Revolution's Unsessionable IPA makes its presence known even before opening the can. The bold graphics and claims of massive hop impact on the can almost taunt you into popping it open. Once you do, there is an immediate explosion of fresh and bright pine, citrus and woody hop aromas even before... Read More
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Joseph Formanek
Beer Judge
Joe Formanek started homebrewing in 1987 as an undergraduate in Microbiology at the University of Minnesota. He was bitten by the brewing bug after taking a tour of Summit Brewing Company within a year after they had opened in St. Paul in 1987, and he has been going ever since. Joe later went to Graduate School at the University of Illinois and helped found the Boneyard Union of Zymurgical Zealots (BUZZ) Homebrew Club. He currently resides in Bolingbrook, IL, is a Director for a food ingredient company in Itasca, IL, and is a proud member of the Urban Knaves of Grain Homebrew Club. Joe holds a National Judge ranking with the BJCP, and is a previous Midwest Regional Rep and Vice President of the organization.
Over the years, Joe has received many honors related to homebrewing. He has won numerous BOS awards at local and regional competitions, is a 6 time winner of the Midwest Homebrewer of the Year award (1999, 2001-2004, 2007) and won the American Homebrewers Association Meadmaker of the Year award in 2004. Joe is a 2 time winner of the American Homebrewers Association Ninkasi Award (2000, 2006) for winningest brewer in the final round of judging, and was honored as being named one of the two homebrewer winners of the 2011 Sam Adams Longshot American Homebrewing Competition with his Russian Imperial Stout, which was distributed nationally in the 2012 Longshot multipack.
My reviews
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Jockamo Juicy IPA by Abita Brewing Co. is a delicious offering in the BJCP 21B Specialty IPA – New England IPA style. This one has exceptional aroma and flavor and really delivers on balance and drinkability.
There is a huge burst of a fresh blend of juicy and... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Upland’s Komodo Dragonfly is an impressive example of a very drinkable Black IPA. A massive hit of dank hop character (presumably Simcoe) greets you upon opening the bottle, and this hop character explodes from the glass upon pouring. There is a touch of a chocolate or black malt aroma also... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
New Zealand Pale by pFriem Family Brewers is a showcase for tropical New Zealand hop character in a well-crafted pale ale. As there is no specific category for a NZ Pale Ale, this brew is being evaluated as a BJCP Category 18B American Pale Ale as per the 2021 BJCP... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
300 IPA by Fulton is a Mosaic hop bomb, pure and simple. From the first whiff upon opening the bottle to the final lingering aftertaste, the expression delivered by the generous use of Mosaic hops is the star of the show, and this brew could be a wonderful learning tool for those wanting to... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
The good brewers at De Koningshoeven have taken their standard La Trappe Quadrupel, which they have brewed since 1991, and have produced special limited edition oak aged versions since 2009. Each year uses different sources of barrels which are then expertly blended together to deliver a unique... Read More