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Phil Farrell

Phil Farrell's picture

Circling the globe many times and educating his beer palate for nearly four decades, Phil is a former Vice President of the Beer Judge Certification Program, a Grand Master V level beer judge as well as a cider and mead judge.  He has been homebrewing for over 25 years, winning medals and striking gold at the American Homebrewers Association national competition. As Brewmaster of Stillfire Brewing in Suwanee, GA, he has continued his winning ways in local and national competitions.  He believes the perfect pint is out there waiting for him somewhere on planet Earth. 

 

Phil Farrell BJCP Certification

My articles

Founders Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers
Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers first met in college, became friends, enjoyed brewing at home and later decided to do more than talk about starting...
Anchorage Brewing Co. Founder Gabe Fletcher (Photo Courtesy of Anchorage Brewing)
Our writer caught up with Gabe Fletcher, a longtime participant in the Alaskan brewing scene, shortly after the official opening of his beautiful new...
Founders Logo
In the second of two installments, the founders of Founders take on some more subjective topics. Was there a first beer you remember that made you...
New Glarus Brewery
There are two large cities on the western shore of Lake Michigan that formed my previous impression of Wisconsin. One has a famous NFL team whose...

My reviews

Tropicália

Creature Comforts Tropicalia Creature Comforts Brewing Tropicalia IPA beer
Judges Rating:
96
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
20 / 20

When I take my first sniff I am treated to an orgy of mango, guava, grapefruit, orange and even a bit of peach and pine with a little resin on the side. After it warmed I detected a little biscuit and green tea. The flavor is hop fruity, but there is a pine resin, spice character that balances... Read More

Extended Play

Lakefront Beer Extended Play Session IPA
Judges Rating:
96
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

This is an extremely quaffable beer for those looking for two or three hop-forward pints. The classic hazy, dryhopped look in the glass is the first of many IPA hallmarks. The very intense blend of grapefruit, citrus, resin and pine in the nose has a touch of light biscuit malt. The flavor is... Read More

Fuller's London Porter

Fuller's London Porter
Judges Rating:
97
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
20 / 20

The aroma from this extremely dark beer is subtle and complex with a little toffee, caramel, chocolate and coffee with a slight earthiness. The flavor features chocolate and coffee mixed with a bit of nuttiness and a hint of smoke. It is remarkably easy on the palate with a medium-light body and... Read More

Whiter Shade of Pale

Starr Hill Whiter Shade of Pale
Judges Rating:
95
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

A slight haze gives this beer a classic dry-hopped look. The low white head had good retention with small bubbles that laced the glass. The aroma is surprisingly spicy with a pleasant hop character. The flavor solves the riddles of the spice, which is similar to light coriander and orange citrus... Read More

Samuel Adams Summer Ale

Samuel Adams Summer Ale

Massachusetts
United States
Samuel Adams Summer Ale, The Boston Beer Co.
Description 

Crisp and tangy with refreshing lemon peel and a hint of pepper from rare Grains of Paradise.  Golden, hazy, & thirst quenching, this American wheat ale balances bright citrus, Noble hops & spice for a lively brew that’s perfect on any summer day.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.30%
IBUs: 
7
Served at: 
42° to 46°
Malts: 
Sam Adams Two-Row Pale Blend, Wheat
Hops: 
Hallertau Mittelfrueh, Saaz Noble

 

 


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Judges Rating:
85
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

This beer pours a light gold with a slight haze, giving it an unfiltered look. A white and very low head did not persist after rousing. The aroma is a pleasant blend of light lemon and pepper with a background note of grain, but nothing that would be considered bready or yeasty. The flavor has... Read More

Gonzo Imperial Porter

Judges Rating:
98
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
20 / 20

This beer looks perfect in a glass and the grapefruit, pine and resin are evident from arm’s length. Beneath the layer of intense hop aroma is an enticing dark chocolate and nutty roast. The flavor doesn’t disappoint with the same hop flavors complementing a much more complex array of cooked... Read More

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