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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 reviews

Polonia Pils

Polonia Pils, Flying Bison Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Polonia Pils by Flying Bison Brewing Co. was judged as BJCP 5D German Pils.

Malty sweetness at moderately high levels coalesce with floral hops for an inviting first impression. Super clean fermentation allows the grainy malt to shine through. Light golden color, clear but not bright... Read More

pFriem Export Lager

pFriem Export Lager, pFriem Family Brewers
Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

pFriem Export Lager by pFriem Family Brewers was judged as a German Helles Exportbier, BJCP category 5C.

White grape aromatics are first to meet you and remind me of many fine Kölsch beers. Moderate levels of floral hops begin to take over but are joined by some sweet yet grainy malt.... Read More

Synopsis Guava

Synopsis Guava

Connecticut
United States
Synopsis Guava, Area Two Experimental Brewing
Description 

Synopsis Guava is a unique, 6.4% sour ale fermented with bacteria and also with wild and cultured yeast strains. It is then aged on wood and abundantly fruited with guava and features a floral aroma and tart tropical notes.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.4%

 

 


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Judges Rating:
84
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Synopsis Guava by Area Two Experimental Brewing was judged as BJCP category 28C, American Wild Specialty Beer.

Guava and pineapple are present at moderate levels along with a slight impression of lactic sourness. Some very faint funky notes lurk in the background. A little toasty aspect... Read More

Samuel Adams Rebel IPA

Rebel IPA Sam Adams Boston Beer
Judges Rating:
88
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
17 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

This beer evinces aromas of Meyer lemons, pine and toasty caramel malts. This beer pours a slightly hazy, clear light copper  with a nice white foam stand leaves lacing behind, then drops to a lingering ring of cream. The flavor presents pithy lemons, pine resin and bitter orange, which comes... Read More

Tonsure

Tonsure

New Jersey
United States
Tonsure, Ghost Hawk Brewing
Description 

Brewed with Pilsner malt, Belgian candy syrup and a special strain of yeast, this special ale was aged for five weeks before release. It’s packed with notes of banana, pear, plums and candied spice. The strength is deceptive so enjoy in moderation lest you awake in a monastery with a funny looking haircut.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
10.0%
IBUs: 
17
Served at: 
45º F
Malts: 
Pilsner

 

 


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Judges Rating:
87
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Tonsure by Ghost Hawk Brewing Co. was judged as BJCP category 26C, Belgian Tripel.

The aroma opens with floral hops that are then overtaken by bubblegum phenolics and banana esters. Some spicy pepper comes in that seems to come from alcohol that is pleasant, not... Read More

Hot Streak IPA

Hot Streak IPA black tooth beer
Judges Rating:
89
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

This is what you want to experience when open an American IPA.  Supper fresh grapefruit, lemons and an underlying hint of pine aromatics. Some sweet malt makes its way through as the beer warmed up a little. Bright gold with a creamy, slightly off white foam beautifully laces the glass.  The... Read More

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