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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

Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Jude by Reformation Brewery is a Belgian-style tripel. It was judged as a Belgian Tripel (BJCP sub-style 26C). It poured clear and straw-colored into the glass where it quickly displayed a thick and fairly lasting white head. Its aroma included citrusy (especially lemony) esters, and moderate... Read More

Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Alpha Abstraction Vol. 5 by Wild Leap Brew Co. was judged as a Double IPA (BJCP sub-style 22A). In the glass it formed a moderate white head atop a very hazy copper brew, atypical for the style. The aroma began, and continued, with plenty of citrus – orange and grapefruit specifically, and... Read More

Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Truck Chaser Creamsicle Double IPA by Wild Leap Brew Co. is a double IPA brewed with lactose, oranges and vanilla (judged as a Specialty IPA - BJCP sub-style 21B).

In the glass it formed a sparse, shortly-retained white head atop a cloudy pale orange brew. The aroma began with a... Read More

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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Options start for only $9.95!


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

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