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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

Beyond the Clouds

Beyond the Clouds, Monday Night Brewing
Judges Rating:
87
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Beyond the Clouds by Monday Night Brewing is a Brett IPA (BJCP sub-style 28A, Brett Beer, under American Wild Ale). In the glass it formed a, thick, white, well-retained head atop a golden-orange brew that became hazy with warming (much like a New England IPA). The aroma led off with profoundly... Read More

Cape May Honey Porter

Cape May Honey Porter

New Jersey
United States
Honey Porter, Cape May Brewing Co.
Description 

Here's a taste of South Jersey, better known for farms than fist pumping. Roasted and dark crystal malts shine through in a smooth and light-bodied porter that is balanced by a hint of sweetness thanks to the local Jersey Fresh honey. Welcome to the Garden State, bro. Apiology is the bee's knees!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.4%
IBUs: 
35
Malts: 
Pilsner, Caramunich III, Carafa II, Carafa III
Hops: 
Bravo, Saaz

 

 


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Judges Rating:
85
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Honey Porter by Cape May Brewing Co. is an American Porter with honey (judged as an American Porter - BJCP sub-style 20A in conjunction with sub-style 31B – Alternative Sugar Beer). In the glass it formed a thin, modestly retained white head atop an opaque dark brown brew. The aroma began with... Read More

Hiya Gourdie

Hiya Gourdie

Florida
United States
Hiya Gourdie, Motorworks Brewing
Description 

Hiya Gourdie® is hazy auburn-colored with a medium body and well-rounded with prominent sweet, pumpkin pie flavors derived from pumpkin puree and fresh galangal, an Asian ginger-like root, and heady aromas of mint and fresh, spicy cinnamon.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.5%

 

 


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Judges Rating:
83
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20

Hiya Gourdie by Motorworks Brewing is a pumpkin ale brewed with additions of galangal root, a ginger-like root vegetable, and was judged as an Autumn Seasonal beer (BJCP sub-style 30B). It poured dark amber with moderate clarity into the glass, forming a thin white... Read More

Lovely, Dark and Deep

Ommegang Beer Lovely Dark Deep Stout
Judges Rating:
87
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
18 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

This beer poured black with a thick tan head with adequate retention. The aroma, however, was fairly neutral even after warming, with only a slightly dark and base malt nose. The style came alive, appropriately, in the flavor profile, which consisted of slightly sweet dark malt (without... Read More

Party Punch

Party Punch

Louisiana
United States
Party Punch, Gnarly Barley Brewing
Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.0%
Malts: 
Pilsen, Wheat, Pomegranate, Cranberry
Hops: 
Mosaic

 

 


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Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Party Punch by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. is a Berliner Weisse with cranberry and pomegranate. It was judged as a Fruit Beer (BJCP sub-style 29A).

This beer poured pinkish-red into the glass where it set up slightly hazy topped by an extremely dense head with solid retention. Its aroma led... Read More

Watermelon Gose

Terrapin Beer Watermelon Gose
Judges Rating:
88
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

This Watermelon Gose poured a pale yellow color with a huge (2-3”) white head of tiny bubbles that dissipated quickly; the beer itself was relatively clear for a Gose with only a slight haze. The aroma was notably tart with plenty of watermelon and a bit of breadiness in the nose. The flavor was... Read More

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