Fistful of Cake by Monday Night Brewing was described as an “opera cake-style coffee vanilla imperial stout,” but as instructed was judged as an Herb/Spice/Vegetable beer (BJCP sub-style 30A). In the glass it formed a thick tan long-lasting head atop an opaque black brew. The aroma began, 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:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Alpha Abstraction, Vol. 14 by Wild Leap Brew Co. is a Double IPA and was judged as such (BJCP sub-style 22A). It poured slightly hazy and golden into the glass, forming an impressively dense white head with excellent retention. Its aroma showcased the prominent floral hoppiness expected for... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Tropical Cluster@#$%! by Pontoon Brewing is a mixed-style beer and was judged as one (BJCP sub-style 34B). Berliner weisse is the base style with various tropical fruits (guava, pineapple, papaya, passion fruit) and vanilla and lactose added. It poured golden and murky... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
This Pumpkin Ale looks right-on for the style – clear, amber and with a thick, sustained, white head. The nose combines pumpkin, without the vegetal off-aromas, with a nuanced blend of pumpkin pie spices, especially the darker and earthier clove and allspice. The flavor profile is also a... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Huge Hefe by Low Road Brewing is a Weissbier and was judged as one (BJCP sub-style 10A). It poured straw to light gold with a slight haze into the glass, producing a thick white head with only modest retention.
The aroma initially featured banana esters followed by faint clove phenols, a... Read More
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
17 / 24
Flavor:
30 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
12 / 20
Savannah Brown Ale by Coastal Empire Beer Co. is a brown ale and was judged as an American brown ale (BJCP sub-style 19C). It poured deep brown into the glass where it set up clear with a moderate but short-lived tan head. The aroma was fairly neutral with a few non-roasty malt notes and a... Read More