Alpha Abstraction, Vol. 13 by Wild Leap Brew 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... 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:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Gnarvana by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. is a Double IPA and is being evaluated as a Double IPA (category 22A from the 2015 BJCP 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
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
This beer is likely to be enjoyed by both hop heads and by those with a less hoppy beer preference. The hops come across prominently in the aroma as an approachable apricot and passionfruit character, compared to the more aggressive hop character in other hoppier beers. A bready wheat character... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Estate Kriek by pFriem Family Brewers is a Kriek Lambic and is being evaluated as a Fruit Lambic (category 23F from the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Lambics are known for their sourness and wild characters that are naturally (or “spontaneously”) imparted by... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Riegele Noctus 100 by Brauhaus Riegele is an Imperial Stout and is being evaluated as an Imperial Stout (category 20C in the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines). Imperial Stouts are the strongest of the stout family and are noted for their strength and complexity with a myriad of dark malt flavors... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Aromas of roasted chocolate, espresso, toast, treacle and a hint of anise invite the drinker into the first sip. Luscious, pitch black and creamy are the obvious first impressions regarding this beer's apperance. The creaminess and semi-sweetness are derived from the lactose but they fall short... Read More