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Pete Garofalo

Pete Garofalo's picture
Beer Judge

A Grand Master IV beer judge, Pete has been appreciating good beers since the days when locating a tavern with two “alternative” taps was a major find. He has been a homebrewer since 1991 and an active member of the Beer Judge Certification Program since 1994. He formerly served on the BJCP Board of Directors as the Northeast/International representative and remains active as a judge. 

 

BJCP Certificate

My reviews

Frost Line Rye

Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

A surprising whiff of coffee, dark chocolate and toasted malt is initially apparent. Hops are secondary with an earthy, herbal edge that is restrained. Spicy graininess adds a layer of depth to the considerably deep, rich malt character. The malty theme continues into the initial flavor, with... Read More

Hop Sun

Southern Tier Hop Sun
Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Pungent, resinous hops greet the nose with traces of pine amidst the leafy, vinous essence. A low malt presence helps to support the pear and berry esters. Flavor follows suit, starting with a piquant hop character that is impressively fresh and appealing. Cherry and berry esters spring from the... Read More

Vunderbar Pilsner

Vunderbar Pilsner
Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Fresh noble hops and cracker-like, lightly bready Pils malts are initially in the forefront. The hops have a tangy, floral character that sits atop an unexpected peach/pear fruitiness with a touch of honey. The flavor kicks off with a gently grainy malt that has a slight Graham cracker sweetness... Read More

Slow Ride

Slow Ride New Belgium IPA
Judges Rating:
88
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

A blast of fruity, resiny hops greets the nose with a cornucopia of tropical fruits: papaya, guava, and pineapple. The citrusy character is also present in the hop-driven aroma. A secondary bouquet of bready malt and a hint of corn-like DMS round out the fragrance. The flavor follows suit, but... Read More

HopBack

HopBack Troegs Beer
Judges Rating:
84
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

The initial aroma is of caramel and toasty malt, followed by woody, earthy hops that have a pithy character. Moderate strawberry esters have an overripe fruitiness, with a low-level sour/sulfury quality that is distracting. The flavor starts off with moderately toasted caramelly malts that are... Read More

Organic Pale Ale

Samuel Smith's Organic Pale Ale beer
Judges Rating:
89
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

The aroma of this beer initially came across as a mélange of fruit: strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and stone fruit with a touch of honey. The flavor features nutty, biscuity malt with hints of caramel and toffee that fade as a sharp wave of minerally bitterness washes through mid-taste.... Read More

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