Jude by Reformation Brewery is a Belgian-style tripel. It was judged as a Belgian Tripel (BJCP sub-style 26C). It poured clear and straw-colored into the glass where it quickly displayed a thick and fairly lasting white head. Its aroma included citrusy (especially lemony) esters, and 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:
18 / 20
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
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
No Mates - Nelson Sauvin by Astro Lab Brewing is a New England IPA and was judged as an American IPA (BJCP sub-style 21A). It poured cloudy and light golden into the glass with an impressive white head with moderate retention. Its aroma was subtle and refined with mild hop notes that gave way to... Read More
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:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Van Damme Strong by Social Fox Brewing is a Belgian Tripel and was judged as such (BJCP sub-style 26C).
It poured golden caramel and clear into the glass beneath a moderate white head with modest retention. Its aroma led off with malt... Read More