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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

Samuel Adams Cold Snap

Samuel Adams Cold Snap

Massachusetts
United States
Samuel Adams Cold Snap
Description 

The crisp character of this lively unfiltered White Ale gets a kick from a bright blend of spring spices. Orange peel and plum add subtle sweetness, while coriander contributes a peppery bite, creating a refreshing flavor that signals spring is on its way.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.3%
IBUs: 
10
Served at: 
Hallertau Mittelfrueh
Hops: 
Two-Row Pale, Malted Wheat

 

 


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Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20

This beer poured clear and gold with a relatively thin white head. The aroma emphasized wheat malt, mild yeastiness and light spices (e.g. white pepper). The flavor profile begins and ends with restrained wheat malt sweetness, light fruity esters (e.g. pear and/or apricot) and hops. The... Read More

Roxanne

Roxanne by Southbound Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Roxanne by Southbound Brewing Co. is an American sour ale brewed with “tart” (presumably sour) cherries and aged in oak barrels. It was judged as a Specialty Fruit Beer (BJCP sub-style 29C). It poured dark reddish-brown into the glass where it set up slightly hazy with a moderate but... Read More

Corrosion

Corrosion, Cape May Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Corrosion by Cape May Brewing Company is a Kettle-soured IPA and was judged as a Mixed-Fermentation Sour Beer (BJCP sub-style 28B).

It poured brilliant gold and very slightly cloudy into the glass, where it formed a moderate white head with moderate to poor retention, which was not... Read More

Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Alpha Abstraction, Vol. 8 by Wild Leap Brew Co. was described as a “Double IPA” and was judged as one (BJCP sub-style 22A). In the glass it formed a medium white head atop a light orange beer with only a slight chill haze. Unlike many hop-bomb Double IPAs that assault the senses with piney... Read More

Cosmic Pyrokinesis

Cosmic Pyrokinesis

California
United States
Cosmic Pyrokinesis, Mother Earth Brewing Co
Description 

High protein malts create a soft mouthfeel and characteristic haze which is accentuated by the omission of any colored or caramel malts to ensure it remains hop-focused. Oats and German Pale Wheat Malt add a light cracker-like flavor. The hop profile remains fruity with light citrus and tropical notes reminiscent of mixed berries, pineapple, and orange zest. Calcium chloride is added to accentuate palate fullness.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.7%
IBUs: 
25
Served at: 
40 - 45º F
Hops: 
Mosaic, El Dorado, Amarillo, Belma

 

 


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Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Cosmic Pyrokinesis by Mother Earth Brew Co. is a New England IPA and was judged as a Specialty IPA (BJCP sub-style 21B). 

It poured golden into the glass with a slight haze, forming a modest white head with moderate retention. Its aroma featured complex fruity hop notes up front,... Read More

King Cake Sour

King Cake Sour

Louisiana
United States
King Cake Sour, Urban South Brewery
Description 

The perfect, decadent Mardi Gras treat. This milkshake sour is packed with cream cheese filling, cinnamon and vanilla bean for a truly royal indulgence.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.5%
IBUs: 
0

 

 


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Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

King Cake Sour by Urban South Brewery is described as a “milkshake sour” and was judged as a wild specialty beer (BJCP sub-style 28C). It poured gold and mostly clear into the glass, forming a thick white head with excellent retention.

The aroma initially... Read More

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