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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
Citrus hop aromas combine with piney and fruity notes to deliver a firm punch of aromatics to the nostrils. This beer poured a quite clear copper color with a khaki-tinted head that slowly receded to a thin cap. The flavor was dominated by a tropical, juicy hop character, which melded together... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Mexican Stout by Ship Bottom Brewery was judged as a 30A spice, herb or vegetable beer as defined in the Beer Judge Certification Program Style Guidelines revised in 2015.
Aromas of dark chocolate, vanilla and coffee are evident along with the distinct influence of Chile peppers which... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
'Pack & Brass by Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. was rated under style guidelines as provided by the Beer Judge Certification Program (revised 2015) under category 30A Herb, Spice & Vegetable Beer. Poured from a 16-ounce can into a pint glass. This beer's Coffee IPA title is very misleading... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Destress Express by Georgia Beer Co. was reviewed under the auspices of the Beer Judge Certification Program style guidelines, category 34B mixed-style beer.
A pleasant aromatic blend of roasted grain is immediately in evidence and is accompanied by a pronounced... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Peaceful Groove by New Realm Brewing was judged as Category 29A, Fruit Beer, per the 2021 Beer Judge Certification Program guidelines.
A potpourri of fruity aromatics is immediately perceived in the aroma. Pineapple dominates and is accompanied by a complexity... Read More
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
A defined vanilla aroma marries with hints of sweet corn to create a cakelike character in the nose with absolutely no hint of hops. The absence of fruity esters suggests the possibility of cold conditioning or the use of a lager yeast. This beer poured a pale hazy yellow in appearance with a... Read More