We received the results for the BURP.org competition that took place last weekend and, frankly, I wasn't surprised by the results. The basic outcome was that Honey Brains is a "very good" beer - almost "excellent". Weisenheimer just wasn't ready yet (we knew this but figured it was worth the $5 entry on the off chance it aged well in the meantime).
Very Good means: Beers in this style may have a minor flaw (technical or stylistic), or may be lacking in balance or complexity.
The fact that the three of us can make a beer that's considered Very Good (near excellent, actually) after a few months makes me quite happy. Here are some of the professional notes for Honey Brains. Black is the first judge, red is the second judge.
Aroma: Subdued malt - touch of chocolate, maybe some toast, but not as strong as it should be. No hop aroma - could use more. Clean - no phenols, diacetyl, etc. Not as much malt sweetness with alcohol notes.
Appearance: Deep amber, clear, good head - off white/tan holds well. Amber, good head and head retention.
Flavor: Complete malt, touch of hop flavor, but dry in finish - more than should be. Phenol/tannin astringent just a bit. Could use more sweetness, but outside of that - good job. Clean. Some malty flavors, pleasant. Missing the intense, complex multilayered malt flavors. Flavors do blend well. Smooth finish which is not overly sweet.
Mouthfeel: Med. body, med. carbonation - good. Astringency is there, and dry for style. Medium - some warming.
Overall: Astringent but mainly just attenuated finish is dry for style - and a higher mash temp would help - a lot. Rest is good. Not a big, malty barleywine but very drinkable. Everything fits well.
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