A billowing cloud of hop essence hits you right as the beer is poured. Heavy grapefruit, ripe orange, pineapple, guava and a wisp of pine fill the air. Way underneath all that is a slight bready malt component and a touch of caramel. Another wave of hops appears as it warms: earthy and grassy,... Read More
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Mike Castagno
Beer Judge
Mike was born and raised in the Philadelphia area before going to school at Furman University in Greenville, SC for Chemistry. There he discovered craft beer from all of the local and nearby Asheville breweries. After moving back up north to Wilmington, DE, Mike stumbled upon an AHA Rally at a local brewpub and discovered that people were making high quality beer at home. He quickly jumped into the hobby and developed a passion for beer making. He’s been brewing since 2005 and has won a number of awards over the years. He relocated to Atlanta in 2007 and works in the field of polymer research & development. He loves to apply his chemistry and engineering knowledge to his brewing set up, always testing and optimizing. He decided to begin beer judging in 2009 to help make better beer and with dedication he has advanced to the rank of Master Beer Judge.
My reviews
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
The beer here seems to deviate a little from the traditional expectations of the style. California Common is an amber-colored beer that is hallmarked by the use of Northern Brewer hops and fermented with a lager yeast at warmer, ale-like temperatures. The beer here is much lighter in color,... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
The beer pours straw yellow in color with noticeable haziness and a creamy white head. The malt presents as grainy and doughy with a bit of a minerally kick to it. There are some apple esters with a hint of pear that marries with a light floral hop note in the nose. The bitterness is... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
As if you walked into a trendy coffee house, expect a big waft of fresh roasted coffee, warm espresso, light ashy char and a hint of tobacco when you open this beer. There is a light earthiness with damp leaves, forest floor notes and tea with a light nuance of dried flowers. With all these ... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
This version of an American Brown Ale does not disappoint. Upfront, there are moderate caramel and light toffee characters that cap off a noticeably biscuity and slightly crackery malt nose. A light nuttiness rounds out an earthy hop quality followed by a touch of floral notes underneath. The... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Pouring with a golden hue and orange highlights, the beer expresses prominently fruity aromatics of grapefruit and lemon alongside lychee, passion fruit and a touch of white peach. The bitterness is aggressive upon the initial tasting, full of a tannic bite that wine drinkers often describe as... Read More