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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.
Front Row Golden Ale was judged as a Blond Ale, BJCP Style Category 18A. Fresh lemons and floral hops are present up front. Some low-level honey malt combines with a little lightly- toasted malt aspect for a nicely balanced aroma presentation. As it warms up I get a hint of very inviting... Read More
Jammer by Sixpoints Brewery is being evaluated under Category 27A, Historical Beer: Gose, from the 2015 BJCP guidelines. This historical style has experienced new life in recent years with the rise in popularity of sour beers. Many modern versions are fruited, an obvious paring that often helps... Read More
Bad Seed by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. is a gose with raspberry, blueberry and blackberry and was judged as BJCP Category 29A, Fruit beer, with BJCP Category 27A, gose, as the base beer style. A huge blueberry nose is quickly joined by a mineral note, presumably from the salt addition. Raspberry... Read More
Oranges, lemons and pine resin almost jump out of the glass and invite you to partake. Apricot and dried peach esters emerge with a noticeable alcohol presence. The grainy, toasty malt aromas come out of hiding after you acclimate to the citrus. Pouring a light orange with copper highlights,... Read More
Pumpkin Brown Ale by Low Road Brewing was judged as BJCP category 30B, Autumn Seasonal Beer. The beer opens with a strong nutmeg aromatic followed by a low-level vanilla and cocoa. There is a touch of toast and nuttiness. Maybe a woody hop notes as it warms up, but the... Read More
Aromas of chocolate-covered raisins, coffee and deep roasted malts is followed by alcohol that shows up as it warms. All of this is joined by notes of tobacco and hints of smoke. In terms of appearance, this is a black hole in a glass – light does not pass through. A creamy brown foam stand... Read More