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Sal Mortillaro II

Sal Mortillaro II's picture
Beer & Mead Judge

Sal has been homebrewing since 2010 and has been a certified judge in the BJCP program since 2012 where he currently holds the rank of Grand Master 2. He has won several awards and medals during his time homebrewing and he currently serves as a BJCP exam proctor, exam grader, exam admin, and the Regional Representative for the Southern Region.  Sal has served as a Best of Show judge for the Alabama Craft Beer State Championship and Montana Brewery of the Year State Championship and has judged at the Great American Beer Festival, Aro Rojo, and Arizona Craft Brewers Guild commercial competitions.  Sal is one of the first ten educators in the United States for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Award in Beer Level 1 and Level 2 certifications.  He is a regular guest on the NOLA Drinks radio show & pod cast and contributor to Louisiana Craft Beer Magazine.

Sal is a member of the Mystic Krewe of Brew Homebrew Club where he serves as the Educational Director and occasional Vice President. He is also a founding board member of The Bayou State Homebrew Competition Circuit. He is the competition coordinator for the New Orleans On Tap, Bayou Beer Fest, and Larry Fest charity beer events. He has served as a “Beer Geek” in the local area for a well-known, national chain of natural grocery stores reviewing and recommending beers to their customers.

Sal enjoys brewing all styles of beer, but thoroughly enjoys venturing into the weird and wild, discovering beers that utilize non-traditional ingredients and brewing techniques. He appreciates drinking all beer styles, but particularly enjoys malty or sour beers.

BJCP Grand Master II Certificate

 

My reviews

Ruination 2.0

Stone Beer Ruination 2.0 IPA
Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Ruination 2.0 by Stone Brewing Co. is being judged as a Double IPA (category 22A) per the 2015 BJCP guidelines.

This beer pours a medium-gold color with lightly hazy clarity. A slightly off-white head of large bubbles lingers with a visual reminiscent of sourdough bread. A beautiful... Read More

Domestique

Domestique by Anthem Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
32 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

This Barrel Aged Belgian Quad pours a dark brown color with a fluffy, light-brown head which quickly dissipates, but leaves a ring around the glass. When held to the light, the clarity is clear and ruby and orange highlights can be seen in the beer. A strong and deep malt aroma is prominent... Read More

Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Last Leaf Maple Brown Ale by Starr Hill Brewery is being evaluated as an Alternative Sugar Beer (Category 31B) from the 2015 BJCP guidelines.

This beer pours a light brown color with slight chill haze. An ample and sustained tan head lasts throughout the beer.  The aroma when poured is... Read More

Aspall Imperial English Cider

Aspall Imperial English Cider

United Kingdom
Aspall Imperial English Cider, Aspall Cyder House
Description 

Traditional bittersweet cyder-apple aroma with floral notes and dried fruit. Palate rich, quite sweet and full bodied, with a balancing refreshing acidity. A unique and very complex flavour reminiscent of Christmas cake. Very long on the finish, sweetish but not cloying. The connoisseur’s choice to partner big flavoured food. Ideal with duck in a plum sauce, cheese, and north African cuisine; also good with desserts which are not too sweet.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
8.2%

 

 


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Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Aspall Imperial English Cider by Aspall Cider House is being evaluated as an English Cider (Category C1B in the 2015 BJCP Guidelines).  Though labeled as “imperial”, the declared 8% ABV still falls within the guidelines of the style.

This cider pours a dark gold color with brilliant... Read More

Trail Guide IPA

Trail Guide IPA, Big Boss Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
82
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
32 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
14 / 20

Trail Guide IPA by Big Boss Brewing Co. is being evaluated as an American IPA (Category 21A) per the 2015 BJCP guildelines. The brewery notes this as a “West Coast” IPA.

This beer pours a gold color with clear clarity. A moderate white head quickly fades leaving a thing ring around the... Read More

Stone Hazy IPA

Stone Hazy IPA

California
United States
Stone Hazy IPA, Stone Brewing
Description 

When we first started brewing IPAs, they were considered an extreme style, only for hardcore beer nerds. (Like, say, us.) Today, they're the most popular style in craft beer and continuing to grow. We're proud of our role in fueling that revolution and thrilled with how the style has evolved over the years. Stone Hazy IPA comes in at an easy 6.7% and less bitter than our other IPAs, but still blooming with bold hop flavors. El Dorado and Azacca hops showcase a myriad of citrus and fruit elements while intense Sabro highlights the tropical notes of this beer. No fruit added, yet intensely juicy. The result of this unique hop combination is a creamy citrus bomb with tons of orange, lemon, melon, mango and pineapple flavors and aromas.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.7%
IBUs: 
35
Hops: 
El Dorado, Azacca, Sabro

 

 


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Options start for only $9.95!


Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Stone Hazy IPA by Stone Brewing Co. is being judged as a Hazy IPA (category 21C) per the 2021 BJCP guidelines.

This beer pours a gold color with hazy, opaque clarity. A rocky white head is sustained, leaving a beautiful lace and large bubbles, which is sustained during the beer's entirety... Read More

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