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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).
Light of the Feu Follets by Low Road Brewing was judged as a Witbier (2021 BJCP style 24A). It poured light gold and mostly clear into the glass, forming a thin white head with moderate retention.
The aroma initially featured some mild Belgian ale yeast notes and some wheat malt sweetness... Read More
This beer poured a clear orange color with a thick, white head with a moderate degree of retention. Upon first whiff, I was greeted with a complex aroma that combined fruity esters, deep malt sweetness and citrusy hops. The beer’s flavor profile similarly included citrusy hops up front followed... Read More
IV Chocolate Porter by Smartmouth Brewing Company is a Chocolate Porter and was judged as an American Porter (BJCP sub-style 20A). It poured very dark brown (opaque) into the glass, sporting a sparse white head with little retention.
The nose featured only chocolate, whether through... Read More
Flotation Device Berliner Weisse - Moscow Mule by Pontoon Brewing is a Berliner Weisse brewed with ginger and lime, and was judged as a Fruit and Spice Beer (BJCP sub-style 29B). This beer, which is a creative take on the popular Moscow Mule cocktail, poured bright light amber and clear into the... Read More
Vacanza by Wild Leap Brew Co. was described as a “Tangerine Hibiscus Gose” and was judged as a Fruit and Spice Beer (BJCP sub-style 29B). In the glass it formed a thin white head atop a somewhat hazy reddish-orange brew. The aroma consisted of floral hibiscus notes followed by sweet citrus ones... Read More
Alcatraz Double Cold Brew by Alcatraz Brewing is an Imperial Stout with cold-brewed coffee and was judged as a Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer (BJCP sub-style 30A). It poured black and opaque into the glass, forming a moderately thick white head with somewhat rapid dissipation. Its aroma featured... Read More
