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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:
5 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
27 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
Bullfrog Brewing, Le Roar, Oak Aged Aardbei, was judged as a Fruit Lambic (with strawberries), category 23F.
The aroma opens with some Lambic like funk, hay and horse blanket. Then some vinegar and oak creep in accompanied by a fermented berry aspect that was a little off putting. While... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Brut IPA is not a recognized style in the BJCP guidelines. However, I judged Juicy Brut by Short's Brewing Co. as BJCP category 21B, Specialty IPA.
Fresh “juicy” grapefruit aromatics come out up front then seem to morph into pineapple. There is no impression of sweetness, which leads to... Read More
Judge's Review: 91 Rating - Barrel-Aged Brownie Batter Batch #1: Hawaiian Brownie by Pontoon Brewing
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Barrel-Aged Brownie Batter Batch #1: Hawaiian Brownie by Pontoon Brewing features toasted macadamia, coconut, vanilla and coffee aged in whiskey and cognac barrels. This beer is being judged as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer, BJCP category 33B.
The aroma opens with a big chocolate fudge... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Pumpkin Spice Donut by Wild Leap Brew Co. was judged as BJCP Category 30B, Autumn Seasonal Beer with 26C, Belgian Tripel as the base style.
The beer opens with a really nice blend of pumpkin pie spice at near-equal balance of clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Dark caramel candy combines with some cinnamon spice notes in the aroma. Roasted malt, coffee, and a little molasses make a showing as the beer warms. Deep brown in color with garnet hues, this beer is topped with a creamy tan head. Belgian lace decorates the glass through to the last sip. The... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Aromas of fresh grass and grapefruit jump out of the glass along with some pine, wood, oranges, and a touch of malt sweetness. A hazy light-golden color with a fine, off-white and creamy foam cap holds up until the end. Big pithy grapefruit flavors assault the palate followed quickly by resinous... Read More