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Michael McGuire

Michael McGuire's picture
Beer Judge

Mike started homebrewing in 1983 in Baton Rouge, LA.  He subsequently continued brewing when life took him to Grayslake, IL, Lancaster, PA, Vienna, VA, and Raleigh, NC.  He was a founding member of the Lancaster County Brewers homebrew club, and later a member of the Brewers United for Real Potables (BURP), Wort Hogs, and Cary, Apex, & Raleigh Brewers of Yore (CARBOY) clubs.

He took the BJCP exam in 2000, became certified in 2002, and achieved National rank in 2005.  In addition to judging in many regional and national AHA-sponsored competitions since 2000, he has judged in several state-specific competitions for professional breweries (e.g., the Virginia Craft Beer Cup and the Maryland Governor’s Cup).

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My reviews

Light 'n Social

Light 'n Social

Georgia
United States
 Light 'n Social, Social Fox Brewing
Description 

This American Pilsner won't fill you up and won't weigh you down. Easy drinking, social beer that is light in body, clear and crisp with a flavor that is subtle yet complex.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.1%
Served at: 
40 - 45º F

 

 


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Judges Rating:
84
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Light 'n Social by Social Fox Brewing is an “American pilsner” and was judged as an American Lager (BJCP sub-style 1B). It poured clear and golden into the glass where it set up with a very thin white head with only modest retention. Its aroma led off with notes of lager yeast, sweet corn and... Read More

Free Spirit No. 6

Free Spirit 6 Terrapin Coppertail Beer
Judges Rating:
87
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

This beer poured a mostly clear, lightly hazy, rich orange color. The initial thick white head disappeared quickly. The aroma was complex, replete with sour notes, fruity esters and the earthy funk often found in farmhouse ales. The resulting nose was pleasantly multi-dimensional, suggestive of... Read More

Oren

Oren by Reformation Brewery
Judges Rating:
80
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
32 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
14 / 20

Oren by Reformation Brewery is an American IPA and was judged as such (BJCP sub-style 21A). It a poured reddish-golden into the glass, where it set up clear with a thick white lasting head. Its aroma was primarily hop-forward featuring some citrusy varietals followed somewhat abruptly by a... Read More

Alani The Lighthearted

Alani The Lighthearted, Reformation Brewery
Judges Rating:
81
Appearance:
3 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Alani The Lighthearted by Reformation Brewery is a self-described Rose Ale with grape must, cranberry and hibiscus (judged as a Fruit Beer - BJCP sub-style 29A). In the glass it poured clear and deep reddish-orange with only a faint head that dissipated rather quickly.  The aroma included... Read More

Bright Tangerine Sparkling Ale

Bright Tangerine Sparkling Ale

Virginia
United States
Bright Tangerine Sparkling Ale, Devils Backbone Brewing Co.
Description 

Dry. Tangerine. Effervescent. These words don’t really pop in your head when you think of beer, but then again, there’s nothing quite like Bright Tangerine Sparkling Ale. This brew is low calorie, gluten removed, with a dry and bubbly finish. The kicker is we load it up with heaps of natural tangerine flavor, making it a little brighter than your average ale!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.8%
IBUs: 
21
Malts: 
Pilsner, Pale Wheat, Acidulated Malt
Hops: 
Amarillo

 

 


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Judges Rating:
82
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20

Bright Tangerine Sparkling Ale by Devils Backbone Brewing Co. is a blonde ale brewed with tangerines. It was judged as a Fruit Beer (BJCP sub-style 29A). It poured mostly clear and golden into the glass where it set up with a thin white quickly dissipating head. Its aroma was dominated by... Read More

Micro Giant

Micro Giant

Louisiana
United States
Micro Giant, Gnarly Barley Brewing
Description 

A classic style done up our way. A sturdy amber malt backbone dosed with Belgian Candi Sugar for a body and viscosity that just won’t quit. Brewed with Belgian yeast for a punch of fruity esters. A well rounded and impossibly quaffable beer clocking in at 6.8%.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.8%
Malts: 
Pilsner, Munich, Special B, Biscuit
Hops: 
Tettnang

 

 


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Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Micro Giant by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. is a Belgian-style dubbel and was judged as such according to the BJCP 2015 guidelines (sub-style 26B). It poured a translucent mahogany into the glass, forming a thin white head with modest retention. The aroma led off with an... Read More

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