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Michael Heniff

Michael Heniff's picture
Beer Judge

Mike brewed his first few homebrew batches in college in 1994 and began regularly brewing in 1997.  Since then, he has brewed over 150 batches of beer, mead, and cider.  He has won over 200 medals and numerous major awards in competitions across the country.  His highest accomplishments include winning the Templeton Award (most points) of the Dixie Cup (one of the largest single-site homebrew competitions in the world) a record four times, Gulf Coast Homebrewer of the Year, and Lone Star Circuit Homebrewer of the Year.  He has had his recipes brewed at commercial breweries seven times.

Mike particularly enjoys traveling to find new beers.  He has made numerous travels abroad to find great beer, most frequently to Belgium and Germany.  He has logged over 6800 beers in his tasting journal, including over 620 beers from Belgium alone.  Mike has had brewing and beer travel articles published by Brew Your Own and Zymurgy magazines.

Mike is a current member of the Houston Foam Rangers Homebrew Club where he has held numerous officer positions.  He was also the founding President of the Lone Star Circuit and a former long time officer. He currently ranks as a Grand Master III BJCP judge.  He has judged in over 70 competitions across the United States, frequently serving on Best of Show panels.

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My reviews

Dragon's Milk Crimson Keep

Dragon's Milk Crimson Keep

Michigan
United States
Dragon's Milk Crimson Keep, New Holland Brewing Co.
Description 

Crimson Keep is aged in bourbon barrels for one month deep within the Dragon’s Milk Cellar. The deep red color is evidence of being battle tested. A smooth, malt-forward flavor profile is highlighted by notes of toffee, stone fruits, and oak that lead to a pleasantly dry finish.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
11.0%
IBUs: 
30
Served at: 
45 - 50ºF

 

 


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Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Dragon's Milk Crimson Keep by New Holland Brewing Co. is a Bourbon Barrel-Aged Strong Red Ale and is being evaluated as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (category 33B from the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Specialty Wood-Aged Beers are aged in spirit barrels and should... Read More

Black is Beautiful (Pontoon)

Black is Beautiful (Pontoon)

Black Is Beautiful, Pontoon Brewing
Description 

This beautiful, deep black-hued Imperial Stout came about as a call to action for breweries, big or small, to help spread the message that black is beautiful and that more needs to be done to stop systemic racism in this country. With notes of decadent dark chocolate, smooth caramel, subtle smoke, and medium roasted coffee swirl around on top of a thick malt base. We decided to add graham cracker, coffee from Black and Bold, chocolate, and pecans to make a chocolate lasagna version of Black is Beautiful!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
10.0%
IBUs: 
20
Served at: 
60º F

 

 


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Judges Rating:
95
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Black is Beautiful Imperial Stout by Pontoon Brewing is a flavored Imperial Stout and is being evaluated as a Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer (category 30A in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beers should have a harmonious balance between the spices, herbs or... Read More

Chillax

Chillax, Bootstrap Brewing
Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Chillax Pineapple Gold Ale by Bootstrap Brewing is a Blonde Ale brewed with pineapple and is being evaluated as a Fruit Beer with a Blonde Ale base-style (categories 29A and 18A (respectively) from the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Fruit beers should complement the base style well without... Read More

Pivo

Pivo Pils Beer Firestone Walker
Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Pouring a beautiful, crystal-clear golden, this ale firmly holds a tall white stand of foam. The aroma highlights traditional spicy and herbal noble hops but with a slight hint of a citrus character. Light bready malt complements the hop aroma with an extremely clean fermentation that avoids... Read More

Bourbon Barrel Raspberry Stout with Vanilla Beans

Bourbon Barrel Raspberry Stout with Vanilla Beans

Virginia
United States
Bourbon Barrel Raspberry Stout with Vanilla Beans, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
Description 

Bourbon Barrel Aged Chocolate Raspberry Stout Finished on Madagascar Vanilla Beans.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
11.5%
IBUs: 
50
Served at: 
50º F

 

 


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Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Bourbon Barrel Raspberry Stout with Vanilla Beans by Hardywood Park Craft Brewery is a fruited and barrel-aged Imperial Stout and is being evaluated as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (category 33B from the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Specialty Wood-Aged Beers are... Read More

Sympathy Weight

Sympathy Weight, Monday Night Brewing
Judges Rating:
87
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Sympathy Weight by Monday Night Brewing is a bourbon-barrel aged Wee Heavy and is being evaluated as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (category 33B from the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). The Wee Heavy style is noted as being a rich, full, malty Scottish ale with strong, rich caramel malt flavors... Read More

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