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Rick Franckhauser
Beer Judge
Rick’s interest in beer styles and brewing began in 1975, as a part of an interest in the culinary arts but his education in beer styles began with an introduction to Michael Jackson’s “The World Guide To Beer”. In those days imported beers were hard to come by to say the least. As that began to change, his appreciation and interest in various beer styles grew stronger. Some styles remained hard to find, so in 1991, Rick began home brewing. To increase his knowledge of the brewing process he became a member of the Cincinnati Malt Infusers homebrew club in 1996, where he served as Program Director and helps to conduct an annual BJCP exam prep class. Rick became a BJCP judge in 2004 and has risen to the rank of National. But most importantly, he loves beer! After all these years, he remains fascinated with the varied aroma and flavor experiences a beer can provide.
My articles
We all know the story. The Pilgrims were floating about looking for some new digs when they ran out of beer. So, they pulled the Mayflower over,...
My reviews
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Sour Me Unicorn Farts by DuClaw Brewing Co. is a sour ale with fruit cereal and glitter and was judged as BJCP category 28C, “Wild Specialty Beer.” The aromatics opened with a slight blackberry ester and a touch of grainy, biscuit malt. No other fruity aspects are... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
New world hops at their finest are on display in this brew. None of the dank, high-alpha varietals are on hand, but rather a tropical fruit punch medley of aromatics highlighting mango, pink grapefruit and tangerine, combine with apricot and a little pine resin. A slightly hazy golden color is ... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Low Road Brewing Saison was judged as BJCP Category 25B, standard strength pale saison. The aroma opens with moderately high levels of spice, cinnamon, clove and white pepper. There is some lower-level spice qualities that seem more reminiscent of spicy hops. The clove... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Upon pouring, I am greeted with a slightly hazy yellow beer topped with a creamy white head. The aroma starts off with a kick of fresh lemon and orange zest. It is then combined with a little pine, peach esters and alcohol while remaining clean and bright with a touch of grainy malt underneath.... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Starr Hill Brewing’s Mango Habanero King of Hop is an Imperial IPA with Mango and Habanero, and was evaluated as a Fruit and Spice Beer (2015 Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) Category 29B) offering according to BJCP guidelines.
Oranges and grapefruit give way to the mango, some... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Highland Pilsner by Highland Brewing Co. was judged as a German Pils, BJCP category 5D.
Medium grainy malt evenly balanced by floral hops. Additional spicy hops and just a trace of sulfur join in. The aroma leans slightly toward the hops as you drink through but the malt is always present... Read More