Pauwel Kwak by Bosteels Brewery is a Belgian specialty ale and is being judged as a Belgian Specialty Ale (2008 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines category 16E). The most recent version of the guidelines has eliminated this Belgian "catch-all" category and suggests that it be judged as a Clone Beer (... 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:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Dragon's Milk Triple Mash by New Holland Brewing Co. is a bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout 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:
21 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Over the Ivy by Confluence Brewing Co. is a Czech Pils and is being evaluated as a Czech Premium Pale Lager (category 3B in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Czech Premium Pale Lagers are golden-colored lagers noted for their rich malt flavors (typically bready in character) and an assertive... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Touch of Brett Mandarina by Alesong Brewing and Blending is a Brettanomyces-fermented farmhouse-style beer and is being judged as a Brett Beer (category 28A from the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Brett beers are noted for their distinctive wild yeast characters from a Brettanomyces... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
This beer pours a beautiful, crystal clear amber with a resilient off-white head that leaves nice lacing on the glass. The malt is at the forefront of the aroma with complex bready, nutty and toffee characters underneath. But only a touch of earthy hops shows through, and the expected esters are... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Christmas Island by Hardywood Park Craft Brewery is a spiced and 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... Read More