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BC Review

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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

Aventinus

Aventinus Eisbock Beer
Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

One of the world’s truly classic weizenbocks, in constant production since 1907, the Schneider Aventinus throws around gobs of prune, banana, and warm, exotic spices as the aroma billows from the glass. Tim enjoyed the “enticing hints of clove laced with a faint herbal, heather-like” hop note,... Read More

Brawler

Brawler
Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

With an eye toward sustainable brewing and boasting a 100 percent wind-powered brewery, Philadelphia’s Yards Brewing has been producing standout ales since 1994. Brawler is brewed broadly in the mild style, and though it weighs in at only 4.2 percent ABV, it is a flavorful, satisfying brew. The... Read More

Old Dipsea

Old Dipsea
Judges Rating:
88
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

A huge, fruity, caramel-driven, alcohol-fueled beast of a beer, Old Dipsea is not a tipple for the faint of heart. A deep, dark amber – almost mahogany – the color of this beer speaks of the brewer’s fondness for caramel malts. Redolent of figs, black cherries, plums, citrus fruit, and lots of... Read More

Bitter American

21st Amendment Brewery Bitter American
Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Just off of San Francisco’s scenic Embarcadero, 21st Amendment Brewery has been turning out California-themed iconic beer styles for over a decade. Its contract-brewed entry into the “session beer” market, Bitter American expresses much more character than one would expect from a beer of only 4.... Read More

Widmer Hefeweizen

Widmer Hefeweizen Beer
Judges Rating:
79
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
32 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20

Brothers Kurt and Rob Widmer have been originators in the American craft beer scene since 1984, producing a range of beers including arguably the prototypical American wheat ale, Widmer Hefeweizen. Evincing notes of nougat-like malt, Satsuma and soft chamomile, the aroma is light and unassuming... Read More

Blonde Bock

Blonde Bock gordon biersch beer
Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

A seductively malty brew, this is one that should be approached with due respect for its well-camouflaged strength. Pours a rich, honeyed gold with a small yet creamy white head. The low head and substantial legs clinging to the glass portend substantial alcoholic strength in this beer. From the... Read More

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