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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.

Lime of the Party

Lime of the Party

Lime of the Party, New Realm Brewing
Description 

The ultimate slice of beer heaven. This key lime pie Gose combines the zing of Florida key lime juice, the perfect touch of sea salt and a dance of vanilla beans and coriander. The tartness of lime harmonized with creamy vanilla creating a delectable balance that will make every sip feel like a dessert escape.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.0%
IBUs: 
7
Served at: 
40 - 45º F
Malts: 
Wheat, Two-Row Pale

 

 


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Reviewed by: James Link
Judges Rating:
94
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Lime of the Party by New Realm Brewing was judged as a Category 23G, Gose, per the 2021 Beer Judge Certification Program Guidelines.

Peaceful Groove

Peaceful Groove

Virginia
USA
Peaceful Groove, New Realm Brewing
Description 

Light and refreshing wheat ale with natural tropical fruit flavor. The beer is all malt, brewed with Pale and Wheat malt, and a hint of aromatic malt. A blend of pineapple and passionfruit flavors create the tropical fruit character with a slight tartness and a smooth light finish.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.0%
IBUs: 
20
Served at: 
40 - 50º F
Malts: 
Pale Malt, Wheat

 

 


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Reviewed by: James Link
Judges Rating:
93
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Peaceful Groove by New Realm Brewing was judged as Category 29A, Fruit Beer, per the 2021 Beer Judge Certification Program guidelines.

Tiers for Years

Tiers for Years

Tiers for Years, Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co.
Description 

Celebrate every sip with Tiers for Years, our decadent Birthday Cake Stout brewed to mark Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co.'s anniversary. This rich and velvety stout is layered with flavors of creamy vanilla, luscious chocolate, and a touch of sweetness reminiscent of your favorite birthday cake. The addition of lactose adds a smooth, dessert-like finish, while subtle roasted malt notes balance the sweetness. It’s a full-bodied treat that’s perfect for toasting milestones, whether it's ours or yours. Cheers to many more years of craft and celebration!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
10.0%

 

 


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Reviewed by: Richard Wong
Judges Rating:
95
Aroma:
24 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Tiers for Years by Ivanhoe Park Brewing was judged as an Imperial Stout, style 20C, according to the 2021 BCJP Guidelines. 

Return to Joyland

Return to Joyland

Return to Joyland, Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co.
Description 

Our Return to Joyland Triple IPA is a bold and vibrant homage to the past, brewed to celebrate Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co.'s anniversary. Bursting with hop-forward flavors, this TIPA greets you with intense aromas of citrus, tropical fruits, and a hint of pine. On the palate, waves of ripe mango, juicy grapefruit, and subtle resinous notes create a beautifully balanced hop explosion. Despite its higher ABV, it maintains a smooth, velvety finish, making it a dangerously drinkable brew. Raise a glass and toast to six years of craft, community, and joy.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
10.0%

 

 


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Reviewed by: Richard Wong
Judges Rating:
84
Aroma:
23 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
32 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20

Return to Joyland by Ivanhoe Park Brewing was judged as style 21A, Double IPA, per the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines. 

Nelson Pale

Nelson Pale

Nelson Pale, pFriem Family Brewers
Description 

New Zealand’s Nelson Sauvin hops have much in common with the Sauvignon Blanc grapes harvested nearby. Compare a glass of the wine to pFriem Nelson Pale and you’ll see that both boast strong fruity flavors with aromas of honeydew, kiwi, and pineapple. You may even taste hints of citrus and white wine in your pint. But don’t worry—you can leave your corkscrew at home.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.9%
IBUs: 
45
Served at: 
40 - 45º F
Malts: 
Rahr Pale, Simpsons Cara Malt, Simpsons Crystal Dark
Hops: 
Nelson Sauvin

 

 


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Reviewed by: Rick Franckhauser
Judges Rating:
96
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Nelson Pale by pFriem Family Brewers was judged as BJCP Category 18 B, American Pale Ale, per the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines.

Bretta V

Bretta V

Bretta V, pFriem Family Brewers
Description 

Bretta is our ever-changing series of 100% brettanomyces fermented beers. For our 5th iteration, we’ve chosen a fruit forward strain of brett and complimented it with bright Japanese Yuzu citrus juice, and modern tropical hops. The result is a complex mosaic of citrus, stone fruit, and nuanced funk that will continue to develop with age.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.4%
IBUs: 
27
Served at: 
45º - 50º F
Malts: 
Linc Malt Lyon Pilsener, Linc Malt Pale Wheat, Linc Malt Hulless Spelt, Linc Malt Unmalted White Wheat
Hops: 
Nectaron, Citra, Chinook

 

 


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Reviewed by: Rick Franckhauser
Judges Rating:
90
Aroma:
20 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Bretta V by pFriem Family Brewers was judged as a Specialty Fruit Beer, Category 29C, with the base beer being Category 28A, Brett Beer, per the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines.

Andechser Doppelbock Dunkel

Andechser Doppelbock Dunkel

Andechser Doppelbock Dunkel, Kloster Andechs
Description 

The world-famous Bockbier from the Holy Mountain in Bavaria wants to be savored rather than downed. Its color reminiscent of dark copper with hints of fiery red. Its bright, clear appearance harmonizes with a firm, fine-pored foam.
Soft roasted notes and a touch of dried fruit accompany an accentuated caramel aroma. The taste is unmistakable: Full-bodied and velvety, strong but with a pleasant malt aroma – powerful and lusty. It has a readily discernible sweetness accompanied by roasted cocoa notes and a slight hop bitterness.
With a strong finish, it has a lasting semisweet chocolate note. A mighty Doppelbock that lets you savor and enjoy the centuries-old Benedictine brewing tradition one sip at a time.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
7.1%
Served at: 
45 - 50ºF

 

 


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Reviewed by: Dan Martich
Judges Rating:
97
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
40 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
20 / 20

Andechser Doppelbock Dunkel by Kloster Andechs was judged as a Doppelbock, Style 9A, according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines.

Ube Hazy IPA

Ube Hazy IPA

UbeHazy IPA, Garage Brewing Co.
Description 

This hazy IPA stuffed with hops, is slightly sweet, nutty and earthly with decadent pastry-like characteristic notes of vanilla and coconut.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.5%
Served at: 
45º F
Malts: 
Weyermann CaraFoam,Rahr Two-Row, Rahr Wheat SuperSack, Crisp Dextrin Malt, Simpson Simpson Golden Naked Oats, Grain Millers Flaked Barley
Hops: 
Citra YCH 2021, Mosaic YCH 2022

 

 


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Reviewed by: Randy Scorby
Judges Rating:
94
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Ube Hazy IPA by Garage Brewing Co.

Apple Pie-Secco

Apple Pie-Secco

Apple Pie-Secco, Nine Pin Cider
Description 

Celebrate the harvest with Apple Pie-Secco! Nine Pin's Apple Pie-Secco cider is crafted with 100% New York apples from Samascott Orchards. This cider is aged with vanilla and cinnamon to create that comforting fall flavor.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.5%
Served at: 
36º F

 

 


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Reviewed by: David Sapsis
Judges Rating:
92
Aroma:
21 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Apple Pie-Secco by Nine Pin Ciderworks is being judged as a specialty cider, style C2B, per the 2015 BJCP cider guidelines. It contains cinnamon, vanilla and sugar, in addition to its core apple base. It is offered as being both dry on the... Read More

Mulled Cider

Mulled Cider

Mulled Cider, Kelterei Possman
Description 

Heisser Apple Cider (hot apple cider) is a must during the winter and Christmas season. It is an aromatic drink based from apple wine with the following spices added: Cinnamon, Clove, Lemon and Sugar. This traditional recipe is very popular during the colder seasons in and around Frankfurt.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.5%
Served at: 
42 - 48º F

 

 


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Reviewed by: David Sapsis
Judges Rating:
90
Aroma:
20 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Mulled Cider by Kelterei Possman is being judged as a specialty cider, style C2B, per the BJCP 2015 cider guidelines.

Frankfurter Apfelwein

Frankfurter Apfelwein

Frankfurter Apfelwein, Kelterei Possman
Description 

The Frankfurter Apfelwein has made Possman the most recognized apple wine producer in Germany. Crisp and clear still cider with the naturally distinct flavor of authentic cider apples. Frankfurter has no juice additions, making it extremely low on sugar and calories. Blend with sparkling water for the true Frankfurt Apfelwein experience!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.5%
Served at: 
40 - 45º F

 

 


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Reviewed by: David Sapsis
Judges Rating:
88
Aroma:
19 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Frankfurter Apfelwein by Kelterei Possman is being judged as a New World Cider, style C1A per the 2015 BJCP Cider Guidelines.

Grape Expectations

Grape Expectations

Grape Expectations, Irrigation Ales
Description 

This is an imperial porter that was fermented with Frontenac Red grapes from our friend's vineyard that was part of our homebrew club. Once fermented dry we aged this portion in his red-wine oak barrels for six months before carbonation and bottling.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
10.5%
IBUs: 
43
Served at: 
50º F
Malts: 
Pale Two-Row, Munich, Brown, Chocolate Wheat, Flaked Barley, Caramel 120L, Caramel 30L, Chocolate Malt, Carapils, Carafa Special 3
Hops: 
Centennial, Mosaic

 

 


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Reviewed by: Jim Koebel
Judges Rating:
96
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
40 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Grape Expectations by Irrigation Ales was judged as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer via the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines (Category 33B). The base style is Baltic Porter (Style 9C) and it contains Frontenac red grapes.

Hell or High Twilight

Hell or High Twilight

California
USA
Hell or High Twilight, 21st Amendment Brewery
Description 

Hell or High Twilight is a bright American Citrus Wheat Ale with fresh flavors and aromas of sweet orange peel. Delicious, slightly sweet and quenching.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.6%
IBUs: 
17
Malts: 
Two-Row Pale, White Wheat, Rolled Oats
Hops: 
Hallertau

 

 


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Reviewed by: Brad Darnell
Judges Rating:
91
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Hell or High Twilight by 21st Amendment Brewing Co. is being judged according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 29A – Fruit Beer.

Cinnamon Roll Dunkel

Cinnamon Roll Dunkel

Cinnamon Roll Dunkel, Old 121 Brewhouse
Description 

Our holiday lager that tastes like Christmas morning. A Munich Dunkel base brewed with cinnamon and vanilla to give notes of sweet cinnamon rolls with hints of chocolate, biscuit, and caramel.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.9%
IBUs: 
24.5
Served at: 
38 - 40º F
Malts: 
Pilsner, Munich 1, Munich 2, Biscuit, Pale Chocolate
Hops: 
Hallertau Mittelfruh

 

 


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Reviewed by: James Link
Judges Rating:
88
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Cinnamon Roll Dunkel by Old 121 Brewhouse was judged according to the 2021 Beer Judge Certification Program Guidelines under sub-heading 30A, Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beer.

Gouden Carolus Imperial Dark

Gouden Carolus Imperial Dark

Gouden Carolus Imperial Dark, Het Anker
Description 

Every year on the 24th of February, we celebrate the birth of Charles Quint. Therefore we brew a special beer in limited edition called Gouden Carolus Cuvée van de Keizer Imperial Dark (‘Grand Cru of the Emperor’).
This exceptional ale ages well, developing a refined complexity and intense aromas. With powerful notes of roasted malts, caramel and plums, its surprisingly soft and fruity aroma combines a warm roundness with a refreshing taste. An imperial brew to cherish and enjoy in moderation.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
11.0%
Served at: 
45 - 55º F

 

 


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Reviewed by: Joseph Formanek
Judges Rating:
92
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Gouden Carolus Imperial Dark by Brouwerij Het Anker is being evaluated as a Cat. 26D Belgian Dark Strong Ale, per the 2021 BJCP Guidelines.

Veltins Radler

Veltins Radler

Veltins Radler, C. & A. Veltins
Description 

The VELTINS Radler offers a thirst-quenching sight. The sparkling and bright yellow of the shandy is crowned with a white and firm foam head. The smell is initially reminiscent of intense citrus fruits embedded in a floral malt and hop aroma. When drunk, the Radler impresses with its fine, sparkling, tangy fruit acid, which is surrounded by a soft sweetness and is rounded by a noble hop bitterness in the finish. A refreshingly fruity experience that leaves a harmonious lime taste afterwards.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
2.4%
Served at: 
32 - 34º F

 

 


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Reviewed by: Joseph Formanek
Judges Rating:
85
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
32 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Veltins Radler by C. & A. Veltins is being evaluated as a Cat 29A Fruit Beer as per the 2021 BJCP Guidelines.

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