Dogfish Head’s mastermind, Sam Calagione, has never been apologetic in his pursuit of beers that push stylistic boundaries, creating some of the most sought after brews on the market today. The sublimely wood-aged Burton Baton IPA is just one of those beers. Oozing with massive notes of sultry... 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:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Leading off this review’s California contingent is an almost terrifyingly hoppy brew from the outskirts of Petaluma – Lagunitas’s Hop Stoopid. This beer’s label cheekily yet proudly proclaims “102 I.B.U. 4 U,” and they are not kidding: This thing is a hop minefield. The beast of a beer shines an... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
For ten years, Terrapin Beer Company has been pushing the boundaries and challenging the concept of “acceptable” beer styles. Rye Pale Ale was introduced in April of 2002 and the company hasn’t looked back since. Brimming with spicy notes of rye meshed with delicate hop notes, Rye Pale Ale’s... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
The nose picks up a cornucopia of caramel, sour cherries, passion fruit and fig jam with traces of dark malts, cocoa nibs and balsamic vinegar. This deep brown ale boasts ruddy red hues and soft, tan foam that leaves attractive lacing on the glass. A vibrant, moderately sour flavor profile comes... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
Sadly, Hop Wallop was the second of our samples that seemed to have suffered in transit, as this is usually a stellar beer. Hop Wallop is a relatively new addition to Victory’s list of year-round beers, having previously been brewed only once each year. Demand for this liquid paean to hops... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
A classic example of the style, Full Sail Amber ale is arguably the American Amber Ale's style archetype, garnering countless awards since it first came to market more than 20 years ago. Full Sail's flagship pours a deep, burnished copper with flashes of chestnut highlights. Aromas of freshly... Read More