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James Link
Beer Judge
A homebrewer in Connecticut for 31 years and a member of the BJCP for 29, Jim worked with Pat Baker, the driving force behind the creation and inception of the BJCP, while advancing to Grand Master ranking in 2001. With several decades of judging experience under his belt (along with many fine brews), Jim has served as Associate Exam Director for the BJCP, appeared on Connecticut Public Television and worked with international beer experts Michael Jackson and Jim Koch in judging Best of Show for the Samuel Adams Longshot competition in 1995. James was also a judge at the 2015,2016,2018 and 2019 Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado.
My articles
Thanks to the craft beer movement and the proliferation of new breweries and beer styles, many fascinating beers of all styles are available to...
My reviews
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Typical Daydream by On Tour Brewing Co. was reviewed from a goblet after a pour from a 32 ounce can and subsequently evaluated per style guidelines defined by the Beer Judge Certification Program as a Saison category # 25B.
A golden tinted hazy ale that supported a sizable white head that... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Boat Ramp Champ by Cape May Brewing Co. was reviewed using guidelines provided by the Beer Judge Certification Program under sub-heading 4A, Munich Helles, after being dispensed from a 16-ounce can into a pilsner glass.
A fresh biscuit-like malt aroma is... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Neon Roses by Wild Heaven Beer was reviewed using parameters established by the Beer Judge Certification Program and defined under their style guidelines as a Wheatwine (category 22D).
Lots of complexity in the aroma. Toasted malt notes with hints of mint and... Read More
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Smuttlabs Chestnut Saison is a hazy, pale, orange-colored ale with light conditioning and an off-white head, which was somewhat understated. Spicy yeast notes are evident in the bouquet as well as some citrusy and spicy notes and a hint of sweetness.
The flavor also exhibited spicy... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
This evaluation was predicated on the Beer Judge Certification Program style guidelines of 2015 category 26C Belgian Tripel.
Upon initial pour a pleasant complexity of aromas comes immediately into play. Yeasty phenols are dominant and accompanied by Coriander and other secondary spices.... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Brut IPA by Devils Backbone Brewing Co. was reviewed under style guidelines provided by the Beer Judge Certification Program, category 21B Specialty IPAs. It should be noted that the above mentioned Beer Judge Certification Program has not yet provided style guidelines for Brut IPA however are... Read More