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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

Grist Oktoberfest

Grist Oktoberfest by Grist Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

This dark golden, crystal clear beer sports a huge, finely beaded, off-white head that would certainly look great in a one liter mug.  The aroma exudes melanoidins with bready and toasty malt and a surprising but welcomed herbal and spicy hops.  The flavor adds in a touch of sweetness to... Read More

Singillis Donker

Singillis Donker, Singillis Bieren
Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Singillis Donker by Singillis Bieren​ is being evaluated as a Belgian Dark Strong Ale (category 26D in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Belgian Dark Strong Ales are deceptively strong dark beers that have a harmony of rich malt, fruity esters and peppery phenolics. Singillis Bieren​ is... Read More

Sigman Stavecation

Sigman Stavecation

Georgia
United States
Sigman Stavecation, Pontoon Brewing
Description 

Over a year in a single Blanton barrel (mash bill #1, barrel #409, warehouse H, Rick #2) with a triple mash and incredibly long boil (28 hours) to get to 42 Plato, with a 20 Plato final gravity.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
13.9%
Served at: 
50 - 55º F

 

 


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

Sigman Stavecation by Pontoon Brewing is a barrel-aged Imperial Milk 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 aged in spirit barrels and should have a harmonious... Read More

MILF

MILF by Mother's Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
95
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Mother's MILF Imperial Stout is being evaluated as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (category 33B of the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines).  For this category, the best examples have a "harmonious blend" between the base beer and the wood/spirits resulting in a flavorful, complex blend.  This beer has... Read More

Gnarly Barley Stout

Gnarly Barley Stout

Louisiana
United States
Gnarly Barley Stout, Gnarly Barley Brewing Co.
Description 

Our take on the classic style Russian Imperial Stout. This beer pours dark with a luscious tan head, roasted barley meets velvety chocolate notes and a creamy, smooth body.
 

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
9.4%

 

 


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Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Gnarly Barley Stout by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. is an Imperial Stout and is being evaluated as an Imperial Stout (category 20C in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Imperial Stouts are the strongest beers in the stout family. Imperial Stouts are noted for their strong, rich chocolate and... Read More

Unscrupulous

Unscrupulous

Louisiana
United States
Unscrupulous, Low Road Brewing
Description 

A slightly hazy, citrusy New England style IPA.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.6%
IBUs: 
24
Served at: 
38 - 42º F
Malts: 
Two-Row Pale Malt, Dextrin, Munich 10L, Flaked Oats, Acid malt
Hops: 
Cryo Citra, Nelson Sauvin

 

 


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Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Unscrupulous by Low Road Brewing is a New England IPA and is being evaluated as a Specialty IPA (category 21B in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). New England IPAs are known for their juicy/tropical fruity/citrusy hop-forward character, hazy appearance and lighter-... Read More

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