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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:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
This evaluation was made from a 12-ounce bottle subsequently poured into a 16-ounce pilsner glass and under the auspices of the 2015 BJCP style guidelines as a 4A Munich Helles.
It was a welcome change to review a tried and true beer style in these days of Coconut Curry and Tutti Fruity... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Hefeweizen by KC Bier Co. was reviewed as a 10A German Wheat Beer as defined by the Beer Judge Certification Program’s style guidelines revised edition of 2015. Poured from a 12-ounce bottle into a 22-ounce wheat beer glass.
A Hefeweizen by all accounts. Pale yellow in color and lightly... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
The following review of Situational Ethics - Vanilla Barrel-Aged Affogato Imperial Stout by Monday Night Brewing was conducted under the provisions of the style guidelines as provided by the Beer Judge Certification Program under sub heading 33B Specialty Wood-Aged... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Mocha Moon Imperial Coffee Stout by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. was reviewed under the auspices of the Beer Judge Certification Program Guidelines (Revised 2021) under category 34B Mixed-Style Beer. This particular category covers a plethora of styles. The below... Read More
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
This hazy, peach-colored Double IPA with a medium-white head delivered a very distinct passion fruit aroma with notes of overripe tangerines and just a wisp of citrus.
Although hops are more pronounced in the flavor than was the case in the bouquet this beer wafted, it is still defined by... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
This beer was appraised as an 8A Schwarzbier following the guidelines established by the Beer Judge Certification Program in 2015.
Schwarzbiers are not the run of the mill German lagers in that they are the only lagers that manifest a roasted malt character. The aforementioned roast is... Read More