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Owen Ogletree

Owen Ogletree's picture
Beer Judge

Founder of the popular Classic City Brew Fest held in Athens, Georgia, Owen runs Brewtopia.info and writes for Southern Brew News. A National Judge as ranked by the BJCP, Owen has also served as a beer judge at the Great American Beer Festival and the Great British Beer Festival.

Owen Ogletree BJCP National Beer Judge Certificate

My articles

Defining the Pilsner Style
Every beer drinker has probably enjoyed a Pilsner, but do they really know what they're drinking? This story looks to define that famous and popular...
What is Real Ale?
In traditional pubs in the U.K., patrons stroll up to the bar to select a beer. Along with offerings in bottles and cans, pubs will pour a range of...
9 Most Influential Hops of All Time, Photo Courtesy Flickr/Allagash Brewing
Hops form a vital role in today's diverse brewing industry, and hop varieties possess distinct personalities that range from floral German noble hops...
Stone Brewing Berlin Brewmaster Thomas Tyrell
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the first U.S. craft brewery to expand into Europe, Stone Brewing Berlin. Brewmaster Thomas Tyrell took me...
The Sierra Nevada Beer Camp packaging is one of the brewery's many smaller-scale innovations. (Photo Courtesy Sierra Nevada)
While large-scale advancements in brewing and packaging usually get noticed by craft beer aficionados, smaller innovations like improved pop-top...
England, Belgium, Amsterdam, Germany and even the Czech Republic rank as noted European beer travel destinations, but what about France? Sure, some...
Heavy Seas founder Hugh Sisson
Hugh Sisson, founder of Heavy Seas Beer, definitely makes the cut on any list of the most influential American craft beer pioneers. Hugh guided his...
Ska brewing co-founder Dave Thibodeau celebrates 20 years of beer. (Credit: Owen Ogletree)
Nestled in the hills just outside scenic downtown Durango, Colorado, Ska Brewing holds cult status among many followers of craft beer in America....
With a chill outside and a roaring fire and festive atmosphere indoors, family and friends gather around a winter holiday table, anxiously...

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My reviews

DayTime

Lagunitas Day Time Session IPA Beer
Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Who says a beer must be high in alcohol to be remarkable? This golden, light-bodied, low alcohol ale showcases crisp, clean hop aromas of lemon, grapefruit, pineapple and kiwi. The flavor profile includes mild pale malt character, low bitterness and flavoring hops that impart citrus notes... Read More

Height of Civilization

Height of Civilization Beer
Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

The nose seems overwhelmed by complex aroma layers of alcohol, walnuts, citrus, berries, honeysuckle, fruit salad, wood tannins, agave, herbs and gourd pulp that bring to mind a spiced dessert pudding with melted marshmallows. The appearance comes across as murky brown to dark copper with mild... Read More

Milk Stout Nitro

Milk Stout Nitro
Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Welcome as a cup of sweet coffee and cream by a campfire, this jetblack brew throws aromas of espresso, heavy cream, sweet chocolate, roasted malts and a hint of smoke. Soft esters and hops are deep in the background, and the beer pours with a creamy, tan head that produces impressive lacing. On... Read More

Departed Spirit

Departed Spirit
Judges Rating:
89
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Is this a dark bourbon aged in a stout barrel? No, it's the other way around. Big whiskey vapors waft from the glass, backed by nuances of blueberry, blackberry, roasted malts, light espresso, dark cherries, vanilla and allspice. Don't even try to see through this black, opaque ale that's topped... Read More

Narwhal

Narwhal
Judges Rating:
89
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

This is a thick, luxurious, opaque, deep black stout with a moderately dark head. Mild fruity esters of cherries and blackberries mingle with the dominant fragrances of roasted malt and brown sugar, while rich, sweet flavors of dark malts, creamy espresso and milk chocolate follow up on the... Read More

Black Tuesday

Black Tuesday The Bruery Beer
Judges Rating:
88
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

The nose registers oxidative notes of earthy malt, sherry, raisins, plums, figs, rum, alcohol and toffee followed by hints of caramel, brown sugar and minerals. Check out the viscous legs on the side of the glass when the dark brown, shadowy beer is poured into an oversized snifter. A thin layer... Read More

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