Figgy Pudding - Block 15 Brewery & Restaurant

4DAloveofSTOUT

Illinois

3.95/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Huge thanks to ArchEnemyBrew for this Block 15 beer! Thanks Hollis!

reviewed from notes taken on 3/14/12.

poured into snifter.

Appearance: crimson hued brown bodied beer with easily 2 fingers of tan head.

Smell: mild nose composed of dark fruits, brown sugar and candied belgian sugar. Beets and plums.

Taste: This beer is sweet yet still remians a mild beer. Caramel, toffee, brown sugar, butterscotch, vanilla, and dark fruits. Figs and molasses.

Mouthfeel: medium bodied beer with moderate carbonation. This beer is really smooth! Not a hint of heat or booziness. Carbonation is really nice and leads the beer into a semidry finish.

Overall: This beer is mild and smooth and easy drinking. The mouthfeel is the best part of this beer. It was not what I expected, I was thinking it was going to be a heavy sweet dessert beer with spiciness from the cinnamin and nutmeg. It was my first English Strong Ale that I have ever drank, so I will just call it expanding my palate.

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2012 03:54:12 | More by 4DAloveofSTOUT

Duff27

Illinois

3.45/5  rDev -13.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Half inch tan head on a extremely dark red beer. Head dissipates fairly quickly.

Different smell, hard to pick apart to be honest. Brown sugar?

Belgian sugar, spice. Again hard to pick apart albeit complex. Well hidden ABV.

Medium mouthfeel, adaquate mouthfeel.

Very Belgian/quad like. I don't know, it was alright. Wouldnt care to try again actually. Thanks for the share Brian (4DAloveofSTOUT).

Serving type: bottle

03-15-2012 00:59:29 | More by Duff27

scottfrie

California

4.38/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks a ton for sharing Brian! Reviewed from notes.

A: Pours a hazy dark ruddy brown with a thin soft dark tan head that faded into a soft fuzzy film. Great head retention, spotty lace.
S: Figs! Or dates. Sweet dark fruits at least. I get some notes of alcohol warmth, spices, and a touch of dough. Definitely sweet. I’m not smelling any cinnamon or nutmeg, but I’m definitely getting a touch of nutmeg. Sweet smelling, not much brandy, bit of spice.
T: I get strong flavors of molasses and fig-like dark fruits, with a finish that is sweet and has flavors of warming brandy that is way more present than the nose. Molasses is strong alongside the dark fruits. I pretty much get molasses, fig, brandy, vanilla chocolate and cinnamon in that order. I’m still not getting nutmeg. Sweet overall, and boozy.
M: Medium-full body, low soft carbonation, with a clean and sweet mouthfeel.
O: Drink great. Sweet and fruity but the brandy balances well. Fig is there but not overwhelming. I liked it. Thanks again bbb099.

Serving type: bottle

02-16-2012 02:48:41 | More by scottfrie

Gobigvt7

Oregon

5/5  rDev +25.3%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Part of 8-Tap Block 15 Takeover (+Imagine, 2 years of Pappy's Dark, Caves Saison, Pale Ale, Super Nebula, and La Ferme De Demons) 12oz tulip at The Hop & Vine (Portland, OR)

Pours a gorgeous figgy (go figg-ure) brown, chestnut around the curves. Fine frothy head, reduces fairly quickly to a thin, off-white cap.

Sweet caramels on the nose, raisin, plum, bread. Faint cinnamon, allspice. Hops a non-player.

Wow. Wow. This tastes SO good. Exactly like a dark raisin bread, dessertlike and rich. Sugared dates, cinnamon and a little barrelly nougat. I could drink this every day of my life and die happy.

11% but hides it well. Tastes like cake but, somehow, not cloying. Big, robust body but not filling. I should have let this warm up (i'd drink this hot in a mug in a heartbeat) but didn't have the patience. Strong carbonation from first to last.

We're edging up on hyperbole here, but I freaking love this beer. The 5 I'm about to give it puts all the recent 4.5's I've rated to shame, and that includes Pliny the Younger. I wish I could afford to drown in it. Please, mommy, can I?

Serving type: on-tap

02-13-2012 00:36:43 | More by Gobigvt7

bbb099

California

4.33/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Pours a deep mahogany brown color. Nice and foamy mocha-colored head.

S - Sweet and fruity aroma. Figs, molasses, and toffee.

T - Syrupy sweet taste of dark fruits. A little amount of bourbon and licorice.

M - Small amount of carbonation, medium to full bodied.

O - Incredibly sweet beer. Great taste for the high amount of abv.

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2012 01:55:51 | More by bbb099

mjyoung

California

3.93/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Thanks to bbb099. Split w/ scottfrie and bbb099

A: Pours a dark brown with a thin off-white head.

S: Whoa. Sweet sweet beer. A lot of molasses and dark fruit. There may be a bit of spice there as well (cinnamon?) but not getting too much of it. A tad too sweet for me, but other than that it was good.

T: Molasses and dark fruit, which I'm presuming are the figs. Quite good, but a little overwhelmingly malty for me.

M: Syrupy but with appropriate carb. Nothing special, but good.

O: Good, but it caught me a bit off guard.

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2012 01:52:30 | More by mjyoung

largadeer

California

4/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: Pours a hazy mahogany color with a leather-hued head.

Smell: The nose is interesting, rich with figs and spices, not nearly as barrel forward as I expected. It's rather earthy, moderately sweet and malty, with a pleasant molasses overtone. Cinnamon and nutmeg are noticed but thankfully don't overwhelm. It's faintly metallic when cold, but that dissipates as it warms and the barrel shines through a bit more.

Taste and mouthfeel: As the nose implies, this is much more about figs, toasted malt and spices than barrel. Figs lend a gentle earthy sweetness that's quite nice, while spices and oak contribute light tannins and astringency that balance out the malt a bit. It's a sweet beer, but not too sweet, nor is it terribly heavy. The spices feel heavier on the palate than they do on the nose, but aren't harsh. The finish brings warming alcohol and a slight tannic bite, leaving lingering flavors of fig and molasses.

Overall: Pretty good, unique and easy to drink given the strength and richness.

Serving type: bottle

01-30-2012 18:18:43 | More by largadeer

drabmuh

Maryland

4.1/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks to Starrdogg for this tick, served in a snifter. At the time of this review, this is the #5 beer on the English Strong Ale list, quite a nice little beer too. I enjoyed it a lot.

Beer is brown mostly clear with a decent little head of off white bubbles, some lacing, relatively low retnetion, moderate carbonation.

Aroma is sweet, fruity, dark jam and figs. Some spice too.

Beer is medium in body and a little boozy, sweet and a thinning alcohol on the back end. The overall experience of the beer is nice, a little biscuit and a little malt sugar / syrup. A nice strong ale for sure, I'd have it again.

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2012 18:35:52 | More by drabmuh

KickInTheChalice

Illinois

4/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a 750 mL bottle into a snifter. Thanks to Dunt for bringing this over.

My pour has a dark ruby brown color with a moderate sized tan foam. The head fades to a small film and a ring around the edge.

Caramel, nutmeg, toffee, and spices contribute most of the aroma and flavor. Some bourbon, cherry, toasted bread, and soft butter add some additional flavor notes. A bit of molasses sweetness comes in as it warms. The body is on the fuller side of medium, with a smooth, creamy, carbonation.

Everything about this beer is above average but not great. There are a fair number of flavors working well together, but it drinks a little bit light and has a light body. If the flavor was a little stronger, with a fuller body, I would like it better.

Serving type: bottle

01-23-2012 01:38:04 | More by KickInTheChalice

womencantsail

California

3.68/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks for sharing this, Richard.

Pours deep amber in color with a finger of off-white head. A slightly sweet aroma with a fair bit of oxidation. There’s a nice bit of toffee and caramel, maybe some brown sugar. A little underwhelming. The flavor is good, but not great. There’s a mild vanilla and oak flavor with the same type of sweet, malty notes of the aroma: caramel and toffee. Maybe a hint of dark fruits. Medium body with smooth carbonation.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2012 17:06:41 | More by womencantsail

Thorpe429

Illinois

3.63/5  rDev -9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Thanks to starrdogg for making this possible. Served in a snifter.

Pours a medium brown color with a good off-white head and a thin collar. The nose brings some nice fruity notes plus a good dosing of spice. Moderate amount of barrel character in the background. The flavor has some stone and dark fruits plus a nice bit of spice and spirit. Medium-full body with a bit of booze. Interesting and fairly tasty.

Serving type: bottle

01-18-2012 23:13:15 | More by Thorpe429

sweemzander

Illinois

3.75/5  rDev -6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

750mL corked and caged bottle poured into a tulip. Thanks to Jason for the bottle!

(A)- Pours a deep chestnut brown amber color. Some good tan froth and lace.

(S)- Plenty of spice in this. Lots actually. Some rich bread-like yeast and molasses with rich fig, but man, they sure put the spice cabinet in this.

(T)- A nice rich profile very similar to the smell, though thankfully not nearly has heavy in the spice department. Lots of fig and dried fruits with a raisin-like molasses malt. Finishes slightly chalky with subtle woody oak and brandy.

(M)- A smooth/balanced carbonation level and a fairly good balance to it overall. Not as thick or dense as I was expecting; in fact, its really quite thin. The 11% ABV is well integrated though.

(D)- Overall, this is an entertaining and interesting beer; great for the winter season. It is mostly well integrated together, though I think it could use a bit more of a thicker mouthfeel.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2012 17:32:24 | More by sweemzander

MBrausen

Minnesota

3.85/5  rDev -3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Thanks to Dougofthefuture for holding this tasting!

Poured from a bomber into a snifter.

A. Pours a deep red pearl, very rich color, has a 3mm foam. Even after sitting for a few minutes, it retained a nice thick head.

S. Smells of toffee, chocolate, sugary and fruit

T. Tastes of light toffee, a chocolatey sugar, very noticable lactose, a strong overtone of figs, and almost no taste of the brandy barrel.

M. Medium-thin body, wet initially, with a wet finish that is slightly dry

O. A okay beer, nothing mind blowing or impressive. I really wish you could taste the barrel or the brandy. There was no hint of being a BA beer. A simple, thin beer, just not what you would expect. Something I would try if it was sitting around, but not something I would ever go out of my way to trade for.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2012 06:33:18 | More by MBrausen

yourefragile

District of Columbia

4.1/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

2011 cork and cage 750 mL bottle shared by Matt served in a random snifter.

Pours a murky dark amber-brown with a short tan head that fades to a frothy ring. Aroma was my favorite part of the beer; subtle blend of oak, cinnamon, apple, plum, nutmeg, molasses and all things Christmas. Flavor is much drier and less sweet than expected. Cinnamon is fairly strong though out and cuts the sweetness of the brandy barrel nicely. Plums, figs, apples and light cherry fruit flavors throughout and a dry, oaky finish. Medium thick body, smooth and creamy throughout. Not nearly as spicy or fruity (or more generally, novel) as imagined, but the balance and subtle alcohol presence this fresh is impressive.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2012 17:31:19 | More by yourefragile

BedetheVenerable

Missouri

3.98/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Presentation: Absolutely gorgeous 750 brown Belgian-style bottle, corked and caged...2011 vintage. Really stoked to finally get to try this. Huge thanks to my awesome wife for nabbing this for my birthday!

Appearance: Murky deep garnet brew, capped with a nice light tan cap with good retention.

Smell: Wow, smells quite a bit like the dessert, actually. The first thing you get is a fruity brandy booze note, followed by a bit of dry oak, dark, sticky, juicy figs, and dark caramel. No spice aromas, which is kind of surprising. Still, quite pleasant.

Taste: Not really what I expected. I'm not getting a real strong fruit (i.e. fig) presence here, nor much at all in the way of spice, though several spices were used. This tastes like a really nice oak-aged English Old Ale. Some sweet, caramelly dark malt, nice dry oaky notes with fruity brandy and a bit of leather. Just a bit of sticky dark fig in the background and a hint of dusty cocoa on the finish, but the booze and oak keep it way in the back. A bit bitter and boozy on the finish.

Mouthfeel: Medium-full

Overall: Not at all what I expected; this is not a sticky, fruit-forward, spicy Winter Warmer. Instead, this is a slightly fruity, barrel-aged Old Ale in the English tradition. The barrel-aging here has been done really well. A bit of vinous/dark fruit emerges the longer this sits out (i.e. room temp). Gonna hang on to my other bottle of this until next year, to see if the booze retreats a bit and the fruity/spice notes emerge a bit more.

At this point, at $15, I'd give this a B-B+

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2012 04:09:48 | More by BedetheVenerable

stakem

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks to joe for hooking me up with some block 15 brews. I've wanted to try this one for awhile. This review is based off the newest release - 2011 corked ad caged 750ml bottle format. Shares with friends and poured into a snifter. The brew appears an amber brown with ruby clarity through the body. A finger of tan head fades leaving webby patterns of lacework on the glass. A light swirl brings up a yellowish tan froth. Orange clarity is noted around the edges.

The smell has a dark sweetness like molasses mixed with prunes/plums and some mild spices that include vanilla. It has a very rum-like character about it. Some rindy fruits are noted towards the back of the aroma that were previously surpressed.

The taste is mildly oaky and includes some cinnamon spice overtop of a sweetness of plum, prune, raisin and molasses. The hops are evident with a bit of grassy and herb quality. Overall this has quite a spirit-infused alcohol character throughout. Some toasty caramel to burnt grain flavoring comes out more as the brew warms. Despite the rum alcohol aspect, it also has something reminescent of orange liquor.

This is a medium bodied brew with a modest to high level of carbonation that gets very frothy inside the mouth. It contains a nice arrangement of flavor but wasn't exactly what I was expecting. It is certainly worth a try and overall is quite good for what it is.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2012 19:04:46 | More by stakem

nmbr0ne

Florida

3.93/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into snifter from bottle.

Appearance: Mahogany color with a lot of creamy, off-white head. Excellent amount of lacing as well.

Smell: Smells pretty spicy including hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Doesn't smell a lot like brandy. Smells sweet with fruits dipped in caramel. There was also a strong metallic smell that went away while the beer sat for a little bit. The metallic smell was very off-putting.

Taste: Pretty sweet with not a lot of brandy present from the barrels. Fruity flavor overall.

Mouthfeel: Excellent amount of carbonation. Light to medium-bodied. Has drinkability, but definitely not a lawn-mower beer. I still consider it a dessert beer, but not as delicious as I expected.

Overall: Really nice strong ale, but I can't help but feel a little disappointed about the weak brandy presence.

Serving type: bottle

01-05-2012 03:19:12 | More by nmbr0ne

robbrandes

Oregon

4.4/5  rDev +10.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

750ml poured into a tulip.

pours a hazy deep brown, amber hints. minimal, tan head, recedes to a thin film. nose is dark fruit, plenty of woodsy-brandy, just a whiff of spice.
taste - big malts upfront, the figs come through in perfect balance with the warm alcohol. reminds me of a well-done belgian dark.

i'm always nervous about spiced beers, but this is exceptionally well done.

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2012 05:34:24 | More by robbrandes

RocPorterFanatic

Ohio

3.93/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Pours dark red, almost like craberry juice when held to the light. Alot of off white sticky head, almost 3 fingers worth.

S - Caramel, charred figs, burnt marshmallow.

T - Sticky sweet with marshmallow and fig all up front. A brandy like alcohol warmth is very present and complements the beer nicely. Sugary sweetness chases the beer down the palate as I swallow.

M - Cloying sweetness broken up by ginger ale/Champagne like carbonation.

O - Perfect beer for the holiday season. Might need to stock up on this one. I'm afraid of what would happen once the alcohol and carbonation were to fade. This beer would become a sticky mess.

Serving type: bottle

12-26-2011 21:38:27 | More by RocPorterFanatic

dwaz

Pennsylvania

4.72/5  rDev +18.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to Robbrandes for sending this, 2011 vintage.

A: Pours a dark reddish brown with small white head

S: Strong smell of sweet cherry and figs with slight whiff of brandy that becomes more pronounced as the beer warms

T: Just like the smell, strong taste of sweet cherry and figs upfront with a nice brandy flavor on the back end, a nice sipper. Didn't really pick up any cinnamon or nutmeg flavors

M: Medium carbonation and body

O: A really nice treat for Xmas morning, gave to my wife as a present and she wanted to open it immediately. Fortunately for me, she shared the bottle and it didn't disappoint, great Christmas beer. Again, thanks Rob for making this happen.

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2011 18:27:29 | More by dwaz

Siggy125

California

3.53/5  rDev -11.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Thanks oregone for this one.
2010 vintage poured form its 750ml bottle, shared with a group of buddies while doing a Christmas and winter warmer bottle share.

Mirky caramel brown in color, almost no carbonation, maybe a few lonely bubbles.

Smells of dried fruits, mainly figs, baking spices and a subtle brandy booziness on the nose. Pleasand aromas.

The palate presence very similar to the nose but the figs and heavy malt sweetness are very prominent. Flavors of fruitcake, cookie dough and brandy follow. The abv is noticeable but not as heavy as the abv may indicate.

This is a very unique brew and serves well as a winter warmer on the right occasion. Not sure it lived up to the hype for me but very glad I got to try it.

Serving type: bottle

12-17-2011 20:55:48 | More by Siggy125

corylew

Oregon

4.47/5  rDev +12%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Had the '11 on tap

Pours muddy brown with a thin tan head that forms into a ring around the tulip glass halfway down.

Smells fruity with a malty toasty nose that swims amongst molasses and spice.

Tastes malty foremost. Lots of spice and fruit characteristics. A slight sweetness but only in a flavor aspects not in density.

Mouthfeel follows Belgian guidelines. Spritzy.

Overall this beer was a crowd favorite. Packed with flavor yet light. Absolutely wonderful.

Serving type: on-tap

12-01-2011 03:43:22 | More by corylew

oregone

Oregon

4.05/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Side by side draft comparison of 2010 to 2011.

Note: I have high hopes (and expect) that some of the currently stronger spice notes, predominantly cinnamon, in the '11 will mellow with some time leaving the greater fruit presence in that year to shine as it does, albeit to a lesser extent, in the '10.

A: '11 visibly darker and running towards molasses
'10: Caramel or dark honey. Good clarity.
Both pour with a solid finger+ of creamy off-white head that recedes to persistent broken tufts of cloudy foam. Excellent lacing.

S: '11: Cinnamon and baking spice up front with a big push of candied fruit and fig preserves. Light hint of alcohol enhances the spiciness. Some rich oak/vanilla notes apparent.
'10: Subdued spiciness from cinnamon and nutmeg with a lift again from the light alcohol note. Fruit is less caramelized/preserved and more simply along the lies of 'ripe.' Malt backbone more apparent in a reticent bready character. Hints of spicy barrel treatment.

T: '11: Spicy up front. Cinnamon dominant with a light sharpness balanced by the strong fruit again. Buckwheat honey, dried fig, very dark caramel or molasses, and some brandy-soaked raisin apparent. Soft oaken notes with hints of vanilla again.
'10: Subtle spice. More along a vague hint of pumpkin pie spice than anything distinctive. Ripe to over-ripe figs, some dark caramel, hints again of a dark honey. Golden raisin and some molasses..

M: '11: Moderately viscous with a good medium/full body. Carbonation is more creamy in appreciation than crisp. Very smooth, and stears away from sticky in favor of rich.
'10: Very similar.

O: I found the current spiciness of the '11 to detract from the experience to some extent, as did some others in our group. However, others next to us, including brewery/pub staff seemed to disagree. Obviously tolerance of it is a matter of taste largely. There is a very nice richer fruit and altogether 'darker' fruit and caramel character to the '11 that bodes well for it's development. Not having had the '10 at the time of it's release, I can't say whether they both will follow similar evolutionary paths in regards to the spice, but they are quite visibly different beers otherwise.
I've averaged my impressions for the two, and if reviewing the '10 alone would have given a higher score, but again, my expectation is that the '11 will evolve nicely and ultimately end up as the better brew. I hope. ;)

Serving type: on-tap

11-20-2011 08:38:46 | More by oregone

HopHead84

California

3.9/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

2/21/2011

Snifter.

A: Orangish crimson with a big frothy beige head. Scattered lacing.

S: Really aromatic. Big fig and molasses notes with well integrated cinnamon and nutmeg. A little caramel and brown sugar accompany faint plum notes, brandy, and a little leather.

T: High level of sweetness with big fig and molasses notes accompanying a light brandy profile. Spices kick in midpalate and carry through the finish, cinnamon and nutmeg. Moderate booze heat. Slight caramel note.

M: Upper medium in body with moderate carbonation. Mouthfeel is smooth and sticky.

Overall: A very complex beer that I liked quite a bit in small quantities.

Serving type: bottle

02-23-2011 02:13:57 | More by HopHead84

johnmichaelsen

Oregon

4.28/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap at Belmont Station the other night.

The beer pours a fairly dark brown color with very good head retention and nice lacing. The nose is likewise impressive, showcasing considerable molasses, caramel, cherry and vanilla. This beer smells rich and sweet, and I get the impression it will likely be pretty potent as well. As good as this beer smells, it tastes even better and is more complex on the palate. There is considerable vanilla and fig flavor, along with the caramel and molasses. The flavor components seemed to improve and become more complex as the beer warmed in the glass, and I picked up some sweet melon, hazelnut and butter as well. The beer is pretty viscuous, with the carbonation dialed down fairly low. That seemed to add to the rich, soft, heavy cream mouthfeel to this beer. While the beer is not at all hot, heavy or tiring on the palate, you can tell the alcohol is definitely up there, and that along with the sweetness makes this beer very much a sipper.

Glad I had a chance to try this one. This is really a very nice Winter Warmer, and would probably not be something I would enjoy any other time except in the dead of Winter. Regardless, this is an impressive effort from the folks at Block 15.

Serving type: on-tap

12-12-2010 17:06:30 | More by johnmichaelsen