Start 14-Day Trial Subscription
*No credit card required
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:
19 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Pike’s Monk’s Uncle was judged as a Belgian Tripel, BJCP category 26C.
Pronounced levels of spicy hops and phenols. High levels of clove and mace along with some white pepper. Hints of alcohol and lemony fruity esters are joined by a touch of grainy malt. The phenols dominate the nose,... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Summertime Seedless by DuClaw Brewing Co. was judged as a Wild Specialty Beer, BJCP category 28C. There is a slight impression of sourness in the aroma followed by a moderately high level of grassy hops. A slight earthy note with a little grainy malt comes through as... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Think "Grapefruit Radler on steroids" and you’ll have a good idea of what to expect from this beer. Bold, yet refreshing, the tangy, fresh grapefruit combines with American hops for a citrus explosion, but the malt sweetness keeps things just barely in check. The hop bitterness by itself may be... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
State of Flow by Moniker Brewery was judged as a German Pilsner, BJCP Category 5D. The aroma opens with a moderately high level of spicy and herbal hops with lower levels of grainy pilsner malt and maybe just a hint of lightly toasted white bread. There is a relatively... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
The beer pours a hazy gold with a creamy, slightly off-white, lingering head. Oranges and tropical fruits, reminiscent of mango and pineapple, are joined by some underlying pine and dankness. Very low levels of toffee sweetness can also be found hiding underneath the hops. The dank and citrusy... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
16 / 24
Flavor:
32 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
Coffee King of Hop is an Imperial IPA with coffee, and was evaluated as a Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer (2015 Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) Category 30A) offering according to BJCP guidelines. Just a hint of earthy coffee and dark bitter chocolate are soon joined by some dank hops. Ash... Read More