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Rick Franckhauser

Rick Franckhauser's picture
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.

rick-franckhauser-cert_b0446_national.jpg

 

My articles

Though pumpkin beers are common, finely brewed examples are somewhat rare.
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

Front Row

Front Row by Starr Hill Brewery
Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

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

Jammer, Sixpoint Brewery
Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

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

Bad Seed

Louisiana
United States
Bad Seed, Gnarly Barley Brewing
Description 

Bad Seed is a Gose heavily fruited with raspberry, blueberry, and a hint of blackberry. Packed with a berry punch this super crushable, slightly tart brew clocks in at 5% ABV. This is the perfect Summer brew to share with friends and family by the pool!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.0%
Served at: 
45º - 50º F
Malts: 
Pilsen Malt, Flaked Wheat
Hops: 
Cascade

 

 


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Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

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

BoomBox

Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

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

Pumpkin Brown Ale

Louisiana
United States
Pumpkin Brown Ale, Low Road Brewing
Description 

We took our American Brown Ale and finished it with pumpkin spices and a just hint of toasted coconut.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.5%
IBUs: 
22
Malts: 
Pale Malt, Honey Malt, Crystal 120L
Hops: 
Columbus, Willamette

 

 


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Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

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

Belô Petroleum

Belô Petroleum
Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

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

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