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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

Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Considered one of the early prototypes of the American Amber style (and still one of the “Classical Examples” of the BJCP Style Guidelines), Rogue continues to nail this style. The color is the expected amber with excellent clarity and a light tan head with excellent head retention. The aroma is... Read More

Zulu King Coconut Porter

Zulu King Coconut Porter

Louisiana
United States
Zulu King Coconut Porter, Low Road Brewing
Description 

Robust American Porter with natural coconut flavoring

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.3%
IBUs: 
22
Served at: 
45º - 50º F
Malts: 
Maris Otter, Crystal 40L, Crystal 120L, Chocolate Malt
Hops: 
Hallertauer Mittelfrueh, East Kent Golding

 

 


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Judges Rating:
87
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20

Zulu King Coconut Porter by Low Road Brewing is a porter brewed with coconut and is being evaluated as a Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beer (category 30A from the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beers should have a harmonious balance between the... Read More

Trooper Sun and Steel

Robinsons Trooper Sun and Steel, Robinsons Brewery
Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Trooper Sun and Steel by Robinsons Brewery is a pilsner brewed with lager and sake yeast and is being evaluated as a German Pils (category 5D in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). German Pils are noted for their light color, high attenuation, clean lager fermentation, German hops and a dry,... Read More

Nom Nom

Barley Forge Beer Nom Nom Mango hefeweizen
Judges Rating:
78
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
16 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

For this wheat beer brewed with mangos, the aroma starts generically citrus but unfortunately turns meaty with a disagreeable butterscotch diacetyl which growing stronger as the beer warms.  The flavor is much more pleasant with mango and tropical fruits with a light wheat character but... Read More

Eternal Siesta

Eternal Siesta

Louisiana
United States
Eternal Siesta, Gnarly Barley Brewing
Description 

With this Imperial Stout, we invite you to retire into a state of static relaxation, coaxed by the veil of seductive spice-laden dark chocolate, interlacing with a nuanced and complex grain bill for a sense-gouging exploration of the dark side. A sultry and powerful body of dark malts, oats, and lactose are embedded with cacao nibs, vanilla, cinnamon, and chili peppers for a depth of expression that you simply were not expecting.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
9.0%
Malts: 
Maris Otter, Chocolate, Caraaroma, Carabohemian, Carafa III, Roasted Barley, Wheat, Oats
Hops: 
Cascade

 

 


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Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Eternal Siesta by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. is a spiced, bourbon barrel-aged Imperial Stout and is being evaluated as a Mixed-Style Beer (category 34B in the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Imperial Stouts are noted for strong, rich chocolate and roasted malt flavors... Read More

Fredersdorfer

Fredersdorfer

Colorado
United States
Fredersdorfer, Seedstock Brewery
Description 

It is a pale brown wheat beer brewed with molasses and spicy Saaz hops. The hoppy beer has a rich mouthfeel, crisp finish and clean spiciness.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
7.5%

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

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Options start for only $9.95!


Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Fredersdorfer by Seedstock Brewery is a Fredersdorfer and is being evaluated as a Historical Beer (category 27 in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). The Historical Beer category is a catch-all category for styles that have all but died out in current times; no subcategory exists for the... Read More

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