Very prominent hops are up front in the aroma with characters of mango, pine, resin and a hint of peach and cedar while the malt aroma takes a seat far behind the hops. The flavor again demonstrates a similar balance with the quite forward resinous and citrusy hop flavors dominating over just a... 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:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
20 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Bière de Mars by Bruz Beers is a blend of a Flanders Red Ale and a Saison and is being evaluated as a Mixed-Style Beer (category 34B from the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Flanders Red Ales (category 23B) are sour Belgian ales that are noted for their intense red... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Synopsis Dark Sour Cherry by Area Two Experimental Brewing is a Sour Fruit Beer and is being evaluated as a Wild Specialty Beer (category 28C in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Wild Specialty Beers are sour or funky beers with fruit or spices and are typically aged in wood. Dark Sour... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
This self-described Red IPA sports an unexpected golden color along with excellent clarity and a small, finely-beaded, off-white rim of head. Highlighting El Dorado and Mosaic hops, the hop aroma is bright tropical fruit of mango, guava and peaches with a light rustic, cedar note; a light nutty... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Smooth Criminal by Arches Brewing is a Catharina Sour and is being evaluated as a Catharina Sour (category X4 in the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Catharina Sour is a Brazilian style that marries fruit (usually tropical) with a lactic sourness. Catharina Sours are... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Truck Chaser Strawberry Éclair by Wild Leap Brew Co. is a fruited New England IPA and is being evaluated as a Fruit Beer (category 29 in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). The fruit in Fruit Beers should complement the base style without overwhelming it. New England IPAs are known for their... Read More