail Brewing’s Session Black Lager is a stellar example. Perched on the Columbia River, overlooking some of the best sailboarding water in the world, Full Sail turns out an extensive portfolio of... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
A venerable entry in the Imperial Stout category, this broad-shouldered brew that drinks well in its youth yet achieves an incredible depth and complexity with a couple of years of bottle age. Pours a deep, obsidian black, flashing ruby red highlights at the edge of the glass, and capped off by... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
32 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20
Tucked quietly away in the picturesque Wallonian province of Namur, Brasserie Caracole produces a number of artisanal Belgian ales including Troublette. More subtle than other witbiers, Troublette’s aroma is an alluring mélange of tangy lemon zest, Tellicherry peppercorns, and cotton candy.... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
With Tire Bite Golden Ale, Flying Dog shows why they are a powerhouse, perennially award-winning brewery. Exceptionally well-crafted, this brew is crisp, refreshing and reminiscent of the fruitier examples of the classic Kölschbiers. Pours an inviting brilliant gold, topped by a meringue-like,... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
18 / 24
Flavor:
30 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20
Another intriguing entry into the world of pumpkin beer, La Parcela, from Dexter, Michigan’s Jolly Pumpkin Artisanal Ales, deftly straddles the line between tradition and quirkiness. It blends pumpkin and spices with old school oak barrel aging. Rife with lush, sweet notes of plums and peaches,... Read More