Alpha Abstraction Vol. 5 by Wild Leap Brew Co. was judged as a Double IPA (BJCP sub-style 22A). In the glass it formed a moderate white head atop a very hazy copper brew, atypical for the style. The aroma began, and continued, with plenty of citrus – orange and grapefruit specifically, and... Read More
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Michael McGuire
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).
My reviews
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
No Mates - Nelson Sauvin by Astro Lab Brewing is a New England IPA and was judged as an American IPA (BJCP sub-style 21A). It poured cloudy and light golden into the glass with an impressive white head with moderate retention. Its aroma was subtle and refined with mild hop notes that gave way to... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Hell & High Water by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. is exactly what its name says and was judged as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (BJCP sub-style 33B).
It poured opaque inky black into the glass, forming only a thin tan head with little... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
15 / 24
Flavor:
29 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
14 / 20
This beer poured clear orange with a thick white head that dissipated quickly. The initial and persistent aroma was bitterly hoppy without any floral or fruity elements. The taste evidenced both malt, though without any discernible or notable characters, and the same bitter hoppiness experienced... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
In Between Times - Raspberry by Social Fox Brewing is a Raspberry Fruited Berliner Weisse and was judged as a Fruit Beer (BJCP sub-style 29A). It poured mostly clear and reddish-brown into the glass beneath a full, fizzy and lasting pinkish-white head. Its aroma was... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
This Coffee Stout was in many ways typical of the style, though slightly less robust in its coffee aroma and flavor than certain other examples of the style. In appearance, this beer poured an opaque black topped by a thin white head. Intense coffee aromas and flavors dominated the malt and hops... Read More