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.
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
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
Low Road Brewing Saison was judged as BJCP Category 25B, standard strength pale saison. The aroma opens with moderately high levels of spice, cinnamon, clove and white pepper. There is some lower-level spice qualities that seem more reminiscent of spicy hops. The clove... Read More
Birthday Month Blueberry Cryo Hop IIPA by Wild Leap Brew Co., Trial Blend Blueberry, was judged as BJCP category 22A, Double IPA. The aroma opens with high levels of white grapefruit and pineapple. There is a slight resin note along with a touch of nectarine. There is... Read More
Loriot by Ghost Hawk Brewing Co. was judged as a table version Saison, BJCP category 24B, as the guidelines for Saison allows for a rather large span of interpretation. Overall, my expectations for any “farmhouse” or saison beer include some peppery spice phenolics, a... Read More
Hawaiian Lounge Juice by Highland Brewing Co. was judged as a Fruit Beer, BJCP category 29A, with Double IPA as the base beer.
The beer opens with some catty, dank hops that are overcome by the floral perfume of passion fruit. The mango makes an appearance in the aromatics coming across... Read More
