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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:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
A host of hop aromas were immediately omnipresent upon introduction of this Session IPA from a 12-ounce can to a pint glass. Notes of pineapple mixed with other tropical and citrus fruit aromatics to create an enticing bouquet.
Golden in color with a medium white head and slight haze, the... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Judged as a 9C Strong European Beer, Baltic Porter per the 2015 style guidelines provided by the Beer Judge Certification Program.
A rich chocolate malt aroma with coffee-like undertones are immediately evident upon first pour. Lager yeast notes are also present and add a pleasant... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Fruit Cup Vol. 1 by Pontoon Brewing was reviewed following an initial pour from a 16 ounce can into a 12 ounce goblet and rated as per style guidelines as provided by the Beer Judge Certification Program under subheading 29B Fruit and Spice Beer.
An aroma redolent of sour cherries is... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Alpha Abstraction Vol. 18 by Wild Leap Brew Co. was accomplished using the 2015 style guidelines provided by the Beer Judge Certification Program under category 22A Double IPA.
A plethora of hop aromas is released upon the initial pour and is defined by a blend... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
HelleSent by Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. was reviewed per style guidelines established by the Beer Judge Certification Program (Revised 2021) under subheading 4A, Munich Helles.
The beer pours with a pale yellow color, brilliantly clear with a medium white head that manifested itself upon... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
A rich roasted malt aroma assails the nostrils upon the initial pour. Hops are pleasantly subdued to allow the dark malty bouquet ever-present in this rendition to manifest itself.
A medium tan head poured up nicely and held over this ink black ale. Hops and roasted grains marry well with... Read More