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Joseph Formanek

Joseph Formanek's picture
Beer Judge

​Joe Formanek started homebrewing in 1987 as an undergraduate in Microbiology at the University of Minnesota. He was bitten by the brewing bug after taking a tour of Summit Brewing Company within a year after they had opened in St. Paul in 1987, and he has been going ever since. Joe later went to Graduate School at the University of Illinois and helped found the Boneyard Union of Zymurgical Zealots (BUZZ) Homebrew Club. He currently resides in Bolingbrook, IL, is a Director for a food ingredient company in Itasca, IL, and is a proud member of the Urban Knaves of Grain Homebrew Club. Joe holds a National Judge ranking with the BJCP, and is a previous Midwest Regional Rep and Vice President of the organization.

Over the years, Joe has received many honors related to homebrewing. He has won numerous BOS awards at local and regional competitions, is a 6 time winner of the Midwest Homebrewer of the Year award (1999, 2001-2004, 2007) and won the American Homebrewers Association Meadmaker of the Year award in 2004.  Joe is a 2 time winner of the American Homebrewers Association Ninkasi Award (2000, 2006) for winningest brewer in the final round of judging, and was honored as being named one of the two homebrewer winners of the 2011 Sam Adams Longshot American Homebrewing Competition with his Russian Imperial Stout, which was distributed nationally in the 2012 Longshot multipack.

My reviews

Nordic Saison

Harpoon Nordic Saison Beer
Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Harpoon Brewing Co, in collaboration with Kissmeyer Beer and Brewing, and Cambridge Brewing Company, has successfully brewed a fine Saison upon which they have then added their own stamp. 

Harpoon’s 100 Barrel Series #54 Nordic Saison is a very approachable Saison perfect for summer... Read More

Holy Simcoe, Batman!

Holy Simcoe, Batman!

North Carolina
United States
Holy Simcoe, Batman!, Bhramari Brewing Co.
Description 

S.M.A.S.H IPA with Simcoe and Riverbend Base Camp

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.0%
IBUs: 
30
Served at: 
50º F
Malts: 
Riverbend Base Camp
Hops: 
Simcoe

 

 


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Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
3 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Holy Simcoe, Batman! by Bhramari Brewing Co. is something rather unusual for commercial offerings – a SMaSH IPA (Single Malt and Single Hop). As such, it is an excellent way to evaluate the character of a particular hop in a brew – in this instance, Simcoe. This is being evaluated as a 21A... Read More

Picture of Nectar

Southbound Beer Picture of Nectar
Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Southbound Brewing Co’s. Picture of Nectar could either be considered a big Fruit Beer with very assertive, dank hopping, or as a Double IPA with fruit. Either way, it's a Specialty beer, and it is also quite special. This golden-colored, slightly hazy ale with an assertive stand of head... Read More

Göller Original

Göller Original

Göller Original, Brauerei Göller
Description 

The bittersweet play between bitter hops & sweet maltiness finds the perfect balance in this pils. With more flavor than a typical pilsner, the Original contains hints of fruit, pepper, & a cracker-like maltiness. The clear golden beer pairs well with a hamburger or fried chicken, but it's also perfect on its own.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.9
IBUs: 
29
Served at: 
44 - 48º F
Malts: 
Pilsner
Hops: 
Hallertauer Tradition, Mandarina Bavaria

 

 


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Judges Rating:
82
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Göller Original by Brauerei Göller in Zeil am Main, Germany, is being evaluated as a BJCP Category 5D German Pils as per the 2021 BJCP style guidelines. This style is a classic with a distinct bright, crisp and clean character delivered by the pils malt in combination... Read More

Funky Gold Simcoe

Prairie Funky Gold Simcoe Beer
Judges Rating:
95
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

This very hazy, golden-colored brew has a small head of white-colored bubbles that dissipates rather quickly, which is expected for the style. Brett dominates the fermentation character of the aroma, delivering a complex woody, corky, leathery and earthy funkiness alongside a lemony tartness,... Read More

Clausthaler Original

Clausthaler Original

Clausthaler Original
Description 

Ever since it put non-alcoholic beer on the map in 1979, Clausthaler has been the gold standard of the segment. With its own, specialized brewing technique, the pioneer still creates its signature non-alcoholic lager, Clausthaler Original, in strict accordance with the German purity law. Its genuine real beer taste is well-balanced, fresh, and easy to drink, with a creamy feel on the palate and a pleasing golden color to match.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
0.5%

 

 


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

Clausthaler Original by Radeberger is being evaluated as per the 2021 BJCP Guidelines as a Category 2A – International Pale Lager, though this is a non-alcoholic version of this famed brew.

Clausthauer Original is one of the old-school examples of a premium... Read More

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