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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

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

Oren

Oren by Reformation Brewery
Judges Rating:
80
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
32 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
14 / 20

Oren by Reformation Brewery is an American IPA and was judged as such (BJCP sub-style 21A). It a poured reddish-golden into the glass, where it set up clear with a thick white lasting head. Its aroma was primarily hop-forward featuring some citrusy varietals followed somewhat abruptly by a... Read More

Alani The Lighthearted

Alani The Lighthearted, Reformation Brewery
Judges Rating:
81
Appearance:
3 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Alani The Lighthearted by Reformation Brewery is a self-described Rose Ale with grape must, cranberry and hibiscus (judged as a Fruit Beer - BJCP sub-style 29A). In the glass it poured clear and deep reddish-orange with only a faint head that dissipated rather quickly.  The aroma included... Read More

Bright Tangerine Sparkling Ale

Bright Tangerine Sparkling Ale

Virginia
United States
Bright Tangerine Sparkling Ale, Devils Backbone Brewing Co.
Description 

Dry. Tangerine. Effervescent. These words don’t really pop in your head when you think of beer, but then again, there’s nothing quite like Bright Tangerine Sparkling Ale. This brew is low calorie, gluten removed, with a dry and bubbly finish. The kicker is we load it up with heaps of natural tangerine flavor, making it a little brighter than your average ale!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.8%
IBUs: 
21
Malts: 
Pilsner, Pale Wheat, Acidulated Malt
Hops: 
Amarillo

 

 


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Judges Rating:
82
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20

Bright Tangerine Sparkling Ale by Devils Backbone Brewing Co. is a blonde ale brewed with tangerines. It was judged as a Fruit Beer (BJCP sub-style 29A). It poured mostly clear and golden into the glass where it set up with a thin white quickly dissipating head. Its aroma was dominated by... Read More

Skater Aid

Skater Aid

Louisiana
United States
Skater Aid, Gnarly Barley Brewing
Description 

A nicely balanced Italian Pilsner, this Euro pale lager is 4.2% ABV with a light malt presence while allowing a soft hop aroma to shine through to a crisp dry finish. Dry-hopped with Hallertau Blanc this brew presents floral notes while adding a slight hint of fruitiness. A percentage of sales from this brew supports local skateboarding initiatives.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.2%
Malts: 
Pilsner, Cara-pils
Hops: 
Hallertau Blanc

 

 


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Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Skater Aid by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. is an Italian-style crisp pilsner and was judged as an International Pale Lager according to the 2015 BJCP style guidelines (sub-style 2A). It poured a very clear gold into the glass, forming a thick white head with moderate... Read More

Rosetta

Ommegang - Rosetta Kriek
Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

This beer poured clear and light brown with a very thick white head that was present throughout tasting. The nose was both fruity and mildly sour, the latter from the cherry varietal rather than wild yeast or bacteria. The flavor profile also included strong cherry notes and a restrained,... Read More

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