Micro Giant by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. is a Belgian-style dubbel and was judged as such according to the BJCP 2015 guidelines (sub-style 26B). It poured a translucent mahogany into the glass, forming a thin white head with modest retention. The aroma led off with an... 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:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
This English Old Ale poured a clear, dark reddish-brown with a moderately creamy head that dissipated fairly quickly. The aroma was strongly malty with dark fruit (raisin, fig) notes and noticeable alcohol from oxidation (age) up front. The flavor, too, started off “hot” with plenty of rich malt... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Light 'n Social by Social Fox Brewing is an “American pilsner” and was judged as an American Lager (BJCP sub-style 1B). It poured clear and golden into the glass where it set up with a very thin white head with only modest retention. Its aroma led off with notes of lager yeast, sweet corn and... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
This beer poured a mostly clear, lightly hazy, rich orange color. The initial thick white head disappeared quickly. The aroma was complex, replete with sour notes, fruity esters and the earthy funk often found in farmhouse ales. The resulting nose was pleasantly multi-dimensional, suggestive of... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
32 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
14 / 20
Oren by Reformation Brewery is an American IPA and was judged as such (BJCP sub-style 21A). It a poured reddish-golden into the glass, where it set up clear with a thick white lasting head. Its aroma was primarily hop-forward featuring some citrusy varietals followed somewhat abruptly by a... Read More
Appearance:
3 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
Alani The Lighthearted by Reformation Brewery is a self-described Rose Ale with grape must, cranberry and hibiscus (judged as a Fruit Beer - BJCP sub-style 29A). In the glass it poured clear and deep reddish-orange with only a faint head that dissipated rather quickly. The aroma included... Read More