This ale shows off a rich brown color with a frothy, tan head and good clarity, Bob noted. Owen added that subtle aroma notes of light fruit, caramel and restrained dark malt lead to a flavor profile marked by mild toastiness, caramel hints and brief encounters with cherry esters and other faint... 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:
20 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
For the last two decades, Avery Brewing has shown they know hops and are not afraid to use them. The Maharaja, Avery’s contribution to the world of Imperial IPA’s, boasts over 100 bittering units and tons of flavor and aroma hops. This is truly a paean to Humulus lupulus. Redolent of... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
20 / 20
Southern Tier heralds autumn with its annual release of Harvest Ale, a decidedly American take on the British classic – Extra Special Bitter. Southern Tier has never been bashful when it comes to hops and this beer is no exception. The nose brims with notes of pine, orange peel and hints of... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Starr Hill’s take on the classic Vienna Lager style weighs in as a refreshing, sessionable beer exhibiting mild malty notes. Deep gold/light copper in color with great clarity, this smooth lager boasts a fine white head and delicate lacework on the glass. Aromas of light malt, honey and bready/... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Brimming with brash notes of cardamom, allspice, and ripe banana, Local 1 is yet another monster brew from Garrett Oliver and the folks at Brooklyn Brewery. Brewed in the Belgian strong ale style, Local 1 packs a whopping 9 percent ABV, derived from classic European malts and a judicious dose... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
20 / 20
Originally a brewpub in downtown San Diego, 22 years later Karl Strauss Brewing Company produces over 30,000 barrels of beer annually. Head brewer Matt Johnson’s latest holiday brew, Two Tortugas Belgian Quad, is an 11% ABV that packs a serious wallop. Rife with aromas of dark rum, caramel, and... Read More