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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:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Twenty-Two by Low Road Brewing was reviewed following the 2021 style guidelines established by the Beer Judge Certification Program under category 1B American Lager.
A light, malt-accented aroma is initially manifest with only a wisp of hops in the background.... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
pFriem Hazy IPA (2024) by pFriem Family Brewers was evaluated according to the 2021 Beer Judge Certification Program under category 21C, Hazy IPA.
Pouring from a 12-ounce can into a pint glass revealed a cloudy pale straw-colored beer with a prolonged two-inch... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
A firm citrus fruit hop aroma comes through cleanly to greet the nose and is accompanied by piney notes and a hint of grainy malts. This is a clear amber ale with a medium white, finely beaded head that keeps on coming.
The hop-forward flavor is reminiscent of the aroma profile and... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Poured from what appeared to be an eight-ounce bottle into a nine-ounce snifter and subsequently reviewed as per BJCP 2015 style guidelines under catagory 23B European Sour Ale , Flanders Red Ale.
A complex blend of aromatics delight the nostrils upon first pour. Dark cherries are first... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Helles Lager by KC Bier Co. was judged under BJCP category 4A, Munich Helles.
A true and traditional example of the Munich Helles Style in every respect.
Light Golden in color, crystal clear with a medium white head and fine bead. The aroma was honey-like with a biscuity quality... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Lone Buffalo by Wild Leap Brew Co. was reviewed as per the 2015 revised style guidelines established by the Beer Judge Certification Program under sub-category 33B Specialty Wood Aged Beer.
Upon first pour, an astonishing complexity of aromas were conveyed.... Read More