Start 14-Day Trial Subscription

*No credit card required

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).

photobjcpcert.jpg

My reviews

Fancy Pants

Fancy Pants

Fancy Pants, Urban South Brewery
Description 

Imperial Stout boiled for 4 hours to enhance the viscosity and intensify the richness of the malts. Finished on toasted cacao nibs, creating layers of dark chocolate bark and dark roasted coffee.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
8.0%
IBUs: 
15

 

 


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

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Fancy Pants by Urban South Brewery was judged as a Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer (BJCP sub-style 30A).

It poured dark mahogany and opaque into the glass, producing a thick white head with robust retention. The aroma featured intense... Read More

Samuel Adams Cold Snap

Samuel Adams Cold Snap

Massachusetts
United States
Samuel Adams Cold Snap
Description 

The crisp character of this lively unfiltered White Ale gets a kick from a bright blend of spring spices. Orange peel and plum add subtle sweetness, while coriander contributes a peppery bite, creating a refreshing flavor that signals spring is on its way.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.3%
IBUs: 
10
Served at: 
Hallertau Mittelfrueh
Hops: 
Two-Row Pale, Malted Wheat

 

 


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

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20

This beer poured clear and gold with a relatively thin white head. The aroma emphasized wheat malt, mild yeastiness and light spices (e.g. white pepper). The flavor profile begins and ends with restrained wheat malt sweetness, light fruity esters (e.g. pear and/or apricot) and hops. The... Read More

Roxanne

Roxanne by Southbound Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Roxanne by Southbound Brewing Co. is an American sour ale brewed with “tart” (presumably sour) cherries and aged in oak barrels. It was judged as a Specialty Fruit Beer (BJCP sub-style 29C). It poured dark reddish-brown into the glass where it set up slightly hazy with a moderate but... Read More

Corrosion

Corrosion, Cape May Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Corrosion by Cape May Brewing Company is a Kettle-soured IPA and was judged as a Mixed-Fermentation Sour Beer (BJCP sub-style 28B).

It poured brilliant gold and very slightly cloudy into the glass, where it formed a moderate white head with moderate to poor retention, which was not... Read More

Woodbreaker

Woodbreaker, Urban Artifact
Judges Rating:
77
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
31 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20

Woodbreaker by Urban Artifact was described as a black cherry lemonade and a  “Midwest Fruit Tart” with sweet dark cherries, lemon juice and vanilla beans, and it was judged as a Fruit and Spice Beer (BJCP sub-style 29B). In the glass it formed a mildly fizzy white head with virtually no... Read More

NITRO Cali Creamin'

NITRO Cali Creamin'

California
United States
NITRO Cali Creamin', Mother Earth Brewing Co.
Description 

Our flagship ale just got even smoother thanks to the addition of 75% Nitrogen, creating a creamy, lasting head and long silky finish. Our Cream Ale has redefined the category and made a classic style cool again. We use a bit of Madagascar Vanilla Bean to give it that “Cream Soda” kick. The best part? No pesky widget. Just flip to activate, open up, and pour hard.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.0%
IBUs: 
18
Served at: 
40 - 45º F

 

 


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

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

NITRO Cali Creamin’ by Mother Earth Brew Co. is a nitrogenated cream ale with vanilla and was judged as a Spice, Herb, or Vegetable beer (BJCP sub-style 30A). 

It poured light gold and slightly hazy into the glass, forming a thick, long-lasting white head formed by the gas used to... Read More

Pages

Advertisement