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Michael McGuire

Michael McGuire's picture
Beer Judge

Mike started homebrewing in 1983 in Baton Rouge, LA.  He subsequently continued brewing when life took him to Grayslake, IL, Lancaster, PA, Vienna, VA, and Raleigh, NC.  He was a founding member of the Lancaster County Brewers homebrew club, and later a member of the Brewers United for Real Potables (BURP), Wort Hogs, and Cary, Apex, & Raleigh Brewers of Yore (CARBOY) clubs.

He took the BJCP exam in 2000, became certified in 2002, and achieved National rank in 2005.  In addition to judging in many regional and national AHA-sponsored competitions since 2000, he has judged in several state-specific competitions for professional breweries (e.g., the Virginia Craft Beer Cup and the Maryland Governor’s Cup).

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My reviews

Tybee Island Blonde

Tybee Island Blonde by Coastal Empire Beer Co.
Judges Rating:
84
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Tybee Island Blonde by Coastal Empire Beer Co. is a kolsch-style beer and was judged as a Kolsch (BJCP sub-style 5B). It poured pale gold into the glass where it set up with a noticeable haze and a moderate head which dissipated more rapidly than it should have for this style. The aroma was mild... Read More

Queen's Weiss

Queen's Weiss by Arches Brewing
Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Queen’s Weiss by Arches Brewing is a Hefeweizen and was judged as a Weissbier (BJCP sub-style 10A).  It poured orange and cloudy into the glass where it quickly displayed a thick and fairly lasting white head. Its aroma included citrus and more pronounced clove notes.  

The flavor profile... Read More

Vinology : Syrah

Vinology : Syrah, Monday Night Brewing
Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Vinology: Syrah by Monday Night Brewing was described as a “hybridized American wild ale, and an oak-fermented American wild ale co-fermented with syrah grapes” and was judged as a Mixed-Style Beer (BJCP sub-style 34B). There was no declared base beer style. In the glass it formed a very thin... Read More

Red Clay IPA

Red Clay IPA

Alabama
United States
Red Clay IPA, Red Clay Brewing Co.
Description 

This is our Southern take on an American IPA. This IPA is hop forward, with notes of pine and citrus. The light malty flavor accentuates the Amarillo, Citra, and Simco Hops, making it an IPA lover's dream beer. With an ABV of only 7%, you're bound to have more than one.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
7.0%
Malts: 
Two Row, Honey, Munich
Hops: 
Simco, Citra, Amarillo

 

 


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Judges Rating:
87
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Red Clay IPA by Red Clay Brewing Co. is an American IPA and was judged as such (BJCP sub-style 21A). It poured with a slightly cloudy and amber hue into the glass, forming a moderate white head with sustained retention. Its aroma was restrained at first, but ultimately featured both moderate... Read More

Tropical Cluster@#$%!

Tropical Cluster@#$%!

Georgia
United States
Tropical Cluster@#$%!, Pontoon Brewing
Description 

Who doesn’t like a tropical fruit smoothie? Jam packed with a f*#$ing metric ton of papaya, passion fruit, guava, caruba, pineapple and dragonfruit. Creamy, tart, juicy, fruity and absurd.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.6%
Served at: 
42 - 46º F

 

 


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Judges Rating:
88
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Tropical Cluster@#$%! by Pontoon Brewing is a mixed-style beer and was judged as one (BJCP sub-style 34B). Berliner weisse is the base style with various tropical fruits (guava, pineapple, papaya, passion fruit) and vanilla and lactose added. It poured golden and murky... Read More

Punkin Ale

Dogfish Head Punkin Ale Beer
Judges Rating:
88
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

This Pumpkin Ale looks right-on for the style – clear, amber and with a thick, sustained, white head. The nose combines pumpkin, without the vegetal off-aromas, with a nuanced blend of pumpkin pie spices, especially the darker and earthier clove and allspice. The flavor profile is also a... Read More

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