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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

Old Jubilation Ale

Old Jubilation Ale by Avery Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
89
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

This English Old Ale poured a clear, dark reddish-brown with a moderately creamy head that dissipated fairly quickly. The aroma was strongly malty with dark fruit (raisin, fig) notes and noticeable alcohol from oxidation (age) up front. The flavor, too, started off “hot” with plenty of rich malt... Read More

Light 'n Social

Light 'n Social

Georgia
United States
 Light 'n Social, Social Fox Brewing
Description 

This American Pilsner won't fill you up and won't weigh you down. Easy drinking, social beer that is light in body, clear and crisp with a flavor that is subtle yet complex.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.1%
Served at: 
40 - 45º F

 

 


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Judges Rating:
84
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Light 'n Social by Social Fox Brewing is an “American pilsner” and was judged as an American Lager (BJCP sub-style 1B). It poured clear and golden into the glass where it set up with a very thin white head with only modest retention. Its aroma led off with notes of lager yeast, sweet corn and... Read More

Free Spirit No. 6

Free Spirit 6 Terrapin Coppertail Beer
Judges Rating:
87
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

This beer poured a mostly clear, lightly hazy, rich orange color. The initial thick white head disappeared quickly. The aroma was complex, replete with sour notes, fruity esters and the earthy funk often found in farmhouse ales. The resulting nose was pleasantly multi-dimensional, suggestive of... Read More

Haddy

Haddy by Reformation Brewery
Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Haddy by Reformation Brewery is a Belgian-style white ale. It was judged as a Witbier (BJCP sub-style 24A). It poured light golden into the glass where it set up slightly hazy with a moderate but short-lived white head. Its aroma consisted primarily of bitter orange on top of wheat malt with... Read More

Nolan The Wanderer

Nolan The Wanderer
Judges Rating:
85
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
6 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Nolan The Wanderer by Reformation Brewery is a Brut IPA judged as a Specialty IPA (BJCP sub-category 21B). It poured gold and slightly hazy into the glass forming a thin white quickly-dissipating head. The aroma featured a strong citrus hop nose that, like the initial head, waned within moments... Read More

Fresh As

Fresh As

Maryland
United States
Fresh As, Astro Lab Brewing
Description 

Fresh in name, Fresh As in nature! This IPA is as fresh and bright as a Spring day. Fruit and tropical juice notes on the nose that follow to the palate with white grape, citrus, passion fruit, and pine flavors. Moderate carbonation leads to a lush finish.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
7.1%
Served at: 
45º - 50º F
Malts: 
Pale Malt, Malted Wheat, C15 Carapils
Hops: 
Citra, Nelson Sauvin, Mosaic

 

 


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Judges Rating:
89
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Fresh As by Astro Lab Brewing is an American IPA and was judged as such (BJCP sub-style 21A). It poured light golden into the glass with a slight haze and a moderate white head with adequate retention. Its initial aroma was very sweet and fruity with notes of pineapple. As time passed, the aroma... Read More

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