OK, so- another thing I should be practicing is, duh, judging beer. Ideally, I’d go about this by selecting some beers that have been recently given the Commercial Calibration treatment in an issue of Zymurgy, wherein renown beer judges give the once-over to a commercial style. Then I’d have something to compare what I come up with. I’ll get to some of those, but I thought I’d kick it off with a simple “what-i’ve-got-right-now” review. And off we go…

I’ll try to judge it as a Category 10a, American Pale Ale (though I recognize that might not be what Rogue thinks it is!)

Aroma: The aroma is driven by PacNW hops, resinous and piney; underneath lies a bit of caramel malt sweetness. No esters, no phenols, no DMS- very clean. (10/12)
Appearance: Pours out with a stiff three-finger head; color is a medium copper with pure red highlights, perfectly clear (3/3)
Flavor: The sip presents a sweet malt start but quickly gives to hop bitterness with plenty of piney and woody dimensions. Absolutely free of diacetyl, for an ale you might be mislead. The finish is given over to even more oily hop flavor, which coats the throat on the way down. (17/20)
Mouthfeel: A bit of mineral hardness underscored with medium carbonation; some astringency towards the finish (4/5)
Overall Impression: This beer strikes me as a classic example of the american pale ale, loaded with “C” hops but balanced by just enough sweetness to let you get away with it; pair it with some smoked salmon in a balsamic reduction! (8/10)
Total: 42 (of 50)

Well… that seems a fair score, but I’ll have to see what the kids down at BA are saying by means of comparison. What do YOU think?