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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

Rodenbach Vintage 2015

Vintage 2015 by Brouwerij Rodenbach
Judges Rating:
97
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Reviewed after pour from a 750 ML corked bottle into a 12 ounce snifter using guidelines established by the Beer Judge Certification Program in 2015 under style #23B Flanders Red Ale.

A potpourri of aromas is immediately upon you at initial pour. Intensely fruity, tart and vinous with a... Read More

Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

I Need S'more Brownie Batter Batch #1 by Pontoon Brewing was judged as an Imperial Stout (BJCP 2015 Style Guidelines, Style 20C).

Wow. This one is a steak. Packed with dark chocolate aromatics and partnered with dried fruit and a firm warming of the nostrils that renders warning of the... Read More

Alpha Abstraction Vol. 18

Alpha Abstraction Vol. 18

Georgia
United States
Alpha Abstraction Vol. 18, Wild Leap Brew Co.
Description 

Eighteenth edition is a juicy, double dry- hopped IPA with Trident hops creating flavor notes of Citrus, Tropical, and Passion Fruit.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
8.0%
IBUs: 
44
Hops: 
Trident

 

 


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Judges Rating:
94
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

HelleSent

HelleSent

Pennsylvania
USA
HelleSent, Wallenpaupack Brewing Co.
Description 

This brilliantly clear lager was meticulously crafted with traditional German ingredients and brewing techniques. Fermented cold with our house lager strain, we decoction mashed and naturally carbonated this beer and let it lager for ten weeks to create an extra crisp pale lager.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.8%
IBUs: 
18
Malts: 
Pilsner, Carafoam, Acidulated
Hops: 
Mittelfrüh, Tettnang, Perle, Saphir

 

 


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Judges Rating:
94
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

Founders Porter

Founders Porter Beer
Judges Rating:
96
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

Hobo Life

lord hobo brewing
Judges Rating:
88
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

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