California commons are a unique beer. It’s an American lager, but fermented at ale temperatures. It’s synonymous with Anchor Steam and is typically a showcase for Northern Brewer hops, which are woody and minty. While this beer may call itself a California Common, it’s much more like an IPA. It... Read More
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Dan Preston
Beer Judge
Dan discovered craft beer his junior year of college and never looked back. After a few years of brewery tours and tastings, he finally dove into homebrewing in 2009 when a work colleague was giving up the hobby. Shortly after, he joined one of the oldest club’s in the nation (Boston Wort Processors) and quickly got into judging beer and was a National-ranked BJCP judge by 2013. As an officer of the Worts since 2011, Dan has assisted in organizing several AHA/BJCP competitions as well as trying to promote beer education and experimentation. While he appreciates and makes all beer styles, Dan’s favorites are of the hoppy or sour variety, and has even had great luck combining the two.
My reviews
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
This beer pours a very deep copper with mahogany hues, a huge dense off-white head and great clarity. The aroma is intense and complex with rich vanilla & oaky liquor notes with lots of dark fruit (plums, cherries, raisins, currants) and melanoidins. There is also some light chocolate ntoes... Read More
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
Madam Basil by Holy City Brewing is a Saison, but due to the addition of basil will be judged as a Spice, Herb, Vegetable Beer under BJCP 2015 category 30A with a base of Saison (category 25B). The difficulty in this SHV style is layering the SHV element such that it complements the style while... Read More
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Innuendo by Baxter Brewing Co. calls itself a White Russian Style Stout and due to the additions of cocoa, lactose and cold-brew coffee it will be judged under BJCP 2015 category 30A as Spice, Herb & Vegetable. This beer pours a confusing light amber color with deep orange hues, a low light... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
32 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Hop Diggity by Mother Earth Brew Co. is a double IPA and thus falls into BJCP category 22A. This beer pours a yellow color that is approaching golden. Impeccable clarity for an IPA (I can see my fingerprints on the other side of the glass), with a fluffy off-white head... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
32 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Bitter Luck Next Time by Monkey Wrench Brewing is a cold IPA that falls under style BJCP 2021 category 34B as Mixed-Style Beer (and not category 21B Specialty IPA), due to the combination of styles, 21A American IPA and 1B American Lager. Said to be born out of... Read More