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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

Tesseract

Grimm Artisanal Ales Tesseract Double IPA Beer
Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

This hazy, peach-colored Double IPA with a medium-white head delivered a very distinct passion fruit aroma with notes of overripe tangerines and just a wisp of citrus.

Although hops are more pronounced in the flavor than was the case in the bouquet this beer wafted, it is still defined by... Read More

Gold Leaf Lager

Gold Leaf Lager by Devils bAckbone Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

This evaluation was made from a 12-ounce bottle subsequently poured into a 16-ounce pilsner glass and under the auspices of the 2015 BJCP style guidelines as a 4A Munich Helles.

It was a welcome change to review a tried and true beer style in these days of Coconut Curry and Tutti Fruity... Read More

KC Bier Co. Hefeweizen

KC Bier Co. Hefeweizen

Missouri
United States
Hefeweizen, KC Bier Co.
Description 

Hefeweizen is a pale, hazy, Bavarian-style wheat ale with bready malt flavors, low bitterness, fruity banana esters, and spicy clove-like phenols.
Special processes: decoction mashing, natural carbonation.
All KC Bier Co. bier is brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot, using only four ingredients, including 100% imported German malt and hops, water and Bavarian yeast.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.2%
IBUs: 
13
Malts: 
Wheat, Pilsner, Vienna
Hops: 
Perle

 

 


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Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Hefeweizen by KC Bier Co. was reviewed as a 10A German Wheat Beer as defined by the Beer Judge Certification Program’s style guidelines revised edition of 2015. Poured from a 12-ounce bottle into a 22-ounce wheat beer glass.

A Hefeweizen by all accounts. Pale yellow in color and lightly... Read More

Situational Ethics - Vanilla Barrel-Aged Affogato Imperial Stout

Situational Ethics - Vanilla Barrel-Aged Affogato Imperial Stout

Situational Ethics
Description 

Our Situational Ethics series comes to an end this year with three dessert-inspired imperial stouts. This bottle is an ode to vanilla affogato. With a combination of toasted coconut, Batdorf & Bronson coffee, espresso beans, and Ugandan vanilla beans, we’re able to recreate the beautiful contrast of bold espresso and sweet vanilla ice cream. Best enjoyed on its own or poured over coconut ice cream.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
13.9%
IBUs: 
50
Served at: 
45 - 55ºF

 

 


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Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

The following review of Situational Ethics - Vanilla Barrel-Aged Affogato Imperial Stout by Monday Night Brewing was conducted under the provisions of the style guidelines as provided by the Beer Judge Certification Program under sub heading 33B Specialty Wood-Aged... Read More

Mocha Moon Imperial Coffee Stout

Mocha Moon Imperial Coffee Stout

Louisiana
United States
Description 

A dynamic grain bill supports this Imperial Stout, which clocks in at 8.8% ABV. Laden with notes of chocolate and roast, it's the perfect foundation for the addition of cacao nibs and Honduran Monte Vista Juan Hipp beans from the rascals over at Luma Coffee. The caramel sweetness, toasted almond, and stone fruit notes of the coffee and dark chocolate flavors of cacao blend with the stout to create an explosive and feisty journey into the center of your consciousness.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
8.8%
Malts: 
Two-row, Roasted Barley, Caraaroma, Carafa II, Chocolate Wheat, Chocolate, Wheat, Oats
Hops: 
Cascade

 

 


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Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Mocha Moon Imperial Coffee Stout by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. was reviewed under the auspices of the Beer Judge Certification Program Guidelines (Revised 2021) under category 34B Mixed-Style Beer. This particular category covers a plethora of styles. The below... Read More

Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

A host of aromas issue forth upon initial pour. Chocolate fudge notes marry with vanilla and roasted grains and are mixed with a defined alcoholic warmth. Whiskey barrel aromatics were also noted, though they were more subtly stated.

This beer poured pitch black in color (too dark to... Read More

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