pFriem Scotch Barrel Aged Imperial Brown is a being evaluated as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (category 33B in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). For this category, the best examples have a "harmonious blend" between the base beer and the wood/spirits resulting in a flavorful, complex blend. ... Read More
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Michael Heniff
Beer Judge
Mike brewed his first few homebrew batches in college in 1994 and began regularly brewing in 1997. Since then, he has brewed over 150 batches of beer, mead, and cider. He has won over 200 medals and numerous major awards in competitions across the country. His highest accomplishments include winning the Templeton Award (most points) of the Dixie Cup (one of the largest single-site homebrew competitions in the world) a record four times, Gulf Coast Homebrewer of the Year, and Lone Star Circuit Homebrewer of the Year. He has had his recipes brewed at commercial breweries seven times.
Mike particularly enjoys traveling to find new beers. He has made numerous travels abroad to find great beer, most frequently to Belgium and Germany. He has logged over 6800 beers in his tasting journal, including over 620 beers from Belgium alone. Mike has had brewing and beer travel articles published by Brew Your Own and Zymurgy magazines.
Mike is a current member of the Houston Foam Rangers Homebrew Club where he has held numerous officer positions. He was also the founding President of the Lone Star Circuit and a former long time officer. He currently ranks as a Grand Master III BJCP judge. He has judged in over 70 competitions across the United States, frequently serving on Best of Show panels.
My reviews
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Vibacious Double IPA by Great Lakes Brewing Co. is a double IPA and is being evaluated as a double IPA (category 22A in the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). The focus of the double IPA style is hops, hops and more hops. Additionally, despite being a high-alcohol... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Gnarly Barley India Pale Lager by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. is an India Pale Lager and is being evaluated as an Experimental Beer (category 34C in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). The Experimental Beer category is a catch-all category for beers that do not fit the other styles in the BJCP... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Dry English Cider by Aspall Cider House is an English cider and is being judged as an English Cider (category C1B from the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines). English ciders are typically dry with moderate tannins and an occasional smokiness from a malo-lactic fermentation.
This cider pours a... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
7 Deadly Stouts by Monday Night Brewing is a flavored, barrel-aged Imperial Stout and is being evaluated as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (category 33B from the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Specialty Wood-Aged Beers are aged in spirit barrels and should have a... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Ale Gâteau Forêt-Noire by Unibroue is a Belgian Dark Strong Ale with fruit and spices and is being judged as a Fruit and Spice Beer (category 29B in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Belgian Dark Strong Ales are deceptively strong dark beers that have a harmony of rich malt, fruity esters ... Read More