Spinal Tapper by Right Brain Brewery is a Double IPA, judged as a 22A Double IPA. While a well-made beer, it misses the mark in terms of balance and, quite frankly, hop character. The nose is fairly bright, if subdued, with citrus, pear and lemongrass at the forefront, followed by a somewhat... Read More
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Brian Eichhorn
Beer, Mead & Cider Judge
Brian started diving into the world of craft beer in 2004, tracking all of the beers he tasted online, with notes. He picked up homebrewing in 2008 and began judging in 2010. Taking pride in the opportunity to give feedback to brewers of all sorts, he has progressed through the BJCP, attaining the rank of Master in 2013. He formerly acted as an Associate Exam Director for the BJCP, as well as an exam administrator and proctor, and presently holds the rank of Grand Master IV, as well as Mead judge. To him, the most important aspect of judging is to know your limits and learn how to recognize them and expand them. To achieve that end, Brian has judged in over 100 competitions in 12 states and counting, including the Great American Beer Festival, and visits innumerable breweries. He also helps organize a few competitions each year, including the role of judge coordinator for the Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer (which you may know as FoBAB), the largest of its kind in the world.
My reviews
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
16 / 24
Flavor:
32 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Beyond Resin by Upland Brewing Co. was judged as a 21a American IPA.
This beer pours mostly clear with a light haze. Deeply golden with a persistent white head that's very attractive. The aroma initially is intensely hop forward, showing guava and mango, followed by some durian and onion... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
2021 New Year Cuvée by pFriem Family Brewers is being judged as a 33B Specialty Wood-Aged Beer, as a strong stout with toasted coconut and vanilla. In the glass, the beer is definitely a bit less black than anticipated, but that's just the appearance. Pours clear with a thin off-white head. The... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
6 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20
Summer Vacation by Low Road Brewing is being judged as a 28C Wild Specialty Beer. This pours with a collapsing fizzy white head, a pale straw color with a subtle haze to it. The nose of this beer is pretty interesting, with the mix of aromas coming together as a kettle corn amalgam. The tart... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Gin Joy Ale by Right Brain Brewery is a vanilla cream ale that's been aged in a gin barrel. I'm judging this as a 33b-Specialty Wood-Aged Beer. In the glass, it's a very clear pale gold with a persistent white head. The nose is immediately gin botanicals. Very floral and pleasant, with a citrus... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20
Broyhan by Seedstock Brewery is being judged based on independent research of the style as a category 27 Historical Beer.
Broyhan is a beer that falls within the Northern European wheat beer tradition, which includes witbier & gose and, historically, appears it may have been wheat... Read More