Sour Me Unicorn Farts by DuClaw Brewing Co. is a sour ale with fruit cereal and glitter and was judged as BJCP category 28C, “Wild Specialty Beer.” The aromatics opened with a slight blackberry ester and a touch of grainy, biscuit malt. No other fruity aspects are... 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:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
New world hops at their finest are on display in this brew. None of the dank, high-alpha varietals are on hand, but rather a tropical fruit punch medley of aromatics highlighting mango, pink grapefruit and tangerine, combine with apricot and a little pine resin. A slightly hazy golden color is ... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
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
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Upon pouring, I am greeted with a slightly hazy yellow beer topped with a creamy white head. The aroma starts off with a kick of fresh lemon and orange zest. It is then combined with a little pine, peach esters and alcohol while remaining clean and bright with a touch of grainy malt underneath.... 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
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Temporarily Permanent by Cape May Brewing Co. was judged as a Wild Specialty beer, BJCP category 28C.
Mangoes and what seem more like peaches than apricots are the first aromatics that hit followed by a light vinous grape element. A light lemony citrus follows, which hints at the tartness to... Read More