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
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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:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
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:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Redux Kenspeckle Scotch-Style Ale by Garage Brewing Co. is a bourbon barrel-aged Scottish ale and is being evaluated as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (category 33B from the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Specialty Wood-Aged Beers are aged in spirit barrels and should... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
Vacanza Coconut Cream Pie by Wild Leap Brew Co. is a fruited Gose 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. Gose beers are highly carbonated, slightly tart wheat... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
At 10.1% abv and 120 IBU, this large format big beer (22 oz. bombers only!) is sure to keep you warm during the upcoming winter. This barleywine pours a dark amber with a slight haze and a small, splotchy, off-white head. The aroma is prominent chocolate and coffee malt complimented by bready... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Golden Raspberry Barrel Aged Belgian Ale by pFriem Family Brewers is being evaluated as a Mixed-Style Beer (category 34B from the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Belgian Blond Ales (category 25A in the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines) are noted for their light color... Read More