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Brad Darnell

Brad Darnell's picture
Beer Judge

Brad became interested in the science behind beer while taking a senior Chemical Engineering elective course, Biochemical Engineering, where the professor spoke of enzymes (among other things) and took the class on a brewery tour. He has since begun home brewing and earned a BJCP Grand Master II rank, currently serving as the Mountain/Northwest Regional Representative and Associate Exam Director while continuing to judge competitions around the U.S. and educating himself and others. In his spare time Brad visits breweries around the world, always on the hunt for those who produce world-class examples of hard-to-find, obscure or innovative styles.

My articles

Whiskey. Every libation-loving person across the world knows about this wonderful beverage, which refers to a barrel-aged distilled spirit made from...
Anchor Christmas Ale 20Anchor's annual Christmas Ale has become a mainstay of the holiday season.17
Cool, crisp air ushers in a new season while the pumpkin and Oktoberfest beers of late summer and fall slowly give way their shelf space and tap...
Inside the Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest tent. (Photo Credit: Jim Kelly)
The dog days of summer linger stubbornly for many of us around the world, while elsewhere the nights begin their gradual transition towards crisp...

My reviews

Starship Ranger

Starship Ranger

Texas
United States
Starship Ranger, Grain Theory
Description 

In efforts to test the boundaries of the new thiolized yeast strains available, we pulled back on our typical IPA equation to create a classic pale ale while incorporating a minimal thiol precursor. The successful result is a highly crushable brisk pale ale with flavors of white grape and lemongrass that exhibits an enticing guava aroma with a pleasant little dank note. 

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.9%
IBUs: 
36
Served at: 
40º F
Malts: 
Pale Ale, Pilsner, Dextrin, Biscuit
Hops: 
Cascade, Chinook, Hallertau Blanc, Centennial, Nelson Sauvin, Hallertau Blanc

 

 


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

Starship Ranger by Grain Theory is being judged according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 18B – American Pale Ale.

I am presented with a beautiful harvest orange and mostly clear beer that supports a medium-sized eggshell... Read More

Pie Thief

Pie Thief by Wren House Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
87
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Pie Thief by Wren House is a Wheat Whiskey Barrel Aged Pumpkin Wheat Wine and is being evaluated as a Specialty Wood Aged (2015 BJCP Category 33B) offering according to BJCP guidelines. For this style expect variety depending upon the base style and the spirit barrel. The length of time in the... Read More

Fastback Racer

Fastback Racer, Bear Republic Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
95
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Fastback Racer by Bear Republic Brewing Co. is a Double IPA and is being evaluated as a Double IPA (2015 BJCP Category 22A) offering according to BJCP guidelines. For this style, expect intense hops and sufficient supporting malt that stops short of the sweetness of an American Barleywine. While... Read More

Honey Please

Honey Please, Armadillo Ale Works
Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
3 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Honey Please by Armadillo Ale Works is a Mesquite Bean Blonde Ale with Texas honey and is being evaluated as a Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beer (2015 BJCP Category 30A) offering according to BJCP guidelines. For this style expect the base beer to remain present while spice, herb, or vegetable... Read More

Imperial Peanut Butter Korova

Imperial Peanut Butter Korova

Imperial Peanut Butter Korova, Gnarly Barley Brewing
Description 

Imperial Peanut Butter Korova is the pinnacle of luxury. A decadent exploration of dessert-laden darkness. It’s a 9% amped up version of our signature Baltic Oatmeal Porter, dripping with smooth creamy peanut butter flavors.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
9.0%
Malts: 
Two-row, Munich, Chocolate, Crystal 30, Brown Malt, Oats, Flaked Barley
Hops: 
Cascade

 

 


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Judges Rating:
97
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Imperial Peanut Butter Korova Milk Porter by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. is being judged according to the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines for Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer (Style 30A).

My glass arrives with what I originally believe to be a melted peanut butter cup! The peanut butter aroma is as... Read More

Forbidden Fields

Forbidden Fields

Forbidden Fields, Grain Theory
Description 

Earthy and complex with notes of hay, white pepper and lemon zest - our Forbidden Fields French Saison made for an evocative partnering with red fruit, smooth tannins, and subtle oaky character of the amazing French Connection merlot barrels we patiently stored them in for 7 months. Each taste builds on the multifaceted nature of this beer creating an intriguing and rewarding experience sip after sip.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
10.3%
IBUs: 
26
Served at: 
45º F
Malts: 
Pilsner, Wheat, Munich, Vienna, Aromatic
Hops: 
Pacifica

 

 


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Judges Rating:
88
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Forbidden Fields by Grain Theory is being judged according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 33B – Specialty Wood-Aged Beer.

A deep harvest orange beer sits in the glass in front of me, supporting a fizzy and bubbly, patchy... Read More

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