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
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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 reviews
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
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
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
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Citrus fruit aromas are combined with woody notes, apricots and hints of tropical fruits reminiscent of passion fruit. A pale golden beer with some dry hop haze and a creamy white foam stand. Pink grapefruit intermingled with the tropical fruits up front and center in the flavor. The woody... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Starr Hill Amber Ale was judged as an Irish Red Ale, BJCP Style Category 15A. Light caramel notes with some floral and earthy hops as well as some toasty malt notes come through with a hint of toffee in the aroma. The fermentation character is clea, and the beer pours a copper color with bright... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Red Flag by Heavy Seas Beer was evaluated as BJCP category 23B, Flanders Red Ale.
Red wine-like fruity esters with an impression of tart cherries, raisins and plums start off in the aroma. A rich toasty malt character comes in and overtakes the sour impression and complements the dark... Read More