Skater Aid by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. is an Italian-style crisp pilsner and was judged as an International Pale Lager according to the 2015 BJCP style guidelines (sub-style 2A). It poured a very clear gold into the glass, forming a thick white head with moderate... Read More
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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:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
This beer poured clear and light brown with a very thick white head that was present throughout tasting. The nose was both fruity and mildly sour, the latter from the cherry varietal rather than wild yeast or bacteria. The flavor profile also included strong cherry notes and a restrained,... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Social Fox Oktoberfest by Social Fox Brewing is a Marzen and was judged as one (BJCP sub-style 6A). It poured mostly clear and deep amber into the glass where it set up with a thick tan head with considerable retention. Its aroma led off with lager yeast and sweet bready malt notes but no... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
This beer was presented as a Coffee Stout, which it resoundingly was. It poured a deep black color, sporting a medium-sized white head with modest retention. The fresh-roasted coffee aroma was immediate and intense and not a combination of dark malts that imitated coffee. The taste too was ... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Haddy by Reformation Brewery is a Belgian-style white ale. It was judged as a Witbier (BJCP sub-style 24A). It poured light golden into the glass where it set up slightly hazy with a moderate but short-lived white head. Its aroma consisted primarily of bitter orange on top of wheat malt with... Read More
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