This BJCP Category 22A, Double IPA, began with a medium-high hop aroma that was a mix of pine, citrus and tropical fruits (melon and passionfruit,) lime zest and a little burst of white grape. There was also a light note of sulfur that vented readily. There was barely any malt in the aroma and... Read More
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Sandy Cockerham
Beer & Mead Judge
A native Hoosier, Sandy Cockerham is a Grand Master II BJCP judge who also holds a mead certification. She has been brewing beer since the late 80s and became a BJCP judge in 2007. Sandy serves as the BJCP’s Midwest Representative, a BJCP Assistant Exam Director and is a member of the American Homebrewers Association’s Governing Committee where she serves as co-chair of the Competition Committee. She has been a judge at the Great American Beer Festival for the past 2 years and the Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beers (FoBAB) for the past 3 years. Most weekends will find Sandy judging beer, mead or cider somewhere.
While she enjoys traveling, wherever she goes there must be good beer! Past beery excursions occurred in China, England, Germany and the Czech Republic. She looks forward to new beer adventures abroad, as well as a little sightseeing.
Sandy is married and has 3 spoiled cats at home. She holds degrees in chemistry and law and works in research within the pharmaceutical industry. She also roasts coffee part-time at Bee Coffee Roasters.
My reviews
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
This BJCP Category 21B (Specialty IPA), Double India Pale Ale began with moderate hop aroma that was a mix of piney resin, zippy spice, some mango and a cup of fruit cocktail. The hops were anchored by low, bready malt and the fermentation character was very clean. No alcohol aroma was noted in... Read More
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Hop Butcher’s Milkstachio Milk Stout brewed with cacao nibs and natural pistachio flavor has a pretty cool name. Technically I would call this a BJCP category 30A; Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer, but I could also make an argument for Category 30C; Winter Seasonal Beer because the spicing just... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
This Pilsner starts slightly muted with low floral hop and spicy hop aromas alongside some low rose esters. Medium-low notes of crackery pils malt are in support. As the beer warms, a whiff of sulfur emerges. The pour is very clear, medium-golden in color with a moderate, off-white head that... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Devils Backbone Brewing Company’s Cran-Gose started out with a low aroma of citrus and some rose-like floral notes. Behind the fruit, there was some low, bready wheat aromas. Overall, this smelled a little like the sea in a most pleasant way and had a low, soft note of tartness.
The color... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Warped Wing’s Gamma Bomb IPA started out with a medium hop burst of citrus and tropical fruitiness. The moderate bready malt and light grainy/cereal character with a touch of toastiness were in support. A hint of earthiness was apparent from the hops, as well as a slight grassiness. There were... Read More