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Latest Reviews

Explore The Beer Connoisseur® magazine's database of most recent beer and cider reviews as evaluated by our panel of judges in the Official Review.

Height of Civilization

Height of Civilization Beer
Reviewed by: Owen Ogletree
Judges Rating:
86
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
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.

Unearthly IPA

Southern Tier Unearthly IPA
Reviewed by: Owen Ogletree
Judges Rating:
86
Aroma:
21 / 24
Appearance:
4 / 6
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Bold aroma notes of earthy caramel, flowers, pine resins and sweet malt ooze through the layer of white foam. The malt profile seems sugary, with supporting hops somewhat in the background. The dark gold beer pours quite hazy, with a head that... Read More

Jacobite Ale

Jacobite Ale
Reviewed by: Pete Garofalo
Judges Rating:
91
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Spicy woodiness greets the nose followed by a caramel/toffee malt with a whiff of alcohol. Fruity character includes a dark dried fruit (fig, date, raisin). The flavor focuses first on the malt then adds a touch of woodiness, drying out as... Read More

Old Pro

Old Pro
Reviewed by: Jim Koebel
Judges Rating:
84
Aroma:
20 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

The first impression is a salty, sour aroma that is followed by zesty coriander and hints of orange peel and lemon. As it warms, there is a very light bready aroma. The beer has a milky white hue when first poured, then settles to a cloudy yellow... Read More

Bam Bière

Bam Biere Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales
Reviewed by: BC Review
Judges Rating:
86
Aroma:
20 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Firmly straddling the line between Old World classicism and New World swagger, Jolly Pumpkin produces quirky, hugely flavorful beers, providing drinkers with an updated take on the more rustic "farmhouse” brewing tradition.

Double Duckpin

Double Duckpin
Reviewed by: Jim Koebel
Judges Rating:
92
Aroma:
24 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

As expected in a Double IPA, hops define this beer's aroma. They are fruity and vivid, with a predominant orange citrus character, some grapefruit, and light grassiness and resin. It pours a hazy, orange-copper color with a tall white head that... Read More

Stone Smoked Porter

Smoked Porter
Reviewed by: Nelson Crowle
Judges Rating:
89
Aroma:
21 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Poured into a snifter, this beer is a bold, blackish, deep mahogany with slight reddish highlights and a large, fluffy, light tan head.  Bready and toasty malt balances with grassy, floral, and tangerine notes in the aroma, with a background hint... Read More

Pale Ale (1996 Recipe)

Reviewed by: Owen Ogletree
Judges Rating:
93
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

This beer wafts a clean bouquet of toasted malt and moderate piney, citrusy hops, complemented by a profile of low fruity esters. Deep amber in color and fairly clear, with just a hint of chill haze, the ale also sports an impressive stand of off... Read More

Reviewed by: Mike Castagno
Judges Rating:
86
Aroma:
23 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

This beer starts off with a booming hop bouquet dominated by pine needles and resin. This quickly fades to a less pronounced herbal character with background notes of tangerine and grapefruit. Underneath it all there are hints of caramel and... Read More

Tropicália

Creature Comforts Tropicalia Creature Comforts Brewing Tropicalia IPA beer
Reviewed by: Phil Farrell
Judges Rating:
96
Aroma:
23 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
20 / 20

When I take my first sniff I am treated to an orgy of mango, guava, grapefruit, orange and even a bit of peach and pine with a little resin on the side. After it warmed I detected a little biscuit and green tea.

Hop Drop 'N Roll

Hop Drop 'N Roll
Reviewed by: Phil Farrell
Judges Rating:
95
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

This is a very pretty IPA. As you drink it, a foam residue of your progress is recorded on the side of the glass. An entire hop farm of pine, resin, wood and grapefruit hop aromas slowly arrive as the beer warms.

Lorenzini Double IPA

Lorenzini Double IPA Maui beer
Reviewed by: Phil Farrell
Judges Rating:
88
Aroma:
21 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

I smell a pleasant mix of resin and citrus followed by a little orange citrus, biscuit malt, and a touch of coconut/tropical fruit. I also detect some underlying generic spice. The flavor is fuller than the aroma suggests. I get a lot of resin... Read More

HopBack

HopBack Troegs Beer
Reviewed by: Pete Garofalo
Judges Rating:
84
Aroma:
20 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

The initial aroma is of caramel and toasty malt, followed by woody, earthy hops that have a pithy character. Moderate strawberry esters have an overripe fruitiness, with a low-level sour/sulfury quality that is distracting.

Slow Ride

Slow Ride New Belgium IPA
Reviewed by: Pete Garofalo
Judges Rating:
88
Aroma:
21 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

A blast of fruity, resiny hops greets the nose with a cornucopia of tropical fruits: papaya, guava, and pineapple. The citrusy character is also present in the hop-driven aroma. A secondary bouquet of bready malt and a hint of corn-like DMS round... Read More

Vunderbar Pilsner

Vunderbar Pilsner
Reviewed by: Pete Garofalo
Judges Rating:
90
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Fresh noble hops and cracker-like, lightly bready Pils malts are initially in the forefront. The hops have a tangy, floral character that sits atop an unexpected peach/pear fruitiness with a touch of honey.

Hop Sun

Southern Tier Hop Sun
Reviewed by: Pete Garofalo
Judges Rating:
93
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Pungent, resinous hops greet the nose with traces of pine amidst the leafy, vinous essence. A low malt presence helps to support the pear and berry esters. Flavor follows suit, starting with a piquant hop character that is impressively fresh and... Read More

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