Fruit beers can be a difficult nut to crack. There needs to be a harmonious balance between the fruit addition and the base beer, which also needs to be deftly crafted. Magic Hat #9, a summer favorite, opens with an intense apricot nose with subtle, grainy caramel malt notes and a delicate pear... Read More
Start 14-Day Trial Subscription
*No credit card required
Michael Bury
Beer & Mead Judge
Mike Bury is an award winning homebrewer and meadmaker for over a decade, BJCP Grand Master III judge with mead certification, and former President of the Stoney Creek Homebrewers. As a chemist, he enjoys that complex chemistry that occurs in fermented beverages during both the production and consumption phases. Forever in the pursuit of great beer and mead, he doesn’t allow the trappings of particular styles to ruin his experience. While in his spare time, he enjoys landscaping, woodworking, and most home remodeling projects.
My reviews
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
The aroma is sure to awaken the senses with a punch of ripe mango, tangerine and resiny hops making their presence immediately felt. A light honey-like caramel malt provides a counterpoint along with moderate sweet alcohol. As expected for an unfiltered Double IPA, an average-sized beige head of... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
14 / 20
Lake Placid’s Ubu is being evaluated as an American Brown ale (2015 BJCP Category 19C) despite the brewery’s recommendation of it being an English-style strong ale.
Ubu opens with reserved chocolate and molasses that mingles with a bit of biscuit and dried figs. There’s also a hint of... Read More
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
Slam Dunk by Monday Night Brewing is being evaluated as a New England IPA (2015 BJCP Category 21B) but with the additional twist that it features an addition of lactose. Despite being in this category however, it pours with a burnished golden color and a near brilliant clarity that many lagers... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Cookies & Cream Stout by Wild Leap Brew Co. is being evaluated as a Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beer (2015 BJCP Category 30A) with additions of cocoa, vanilla and lactose on a sweet stout base. True to its style, this beer is inky black with a small, tight, dark brown head that lingers around... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Stark by Reformation Brewery is being evaluated as an American Porter (2021 BJCP Guidelines, Category 20A). True to style, it poured a very dark brown color beneath a small stand of tan foam. Clarity couldn’t be determined due to the dark color.
The first sniff... Read More