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Michael Heniff

Michael Heniff's picture
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.

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My reviews

TROOPER Hallowed

TROOPER Hallowed by Robinsons Brewery
Judges Rating:
89
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Trooper Hallowed is a Belgian Pale Ale (2015 BJCP Category 24B).  This style is typically a moderately malty and estery beer with a less aggressive yeast profile compared to many other Belgian ale styles.  This is the fourth offering from Robinson’s in collaboration with Bruce Dickinson and the... Read More

Big DIPA

Big DIPA

Pennsylvania
United States
Big DIPA, Wallenpaupack Brewing Co.
Description 

This out of this world double IPA is brewed with Galaxy, Comet and Vic Secret hops meant to be enjoyed under the stars on a summer’s night. Exploding with tropical fruit and citrus bitterness followed by a touch of malt to round out this big beer.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
8.0%
IBUs: 
55
Hops: 
Galaxy, Comet, Vic Secret

 

 


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Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Big DIPA by Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. is a Double IPA and is being evaluated as a Double IPA (category 22A in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). The focus of the Double IPA style is hops, hops and more hops. Additionally, despite being a high-alcohol content style, Double IPAs are fairly... Read More

Sea Chest

Sea Chest

New Jersey
United States
Sea Chest, Cape May Brewing Co.
Description 

A New England-Style IPA brewed with Golden Promise, honey malt, flaked rye, flaked oats, and flaked wheat, Sea Chest is copiously dry-hopped with Cashmere, Motueka, and Sultana. Notes of pineapple, lime, coconut, and orange sherbet are wrapped in a blanket of juicy hops.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
7.4%
IBUs: 
6
Served at: 
45º F
Malts: 
Pilsner, Golden Promise, Flaked Wheat, Flaked Oats, Flaked Rye
Hops: 
Cashmere, Sultana, Motueka

 

 


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Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Sea Chest by Cape May Brewing Co. is a New England IPA and is being evaluated as a Specialty IPA (category 21B in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). New England IPAs are known for their juicy/tropical fruit/citrusy hop-forward character, hazy appearance and lighter-... Read More

Bastogne Ardenne Stout

Bastogne Ardenne Stout by Brasserie de Bastogne
Judges Rating:
88
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Ardenne Stout by Brasserie de Bastogne is a Belgian Stout and is being judged as a Mixed-Style Beer (category 34B in the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines). The Mixed-Style Beer category is a catch-all category for hybrid beers that are not covered elsewhere in the guidelines. Belgian Stouts are... Read More

pFriem Coconut Stout

pFriem Coconut Stout

pFriem Coconut Stout, pFriem Family Brewers
Description 

pFriem Coconut Stout imparts decadent notes of macaroons, roasted espresso and homemade brownies. It’s creamy and deep with a toasty, smooth finish that begs for one more. Like comfort food you can drink.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
8.6%
IBUs: 
40
Served at: 
45º - 50º F
Malts: 
Simpsons-Finest Marris Otter, Simpsons-Crystal Dark, Crystal Extra Dark, Thomas Fawcett Pale Chocolate, Simpsons Chocolate Malt
Hops: 
Chinook, Cascade

 

 


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Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

pFriem Coconut Stout by pFriem Family Brewers is a stout brewed with toasted coconut and is being evaluated as a Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer (category 30A from the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beers should have a harmonious balance... Read More

Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Cloud Catcher Milkshake IPA by Odell Brewing Co. is a New England-style hazy IPA and is being evaluated as a Specialty IPA (category 21B in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines, referencing the working version of New England IPA style guideline on the BJCP's development website). New England IPAs... Read More

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