I have to admit, my friend (and accomplished brewer) Pete Devaris and I thought we were done reviewing Deschutes beers when we realized we had another beer in the box. Usually I review 2-3 beers in one sitting, so reviewing this beer fourth and knowing it was from Deschutes gives this review a... Read More
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S J Klein
Beer Judge
Picking up homebrewing on a bicycle trip across Australia in the 80's, S J. became the official brewer of his dorm in college. Turning an obsession into a profession, he attended the Siebel Institute long program, and started and ran the Borealis Brewery for 7 years, after which he became serious about judging. S J doesn't have a favorite style of beer, so much as he appreciates a beer that is well made. He's looking for balance, character, and "something to knock my socks off". He lives in Anchorage, Alaska, which from time to time has more breweries per capita than any other city in the world.
My reviews
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
40 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
A roasty, toasty, boasty beer. It will keep you up... if it doesn't knock you down first! The coffee and chocolate are very well balanced in this beer. They are here to support the beer, not the other way around. It is surprisingly dry, neither more dry nor more astringent than it should be, and... Read More
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
This beer's aroma reminds me of a pine forest – moss and earthy with hints of orange peel and light esters. It pours with a slight haze, copious bubbles and a rich white head. Upon taking a sip, you get a nice hop experience that's not too malty or sweet. While definitely hop-forward, there is... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20
An effervescent, sparkly, and pleasant example of a kölsch. The nose is misleading as to the experience of the beer. It starts with a light straw, almost corn-husk nose. As it warms up, floral notes start to peek through, though there are no noticeable hops in the aroma. It has a nice, light... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
This beer has a nose rich with cocoa and goat cheese with just a hint of molasses, and mild floral hop notes also peek through. It's opaque with a dark brown head that quickly vanishes despite high carbonation. In the mouth it's rich, dark and sweet – somewhere between good Turkish coffee with a... Read More
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
A very clean, warming, rich and creamy stout. It starts with a warm boozy nose. Toffee and Kahlua meet you up front as you take in the dark, rich, quickly dissipating tan head. Flavors of coffee and toffee dominate this beer, with a heavy molasses undertone. A subtle sweetness comes through,... Read More