La Fontaine by Social Fox Brewing is being evaluated as a BJCP 2021 style 29A (Fruit Beer), as a traditional bock with Pinot Noir grapes. Note that the "Grape Ale" category is specifically for more neutral beers, hence this classification. This one pours a deep ruby-brown with a clingy beige... Read More
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Brian Eichhorn
Beer, Mead & Cider Judge
Brian started diving into the world of craft beer in 2004, tracking all of the beers he tasted online, with notes. He picked up homebrewing in 2008 and began judging in 2010. Taking pride in the opportunity to give feedback to brewers of all sorts, he has progressed through the BJCP, attaining the rank of Master in 2013. He formerly acted as an Associate Exam Director for the BJCP, as well as an exam administrator and proctor, and presently holds the rank of Grand Master IV, as well as Mead judge. To him, the most important aspect of judging is to know your limits and learn how to recognize them and expand them. To achieve that end, Brian has judged in over 100 competitions in 12 states and counting, including the Great American Beer Festival, and visits innumerable breweries. He also helps organize a few competitions each year, including the role of judge coordinator for the Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer (which you may know as FoBAB), the largest of its kind in the world.
My reviews
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Munich Dunkel (8A). The beer pours a deep red brown with a thin off-white head. There is a faint haze to the beer, but overall fairly attractive. The initial aroma is toasty and bread-like with a faint cocoa note. It's very fresh and Munich malt dominated, with minimal hop character, with the... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
Cà Phȇ by Urban South Brewery is a Vietnamese Coffee Stout that is being judged as 30A-Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer with 16A-Sweet Stout as the base style. In the aroma, this beer is definitely all about coffee. Fresh and clean with a high-quality coffee aroma. Notes of toffee and chocolate... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Pulp Theory Hazy IPA by Odell Brewing Co. is being judged as a 21b Specialty IPA, specifically a Juicy/Hazy IPA, per the BJCP 2015 Style Guidelines.
The pour is hazy, obviously, bordering on turbid with a pale gold and touch of orange and a creamy white head that persists. The nose is... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Rum-Barrel Aged Porter by pFriem Family Brewers is being judged as a 33B Specialty Wood-Aged beer, with an underlying style of Baltic porter. At any rate, in the glass, it's on the lighter side but still dark brown with a thin off-white head that persists. The nose is nice and complex, retaining... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Mountain Glow Cider by Stowe Cider is being evaluated as C2F, Specialty Cider. The cider pours effervescent with a persistent stream of mixed bubbles. Good clarity and quite bright overall. The nose shows the ginger first and foremost along with some pleasant dessert apple notes and distinct... Read More