Wishing Star by Highland Brewing Co. was judged as an American IPA (21A BJCP 2021). The aroma is bold and pungent with a big herbal quality and a more mild fruity background note. Some malt sweetness manages to filter through as well. The color is quite pale, lighter than expected for an IPA,... Read More
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John C. Tull
Beer Judge
John Tull began making beer for himself and his friends in 1994 just prior to moving to Utah to begin graduate school. While working on his Ph.D. in Reno, Nevada, John became interested in judging beer, mead and cider through his friends and colleagues in the Washoe Zephyr Zymurgists, a homebrew club with strong and early representation in the Beer Judge Certification Program. He took the BJCP exam in 2001 and gradually has risen to the rank of Grand Master I. John has judged in more than 50 beer competitions and organized eight, including the AHA National Homebrew Competition final round in 2009. Outside of his life as a beer judge, John is a wildlife ecologist focused on conservation of fragile desert landscapes and the wildlife that live there. He and his wife Marlene have two wonderful daughters and a French Brittany named Jaca.
My reviews
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
17 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
Hop aromas reminiscent of tropical fruits, melon and floral qualities are present, but fairly understated for a Double IPA. Caramel malt and some sweetness also come through in the aroma of this beer, along with a touch of alcohol aroma. The color is pale copper with a slight haze, and the head... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
A saison-base beer with a plethora of aromatic features: dank hops, pungent spice, grapefruit rind and citrus oil, and a touch of malt sugars (a menagerie, yes, but not at all off-putting). The color is a tannish straw with moderate haze. There are only the faintest of bubbles on the surface... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Shared Waters by Coronado Brewing Co. was judged as a European Sour Ale: Lambic (23D), though it would have faired equally well as a Mixed-Fermentation Sour Beer (28B). This beer has a sour aroma of slightly funky straw and spice/acidity with a backing of wheat. The color is gold with a hint of... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Strawberry Rye by Crying Eagle Brewing Co. was judged as a Fruit Beer (29A) with strawberry. Strawberries are obvious in the aroma but not overly intense. A light rye malt character and a very subtle nutty aroma are also noticeable, though the fruit is the dominating characteristic. Hops do not... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
This beer is judged as a Double IPA (22A). The aroma is dominated by malt sweetness with a touch of caramel. The hops are more subtle than anticipated with floral and resinous aromas. The color is golden with hints of copper/orange. A slightly off-white head provides a lacy veil over the surface... Read More