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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.

Hazy Dawn

Hazy Dawn

New Jersey
USA
Hazy Dawn, Cape May Brewing Co.
Description 

Dawn symbolizes a new beginning and new opportunities. Hazy Dawn is part of our newest collection of IPAs, and uses Golden Promise malt for a full mouthfeel. Motueka and Simcoe hops blend together for a collection of tropical fruit flavors with a subtle hint of pine. Together, these elements present a perfectly hazy brew with an exciting zest of flavor.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
8.0%
IBUs: 
40
Served at: 
45º F
Malts: 
Pilsner, Golden Promise, Flaked Wheat, Honey Malt
Hops: 
Motueka, Simcoe, El Dorado

 

 


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Reviewed by: Dan Preston
Judges Rating:
88
Aroma:
20 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Hazy Dawn by Cape May Brewing Co. is a double IPA that would normally fall into BJCP 2021 category 22A Double IPA, however this one leans towards the hazy style and would better fit into BJCP 2021 Category 21C, Hazy IPA with its cloudy appearance... Read More

Cosmic Shores

Cosmic Shores

New Jersey
USA
Cosmic Shores, Cape May Brewing Co.
Description 

Get ready to transport your taste buds to the Cosmos with every stellar sip of this Hazy IPA. Dry hopped with Galaxy® Hops, Cosmic Shores features vibrant notes of peach and passion fruit with a crisp, refreshing finish that’s as bright as the stars. From the moment it touches your lips, you’ll embark on a cosmic adventure and a hint of interstellar magic floating on your palate.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.5%
Served at: 
45º F
Malts: 
2-Row, Munich 10L
Hops: 
Citra, Galaxy

 

 


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Reviewed by: Dan Preston
Judges Rating:
85
Aroma:
20 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Cosmic Shores by Cape May Brewing Co. is a hazy IPA that falls into BJCP 2021 category 21C Hazy IPA.

Weltenburger Asam Bock

Weltenburger Asam Bock

Weltenburger Asam Bock, Weltenburger Kloster
Description 

A king of Doppelbocks is what we have here. Asam Bock is refined by I’m sure many many years of brewing and is a must for aficionados of the style or serious beer people. This is outstanding. An extremely delicious doppelbock with huge dark malt presence and just enough earthiness to keep it from being sweet. It hits all the right notes for the style including a killer mouthfeel that is silky smooth and soft, while staying very clean. Friends and connoisseurs particularly will appreciate it for its strong, sweet, very aromatic and persistent taste

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
7.3%

 

 


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Reviewed by: Michael Heniff
Judges Rating:
93
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Weltenburger Asam Bock by Weltenburger Kloster is a Dopplebock and is being evaluated as a Dopplebock (category 9A in the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Doppelbocks are strong, dark German lagers noted for their... Read More

Saturnine Feline

Saturnine Feline

Pennsylvania
USA
Saturnine Feline, Attic Brewing Co.
Description 

We teamed up with Philly Metal Band Crypt Sermon to craft a beer, and we could only go one route...dark. Saturnine Feline is a brilliant nod to the darkest style of German lagers, the Schwarzbier. Brewed with German malts and hops, this dark lager's smooth roasted character is complemented with notes of dark chocolate and slight caramel sweetness that finishes clean and dry.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.0%
Served at: 
41 - 48º F
Malts: 
Weyermann Pils, Weyermann Munich, Simpsons Roasted, Simpsons Chocolate
Hops: 
Hallertau Mittelfruh

 

 


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Reviewed by: Michael Heniff
Judges Rating:
86
Aroma:
20 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Saturnine Feline by Attic Brewing Co.

Lucente

Lucente

Lucente, Attic Brewing Co.
Description 

Italian for bright & shiny, Lucente is brewed with Italian barley and dry hopped with German Tettnang hops. This pilsner is perfectly balanced and subtly complex. The earthy, citrus hops create a full flavor that beautifully compliments the malty sweetness.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.3%
Served at: 
38 - 45º F
Malts: 
Weyermann Eraclea pils
Hops: 
German Tettnang

 

 


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Reviewed by: Michael Heniff
Judges Rating:
90
Aroma:
21 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Lucente by Attic Brewing Co.

Weltenburger Helle Weisse

Weltenburger Helle Weisse

Weltenburger Helle Weisse, Weltenburger Kloster
Description 

An interesting take on the style by one of the oldest breweries. Good looking hefeweizen with impressive head and great lacing. The nose is deep on the spicy side, on top of white bread. Taste of wheat malts, lemon, banana and yeast is delicious. Very smooth and refreshing in the mouth with a velvety finish. Hops are present and delicately balance the delicious cascade of wheat and fruity notes.
A Hefe on its own, with lots of character. Dynamic, playful and well balanced.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.4%

 

 


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Reviewed by: Michael Heniff
Judges Rating:
93
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Weltenburger Helle Weisse by Weltenburger Kloster is a Hefeweizen and is being evaluated as a Weissbier (category 10A in the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Weissbier is noted for its golden color, slight haze, wheaty... Read More

Weltenburger Hell

Weltenburger Hell

Weltenburger Hell, Weltenburger Kloster
Description 

The classic Helles - the epitome of the Bavarian way of life: clear, powerful, straightforward and unforgettable! Pours a perfectly clear golden straw color with a fine bubbled bone white head that leaves some remnants of lacing. Smells of sweet bread, yeast, and just a touch of spicy noble hops. Taste follows perfectly with such a subtle presence of each element. Feel is so crisp, nice carbonation, dry and inviting enough to constantly demand another sip. Overall, this is an outstanding Helles lager.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.9%

 

 


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Reviewed by: Michael Heniff
Judges Rating:
87
Aroma:
21 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20

Weltenburger Hell by Weltenburger Kloster is a Munich Helles and is being evaluated as a Munich Helles (category 4A in the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Munich Helles are golden lagers with a moderate pils malt... Read More

Great Pumpkin

Great Pumpkin

great pumpkin, elysian brewing
Description 

As the world’s first Imperial Pumpkin Ale, this beer is packed with pumpkin and roasted pumpkin seeds. Great Pumpkin presents all the flavors of pumpkin pie in a glass as it’s spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and allspice, with extra pumpkin added in the mash, kettle and fermenter. Last year, The Great Pumpkin won gold from the North American Brewers Association.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
8.4%
IBUs: 
0
Served at: 
45º - 50º F
Malts: 
Pale, Munich, Cara-Hell, Cara-Vienne, Cara-Munich, C-45 Crystal
Hops: 
Magnum

 

 


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Reviewed by: Brad Darnell
Judges Rating:
94
Aroma:
23 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Great Pumpkin is an Imperial Pumpkin Ale from Elysian Brewing Co., spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and clove. I am judging this according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 30B... Read More

PsycHOPathy (2024)

PsycHOPathy (2024)

PsycHOPathy, MadTree
Description 

A staple beer to keep stocked in the fridge, this reliable IPA bursts with bright citrus flavors followed by a smooth finish. PsycHOPathy is the go-to option for any day, especially the ones hanging out with friends.

In 2024, MadTree's original IPA, PsycHOPathy, received a makeover that was as bold as its flavor. As the first canned craft beer in Ohio and a cornerstone of Cincinnati's craft beer scene for over a decade, PsycHOPathy now boasts a newly designed, eye-catching can.

Per MadTree's head brewer, the recipe of PsycHOPathy has also been tweaked: "PsycHOPathy, like many flagship products across craft breweries, has been tweaked throughout the years to adapt to raw materials changes due to terroir and climate change. In 2024 PsycHOPathy has been remastered to also adhere to customer expectations as a newer-age American IPA. The remastered recipe showcases slight tweaks to the malt bill and hop profile. Remastered PsycHOPathy still showcases classic American hops but with the pop of a citrus twist." 

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.9%
IBUs: 
60
Served at: 
45º - 50º F
Malts: 
Two-Row, Vienna, Caramel 40L, Carapils
Hops: 
Cascade, Chinook, Centennial

 

 


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Reviewed by: David Sapsis
Judges Rating:
93
Aroma:
21 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

PsycHOPathy (2024) by MadTree Brewing Co. is being evaluated against the 2021 BJCP style guidelines for category 21A, American IPA.

Aldersbacher Kloster Weisse Dunkel

Aldersbacher Kloster Weisse Dunkel

Aldersbacher Kloster Weisse Dunkel, Aldersbacher Brewery
Description 

A beautiful mahogany color is derived from the use of wheat, dark roasted barley and aroma malts. The nose is all fruit and toasted notes, deep, complex and alluring. On the palate are notes of caramel, fruit and a slight sweetness—framed beautifully by the full body and long, satisfying finish.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.1%

 

 


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Reviewed by: Dan Preston
Judges Rating:
88
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Aldersbacher Kloster Weisse Dunkel by Aldersbacher Brewery​ is a Dunkels Weissbier and will be judged under BJCP 2015 category 10B as such. This beer pours a hazy mahogany with garnet highlights and a long-lasting, dense beige head.

Aldersbacher Kloster Weisse Hell

Aldersbacher Kloster Weisse Hell

Aldersbacher Kloster Weisse Hell by Aldersbacher Brewery
Description 

Traditional German wheat ale is unfiltered and bottle conditioned to enhance the robust flavors and fine effervescence.  Aromas of clove, allspice and bananas when first poured, initial sweetness and a hint of bubblegum on the palate.  This beer finishes crisp and clean.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.5%
IBUs: 
9

 

 


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

Aldersbacher Kloster Weisse Hell is a hefeweizen by Brauerei Aldersbacher and is being evaluated as a Weissbier (2015 BJCP Style Guidelines category 10A).  Weissbiers are noted for their wheat character along with an abundance of esters (... Read More

Andechser Hell

Andechser Hell

Andechser Hell, Kloster Andechs
Description 

Brewed using the traditional multiple mashing process, Andechser Hell has an appealing luminous straw yellow color and bright, clear appearance. This popular bottom-fermented beer is fresh on the nose with a soft malt aroma and floral hop tones. Lively and pleasant to drink, it has a round, and harmonious finish – a genuine, classic, full-bodied Bavarian beer

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.8%
Served at: 
40 - 45º F

 

 


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Reviewed by: Dan Martich
Judges Rating:
95
Aroma:
23 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
20 / 20

Andechser Hell by Kloster Andechs was evaluated as a Munich Helles (Category 4A) per the 2021 BJCP Style guidelines. 

Karl Strauss Oktoberfest

Karl Strauss Oktoberfest

California
USA
Karl Strauss Oktoberfest, Karl Strauss Brewing Co.
Description 

We brew this lager in tribute to the world’s biggest beer party. Vienna and Munich malts produce the deep golden color, nutty undertones, and toasted malt flavors characteristic of this renowned Bavarian beer style. Perle hops imported directly from the Hallertau region of Germany yield a smooth balanced finish. This year’s batch of Oktoberfest has arrived, and it tastes like we’re in for quite the celebration. Prost!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.0%
IBUs: 
20
Served at: 
40º F
Malts: 
Vienna Malt, Munich Malt, Carahell, Pale Two-Row, Caramel 60
Hops: 
Perle

 

 


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Reviewed by: Brad Darnell
Judges Rating:
74
Aroma:
20 / 24
Appearance:
4 / 6
Flavor:
28 / 40
Mouthfeel:
6 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Karl Strauss Oktoberfest by Karl Strauss Brewing Co. was judged according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 6A – Märzen.

Andechser Weissbier Dunkel

Andechser Weissbier Dunkel

Andechser Weissbier Dunkel, Kloster Andechs
Description 

The aromatic character of this dark wheat beer is maintained by selecting the best wheat and barley malts from Bavarian malthouses and aroma hops from Hallertau.
It appeals to the eye with its pronounced, typical chestnut color and topped by a very creamy and fine-pored head. For the connoisseur’s nose, the dark wheat beer from the Holy Mountain offers a harmonious interplay of fruit aromas, in particular ripe banana and pineapple, with caramel and cocoa tones in the background.
Andechser Weissbier Dunkel is elegant and lively to drink, featuring a round and soft body. A light caramel sweetness harmoniously combines with the fine hop bitterness, leaving a soft and refreshing finish.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.0%
Served at: 
40 - 45º F

 

 


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Reviewed by: John C. Tull
Judges Rating:
98
Aroma:
24 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Andechser Weissbier Dunkel by Kloster Andechs was judged as Dunkles Weissbeir, Style 10B per the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines.

Andechser Weissbier Hell

Andechser Weissbier Hell

Andechser Weissbier Hell, Kloster Andechs
Description 

Untreated and bottled with natural yeast turbidity, this is a top-fermented beer for connoisseurs, first introduced on Saint Joseph’s Day in 1993 (March 19).
It first attracts the eye with its light honey color. A very creamy and find-pored head invites you to approach this wheat beer from the Holy Mountain more closely. Striking fruit aromas such as banana and honey melon emerge, followed by fine cloves.
Andechser Weissbier Hell is refreshing to drink, featuring a full and soft body. In the finish, the balanced interplay of a slight honey sweetness with an elegant acidity and hop bitterness in the background quickly leads to a harmonious aftertaste that leaves you wanting more.

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

 

 


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Reviewed by: John C. Tull
Judges Rating:
96
Aroma:
24 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Andechser Weissbier Hell by Kloster Andechs was judged as Weissbier, Style 10A per the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines.

Früh Kölsch

Früh Kölsch

Früh Kölsch, Cölner Hofbräu Früh
Description 

Only beer that is brewed in Cologne, Germany can be called an authentic Kölsch beer and Früh is one of the most popular Kölsch beers, dating back to 1904, This top-fermented ale dates back over 100 years and is brewed in accordance with the German Purity Law, from the family recipe by Peter Josef Früh.
Früh Kölsch is famous for its delicate flavors of fresh malt & vanilla and aromas of floral hops and toasted biscuit. This light bodied ale is crisp, clean, and refreshing with a pleasant spiciness and fine carbonation. A very drinkable beer with an unsurpassed balance. Pale gold in color with a dense foamy head.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.8%
Served at: 
40 - 42º F

 

 


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Reviewed by: John C. Tull
Judges Rating:
91
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Früh Kölsch by Cölner Hofbräu Früh was judged as Kölsch, Style 5B per the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines.

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