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
Start 14-Day Trial Subscription
*No credit card required
Michael McGuire
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).
My reviews
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
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
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
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Dubbel or Nothing by Social Fox Brewing is a Belgian Dubbel brewed with maple syrup, date honey, and amber candi sugar and was judged as an Alternative Sugar Beer (BJCP sub-style 31B).
It poured dark brown into the glass beneath a moderate dissipating white head. Its aroma led off with... Read More
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Tybee Island Blonde by Coastal Empire Beer Co. is a kolsch-style beer and was judged as a Kolsch (BJCP sub-style 5B). It poured pale gold into the glass where it set up with a noticeable haze and a moderate head which dissipated more rapidly than it should have for this style. The aroma was mild... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Queen’s Weiss by Arches Brewing is a Hefeweizen and was judged as a Weissbier (BJCP sub-style 10A). It poured orange and cloudy into the glass where it quickly displayed a thick and fairly lasting white head. Its aroma included citrus and more pronounced clove notes.
The flavor profile... Read More