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James Link

James Link's picture
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.

James Link: BJCP Grand Master II Beer Judge

My reviews

Lunch

Maine Beer Company Lunch IPA
Judges Rating:
88
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

This IPA features a potpourri of aromas: Notes of passion fruit and tangerines combine with piney and citrusy hop aromatics to pack a real punch to the nostrils. Golden in color with a very clear, medium-white head that laced the glass nicely. The head was not tightly condensed and with the low... Read More

Hopgasm

Manayunk Beer Hopgasm Sticky IPA
Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

A plethora of aromatic hops are released upon pouring this IPA from a 16 ounce can into a pint glass. This type of aroma strongly suggests the aggressive use of dry hopping which in this case featured a bouquet of passion fruit, sticky pine and citrus.

The appearance reflected a hazy... Read More

Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Bizarre Gardening Accident Kumquat by Motorworks Brewing was reviewed per 2015 style guidelines of the Beer Judge Certification Program under category 29A Fruit Beer.

A big white head filled the glass and then fell off quickly. Lots of tiny bubbles were manifest throughout its hazy pale... Read More

Born Bohemian Pils

Born Bohemian Pils

Maryland
United States
Born Bohemian Pils, Denizens Brewing Co.
Description 

This Czech-style pilsner is straw in color, light in body, and finishes with a round mouthfeel. This beer is distinguished from the German-style pilsner due to a softer water profile and the use of Czech Saaz hops. Light toasty malt is complemented by a floral and spicy hop character throughout, making for a balanced and refreshing beer.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.9%
Malts: 
Barke Pilsner, Two-Row, Munich, Carahell, Carafoam
Hops: 
Saaz

 

 


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Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Born Bohemian Pils by Denizens Brewing Co. was poured from the can into a 12-ounce pilsner glass and subsequently reviewed under the style definition as established by the Beer Judge Certification Program Style 3B Czech Premium Pale Lager.

The aroma profile reflected a clean spicy hop... Read More

HiFi Hefe

HiFi Hefe

Louisiana
United States
HiFi Hefe, Gnarly Barley Brewing
Description 

Hi-Fi Hef is an adventure that starts with a traditional German Hefeweizen yeast strain that we ferment at moderate temps, resulting in complex and refined phenolics for a hint of spice and subdued fruity esters. With a deep golden hue and a pleasing density, it cleans up with a refreshing and dry finish. A Gnarly take on a Southern German Hefeweizen!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.5%
Malts: 
Pilsner, Wheat
Hops: 
Saaz

 

 


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Judges Rating:
88
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

The following beer was poured from a 12-ounce can into a 23-ounce Weizen beer glass and reviewed under the style guidelines provided by the Beer Judge Certification Program under Category 10A, German Wheat Beer.

A very fruity bouquet of mixed aromas with no one... Read More

Framboise Hibiscus Lambicus

Framboise Hibiscus Lambicus

Framboise Hibiscus Lambicus, Timmermans Brewery
Description 

Authentic raspberry lambic. A nice balance between the fruity notes of the raspberries and the subtle acidity of a young lambic of the world’s oldest lambic brewery. After one year of maturation of the lambic in oak barrels, 100% natural raspberry juice is added to lambic. The beer turns a delicate pink shade that is sure to delight you.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.0%
Served at: 
40 - 55º F

 

 


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Judges Rating:
97
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Framboise Hibiscus Lambicus by Brouwerij Timmermans was reviewed as Style 23F, Fruit Lambic, per the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines.

A fusion of aromas are lightly expressed to create a unique and complex bouquet in the nose. Sweet yet not candied raspberry notes... Read More

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