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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:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Starr Hill Looking Glass IPA was judged as an American IPA, BJCP Style Category 21A. Fresh grapefruit with some pine resin, a little pineapple and a touch of mango are apparent upfront in the aroma. Very subtle grainy malt lurks beneath the hops. Clean fermentation, a yellow-gold color with some... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Samuel Adams New England IPA by The Boston Beer Co. is being judged as BJCP category 21B, Specialty IPA: New England IPA. Moderately high levels of orange and lemon citrus gives the impression that you are about to experience some acidic tartness, rather than sweet citrus. Low levels of... Read More
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Gnarly Barley Wee Heavy by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. was judged as BJCP Category 17C.
An ample supply of deep rich caramel and dark toasted malts with enough light caramel to provide a precursor to the sweetness that awaits you in the flavor. As the beer warms hints of raisins, nuts and a... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
An aroma of spicy noble hops followed by mild floral notes greets you before the toasty and somewhat caramel-like malt breaks through. A very clean fermentation, and a bright golden color accentuate the streaming bubbles, which support a creamy white head and fine lacing -- reminding you of what... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Double Sunshine Ruby Red Grapefruit by Lawson's Finest Liquids was judged as a BJCP category 29A, Fruit Beer, with 22A, Double IPA, as the base style.
Copious amounts of fresh grapefruit jump out of the glass. There are some accompanying citrus notes of lemon... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
17 / 24
Flavor:
29 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
14 / 20
Amazingly fresh green jalapeño and deep poblano pepper aromatics lead the way. It doesn’t burn your nose, but you know it’s going to be spicy before your first sip. A fleeting scent of toasty malt is detected but no hops were found in this Pale Ale. The flavor followed the aroma – it’s all about... Read More