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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

Judges Rating:
96
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
20 / 20

The aroma of this Berliner weisse presents moderate wheaty and grainy malt with a light citrusy fruit and a hint of sweet fruit reminiscent of prickly pear fruit.  Upon the first sip, the prominent sourness is readily evident!  Moderately puckering, the flavors of wheat and a lime citrus... Read More

KEREL Bière de Garde

KEREL Bière de Garde

KEREL Bière de Garde, Verbeeck-Back-De Cock Brewery
Description 

The brewing process of a “Bière de Garde” (“Beer for keeping”) is an artisanal high-wire act because you’re looking for a brew that’s simultaneously rich and sinewy; clean and earthy; muscular and refreshing. It’s a good thing Kerel has lots of experience combining muscles, beauty and a complex character.

Taste: Very malty, very high-maintenance but irresistible to the true beer connoisseur. Try it for the touch of caramel, stay for the complex character full of delicious paradoxes.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
7.0%

 

 


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Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

KEREL Bière de Garde by Verbeek-Back-De Cock Brewery is a Bière de Garde and is being evaluated as a Bière de Garde (category 24C in the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Bière de Gardes are a family of malty French lagers that can vary from blonde to brown in color... Read More

Little Sip

Little Sip

Vermont
United States
Little Sip, Lawson's Finest Liquids
Description 

Our little cousin to Sip of Sunshine IPA has a juicy, fruit-forward character layered with tropical hop flavors and bright floral aromas. Notes of grapefruit and pineapple complement this delectably balanced beer.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.2%

 

 


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Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Little Sip by Lawson's Finest Liquids is an American IPA and is being evaluated as an American IPA (category 21A from the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). American IPAs are hop-forward beers typically expressing American or new world hop characters and are most typically citrusy, piney or... Read More

Nitro Irish Stout

Nitro Irish Stout by Breckenridge Brewery
Judges Rating:
96
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
20 / 20

Nitro Irish Stout by Breckenridge Brewery is an Irish Stout and is being evaluated as an Irish Stout (2015 BJCP Style Guidelines category 15B). Irish stouts are known for their strong roasty flavors, creamy mouthfeel, little malt sweetness and modest alcohol content.

This stout pours an... Read More

Dragon's Milk Crimson Keep

Dragon's Milk Crimson Keep

Michigan
United States
Dragon's Milk Crimson Keep, New Holland Brewing Co.
Description 

Crimson Keep is aged in bourbon barrels for one month deep within the Dragon’s Milk Cellar. The deep red color is evidence of being battle tested. A smooth, malt-forward flavor profile is highlighted by notes of toffee, stone fruits, and oak that lead to a pleasantly dry finish.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
11.0%
IBUs: 
30
Served at: 
45 - 50ºF

 

 


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

Dragon's Milk Crimson Keep by New Holland Brewing Co. is a Bourbon Barrel-Aged Strong Red 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

Black is Beautiful (Pontoon)

Black is Beautiful (Pontoon)

Black Is Beautiful, Pontoon Brewing
Description 

This beautiful, deep black-hued Imperial Stout came about as a call to action for breweries, big or small, to help spread the message that black is beautiful and that more needs to be done to stop systemic racism in this country. With notes of decadent dark chocolate, smooth caramel, subtle smoke, and medium roasted coffee swirl around on top of a thick malt base. We decided to add graham cracker, coffee from Black and Bold, chocolate, and pecans to make a chocolate lasagna version of Black is Beautiful!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
10.0%
IBUs: 
20
Served at: 
60º F

 

 


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Judges Rating:
95
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Black is Beautiful Imperial Stout by Pontoon Brewing is a flavored Imperial Stout and is being evaluated as a Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer (category 30A in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beers should have a harmonious balance between the spices, herbs or... Read More

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