Start 14-Day Trial Subscription

*No credit card required

Mike Castagno

Mike Castagno's picture
Beer Judge

Mike was born and raised in the Philadelphia area before going to school at Furman University in Greenville, SC for Chemistry. There he discovered craft beer from all of the local and nearby Asheville breweries. After moving back up north to Wilmington, DE, Mike stumbled upon an AHA Rally at a local brewpub and discovered that people were making high quality beer at home. He quickly jumped into the hobby and developed a passion for beer making. He’s been brewing since 2005 and has won a number of awards over the years. He relocated to Atlanta in 2007 and works in the field of polymer research & development. He loves to apply his chemistry and engineering knowledge to his brewing set up, always testing and optimizing. He decided to begin beer judging in 2009 to help make better beer and with dedication he has advanced to the rank of Master Beer Judge.

My reviews

Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

The malt takes center stage over the hops in this Double IPA. Honey, biscuit and caramel stand out while a slight oxidative note creeps in. Underneath that are some light, herbal hops with a hint of orange and a subtle floral note to follow upon warming. The bitterness is nothing aggressive,... Read More

Julius

Tree House Beer Julius IPA
Judges Rating:
88
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Julius by Tree House Brewing was reviewed as an American IPA (BJCP style 21A). The aroma outperforms the other dimensions of the beer, whereas the flavor underperforms the promise of the aroma and the body leaves something to be desired. There was a strong hit of grapefruit aromatics along with... Read More

Double Platinum

Double Platinum Starr Hill IPA
Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

There is quite an impressive expression of hops throughout this beer. Huge levels of pine and resin with minor notes of tropical fruit (guava) and a hint of citrus rounds it out. This is a beer of very good clarity with a reddish-orange hue, wearing a beautiful off-white head. The malt character... Read More

Rum Barrel-Aged Gonzo

Flying dog beer rum barrel aged gonzo porter
Judges Rating:
84
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
32 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Low notes of chocolate, espresso, dates and prunes are expressed through the aroma when poured. There is a spicy alcohol note when cool that becomes quite aggressive upon warming, such so that it begins to overwhelm the other characteristics of the beer. There is a light oak quality with rummy... Read More

The Love

The Love
Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
6 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Bright aromatics of citrus, pear and apple marry with a light grainy note and a faint hint of spice. Although commonly associated with the Hefeweizen style, banana and clove characteristics were nearly completely absent. This is clearly more of an American Wheat than a German one. There is... Read More

Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Intense notes of dried fruits are immediately apparent upon pouring: raisins, currants and figs with a touch of dates. A moderately oaky character melds with caramel, toffee and a bit of chocolate to create a pleasantly complex bouquet. Hints of coffee appear upon warming. The bitterness is soft... Read More

Pages