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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

Swipe Light

Swipe Light

New York
United States
Swipe Light, Southern Tier Brewing Co.
Description 

Swipe Light bridges the gap between craft beer flavor and lower calorie, easier drinking beers. This refreshing ale is perfect for occasions where craft drinkers are looking for lighter options but still want more flavor than other light beers offer. Swipe Light provides both the flavor and drinkability that craft consumers are looking for. At 4% ABV and only 110 calories, it’s lighter than other craft options. But because it’s brewed with a focus on flavor, Swipe Light delivers more complexity for a truly ‘craft’ drinking experience.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.0%

 

 


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Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
20 / 20

Swipe Light by Southern Tier Brewing Co. is an American Light Ale and is being evaluated as an American Light Lager (category 1A from the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). American Light Lagers (such as Bud Light, Coors Light, or Miller Lite) are known for their very light malt flavor, no hop... Read More

Humulus Terreux

The Bruery Humulus Terreux beer
Judges Rating:
95
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

The Humulus Terreux series from The Bruery is known for its various use of hops and Brettanomyces strains, and this beer doesn’t miss on either of these two elements. The Brett is immediately apparent in the aroma with characteristic cherry pie and leather elements along with a little barnyard... Read More

Yurei

Yurei

Yurei, Arches Brewing
Description 

This Japanese-style Pilsner was developed with a focus on quality ingredients and simplicity. The name Yūrei (幽霊) is the Japanese word for ghost, which comes from the primary hop used in this beer, called Grungeist, defined in German as "green ghost." It offers subtle notes of apricot and stone fruit which tickle the palate and finishes crisp and clean, a signature characteristic for a rice lager.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.1%
IBUs: 
33
Served at: 
40 - 45º F
Malts: 
Two Row Pilsner, Flaked Rice, Flaked Barley, Carafoam
Hops: 
Grungeist, Northern Brewer

 

 


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

Yurei by Arches Brewing is a Japanese-style Lager and is being evaluated as an International Pale Lager (category 2A in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). International Pale Lagers are golden-colored lagers with less adjuncts than typical American lagers. The malt... Read More

À Tout le Monde

À Tout le Monde, Unibroue
Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

À Tout le Monde by Unibroue is a Saison and is being evaluated as a Saison (category 25B in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Saisons are typically well-carbonated, well-attenuated beers with a complex balance between phenolics, esters and hops. À Tout le Monde is produced in collaboration... Read More

Judges Rating:
97
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
20 / 20

This bourbon barrel-aged Imperial Stout is a collaboration between Stone Brewing, actor and noted homebrewer Wil Wheaton (well known for his roles in “Stand by Me” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation” [among many others]), and website founder Drew Curtis (founder of the satirical news website... Read More

Hazy 8 Double IPA

Hazy 8 Double IPA

Louisiana
United States
Hazy 8 Double IPA, Gnarly Barley Brewing
Description 

A Monumental Hazy Juicy DIPA with 8 layers of complexity. The fluffiness of this body is not to be outdone, with multiple layers including wheat, oats, and lactose making it one dense, pillowy foundation that lifts and accentuates the hop notes. We piled on the Nelson Sauvin for explosive tropicality, and nuanced white wine notes.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
8.7%
Malts: 
Two row, Wheat, Oats
Hops: 
Citra Cryo, Nelson Sauvin

 

 


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Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Hazy 8 Double IPA by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. is a Double Hazy IPA and is being evaluated as a Double IPA (category 22A in the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). The focus of the Double IPA style is hops, hops and more hops. Additionally, despite being a high-alcohol... Read More

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