When evaluating a beer like this, a judge needs to look at two things: the quality of the base style (in this case an American Strong Ale) and how the added ingredient(s) are expressed in the beer. I give credit here for originality, as the unusual addition of sweet potato creates a gently sweet... Read More
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Mike Castagno
Beer Judge
Mike was born and raised in the Philadelphia area before going to school at Furman University in Greenville, SC for Chemistry. There he discovered craft beer from all of the local and nearby Asheville breweries. After moving back up north to Wilmington, DE, Mike stumbled upon an AHA Rally at a local brewpub and discovered that people were making high quality beer at home. He quickly jumped into the hobby and developed a passion for beer making. He’s been brewing since 2005 and has won a number of awards over the years. He relocated to Atlanta in 2007 and works in the field of polymer research & development. He loves to apply his chemistry and engineering knowledge to his brewing set up, always testing and optimizing. He decided to begin beer judging in 2009 to help make better beer and with dedication he has advanced to the rank of Master Beer Judge.
My reviews
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
30 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
As the name would suggest, your senses will be immediately stimulated with huge hop vapors of pungent resin, pine and spruce – as evergreen-type hops dominate the initial perception. These slowly give way to a citrus hop character with notes of tangerine, grapefruit as well as nectarine and even... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
An interesting twist on the seasonal pumpkin beer, Flying Dog mashes pumpkin into an IPA with this brew. In respect to pumpkin beers, this one hits the nail on the head. Everything "pumpkin" about this beer – the sweet roasted pumpkin, caramel, clove and nutmeg – marry well in harmony. They play... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Initially there is a huge waft of toffee in the nose, though this quickly calms down to allow for a generous maple syrup character mixed with the aroma of a coffee house – espresso and fresh-brewed coffee. To add to the complexity, there's a touch of smokiness underneath it all. There is a very... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Pouring reddish-orange with brilliant clarity, this beer offers an incredibly complex aroma chock-full of caramel, toffee, oak and bourbon. There are hints of cocoa with a touch of dried figs and a subtle, spicy and soft alcohol note. While an ESB may lead you to expect some earthy hop notes,... Read More
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Creamy. Velvety. Luscious. Tropical. These are the main characteristics of this beer, but it is also much more than that. The beer puts down my skepticism for both "crowlers" (32-oz. cans that are filled from the tap then sealed) and hazy IPAs. With a massive citrusy nose full of grapefruit,... Read More