Burnt umber in color and dark as night, this beer pours a big, rich head that lasts. The nose is rich, with toffee and molasses overpowering any hop or other malt notes. It's warm and rich, though not too strong to enjoy. An assertive roasted malt bite and a nice sweetness play in your mouth,... Read More
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S J Klein
Beer Judge
Picking up homebrewing on a bicycle trip across Australia in the 80's, S J. became the official brewer of his dorm in college. Turning an obsession into a profession, he attended the Siebel Institute long program, and started and ran the Borealis Brewery for 7 years, after which he became serious about judging. S J doesn't have a favorite style of beer, so much as he appreciates a beer that is well made. He's looking for balance, character, and "something to knock my socks off". He lives in Anchorage, Alaska, which from time to time has more breweries per capita than any other city in the world.
My reviews
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
16 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
The nose has a sharp matchstick and corn quality. There's a light spice to the hop aroma, as well as light malt sweetness. It's dark gold with a rocky white head and big bubbles that leave nice lacing in the glass. There is a clean, sharp bite to this beer, accentuated by a sharp, sulfidic... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
18 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20
This beer has a powerful corn nose and flavor and a nice straw-like maltiness balanced by a deep hop bitterness. The corn is not something you would expect from the style, but if you imagine it as a pre-prohibition American Lager, it fits the bill: A heavy, heady nose, laden with corn notes but... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
I have to admit, my friend (and accomplished brewer) Pete Devaris and I thought we were done reviewing Deschutes beers when we realized we had another beer in the box. Usually I review 2-3 beers in one sitting, so reviewing this beer fourth and knowing it was from Deschutes gives this review a... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
40 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
A roasty, toasty, boasty beer. It will keep you up... if it doesn't knock you down first! The coffee and chocolate are very well balanced in this beer. They are here to support the beer, not the other way around. It is surprisingly dry, neither more dry nor more astringent than it should be, and... Read More
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
This beer's aroma reminds me of a pine forest – moss and earthy with hints of orange peel and light esters. It pours with a slight haze, copious bubbles and a rich white head. Upon taking a sip, you get a nice hop experience that's not too malty or sweet. While definitely hop-forward, there is... Read More