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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

Tres Barbas

Tres Barbas

Alabama
United States
Tres Barbas, Red Clay Brewing Co.
Description 

Tres Barbas: translated as "Three Beards" in English, is named after our main 3 dudes who started Red Clay Brewing. This Mexican lager features notes of barley and sweet corn. The balanced hop profile produces a smooth and well-rounded, clean finish. With an ABV of 4.5%, this beer is an easy drinker. Add a squeeze of lime to take this delicious lager to the next level! Salud!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.5%
Malts: 
American Two Row, Flaked Corn
Hops: 
Magnum, Hallertauer

 

 


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Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Tres Barbas by Red Clay Brewing Co. is a Mexican Lager and was judged as an International Pale Lager (BJCP sub-style 2A). It poured clear and light golden into the glass, forming a thin white head with modest retention. Its light aroma had a predominantly grainy/malty character with late light... Read More

The Four Essentials

The Four Essentials

Georgia
United States
The Four Essentials, Pontoon Brewing
Description 

We decided to skip the fruit and the adjuncts this time and make this traditional German Kölsch. The Four Essentials is the ultimate definition of a light, crisp, and refreshing beer that tastes like beer.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.0%
Served at: 
40 - 45º F

 

 


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Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

The Four Essentials by Pontoon Brewing was judged as a Kölsch (BJCP sub-style 5B). It poured a mostly clear straw hue into the glass, forming a thick white head with moderate retention. The aroma was dominated by pilsner and/or other pale lager malts, followed immediately by bittering hops. The... Read More

Green Bullet

Green Flash Beer Green Bullet IPA
Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

This was billed as a Triple IPA, a relatively uncommon style bridging the gap between a Double IPA and an American Barleywine. This particular example does so with distinction. The aroma is full of piney and citrusy hop notes on top of a full (and appropriately), high-gravity malt base. The... Read More

Van Damme Strong

Van Damme Strong

Georgia
United States
Van Damme Strong, Social Fox Brewing
Description 

Banana and pineapple on the nose, and upfront in the flavor as well. Soft notes of black pepper, pear, honey, and clove in the middle. Slight alcohol warmth. Finishes dry with a hint of sweetness.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
10.0%
Served at: 
45 - 50ºF

 

 


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Judges Rating:
89
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Van Damme Strong by Social Fox Brewing is a Belgian Tripel and was judged as such (BJCP sub-style 26C).

It poured golden caramel and clear into the glass beneath a moderate white head with modest retention. Its aroma led off with malt... Read More

Incorrigible Reserve

Incorrigible Reserve by New Holland
Judges Rating:
88
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

This beer was presented as a White Sour Ale with blackberries and blueberries.  It poured clear and pink with modest head retention.  At first whiff the aroma announced that this was a serious sour ale with plenty of brett funk in the nose.  The berries played a background role in both the aroma... Read More

Southern Bel'

Southern Bel' by Arches Brewing
Judges Rating:
89
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Southern Bel’ by Arches Brewing is a moderately dark Belgian-style ale judged as a Belgian Pale Ale – BJCP sub-style 24B – based on the description on the brewery’s website, which called it a “deep Belgian pale.” The can’s label “Belgian Ale” doesn’t give buyers much style information to entice... Read More

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