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Judging Process
Our reviews are conducted in a single blind tasting format. This method provides the best opportunity to rely on facts and to avoid favoritism, ensuring a level playing field for all brewers. It serves both the industry and the consumer to have unbiased and objective scores from qualified experts. To best implement this approach, the Judges Review is open to those with established experience as a Master Cicerone® from the Cicerone® Certification Program or as a judge that has accomplished the rank of National or higher from the Beer Judge Certification Program. In the single blind tasting format, judges are presented with a chilled, properly poured beer and given its style category. Scoring is then done on the following basis using a 100-point scale:
Score Breakdown
100 to 96: World Class – You need this beer in your life.
95 to 91: Exceptional – Don’t hesitate.
90 to 86: Very Good – A brew to savor.
85 to 75: Average – Somewhat unimpressive.
74 and below: Not Recommended – Just walk away.
World Class (100 to 96)
96
by Phil Farrell
Tropicália
Creature Comforts Brewing Co.
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Brewer Q & A
Exceptional (95 to 91)
95
by Tom Cannon
Silva Stout
Green Flash Brewing Co.
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Brewer Q & A
95
by Phil Farrell
Hop, Drop 'N Roll
NoDa Brewing Co.
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Brewer Q & A
95
by Owen Ogletree
Hop Hunter IPA
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
93
by Tom Cannon
Legacy IPA
Matt Brewing Co.
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Brewer Q & A
93
by Pete Garofalo
Hop Sun
Southern Tier Brewing Co.
92
by Owen Ogletree
Florida Cracker
Cigar City Brewing
92
by Owen Ogletree
Carnevale Ale
Port Brewing Co. / The Lost Abbey
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Brewer Q & A
91
by Tom Cannon
Carolina Blonde Cream Ale
Foothills Brewing Co.
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Brewer Q & A
91
by Pete Garofalo
Jacobite Ale
Traquair House Brewery