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
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Michael McGuire
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).
My reviews
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
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
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
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
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Huge Hefe by Low Road Brewing is a Weissbier and was judged as one (BJCP sub-style 10A). It poured straw to light gold with a slight haze into the glass, producing a thick white head with only modest retention.
The aroma initially featured banana esters followed by faint clove phenols, a... Read More
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
17 / 24
Flavor:
30 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
12 / 20
Savannah Brown Ale by Coastal Empire Beer Co. is a brown ale and was judged as an American brown ale (BJCP sub-style 19C). It poured deep brown into the glass where it set up clear with a moderate but short-lived tan head. The aroma was fairly neutral with a few non-roasty malt notes and a... Read More