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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

'Pack & Brass

'Pack & Brass

Pennsylvania
United States
'Pack & Brass, Wallenpaupack Brewing Co.
Description 

We had our friends at Black & Brass Coffee Co. roast up some wonderful Yirgacheffe coffee beans and then we added them to a delicious IPA. The end result is a wonderfully balanced beer in which the coffee & hops meld into one.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.8%
Served at: 
55º F

 

 


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Judges Rating:
91
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

Destress Express

Destress Express

Georgia
United States
Destress Express, Georgia Beer Co.
Description 

Locally roasted Nicaraguan coffee beans cold brew at 32 degrees for 5 days on a creamy milk stout base. This combination of milk (lactose) and coffee flavor presents a silky smooth stout sure to brighten your day. All aboard the De-Stress Express!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.5%
Served at: 
45 - 50ºF
Malts: 
Roasted Barley, Flaked Barley, Chocolate Malt, Black Malt, American Two-Row
Hops: 
Liberty

 

 


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Judges Rating:
94
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

Peaceful Groove

Peaceful Groove

Virginia
USA
Peaceful Groove, New Realm Brewing
Description 

Light and refreshing wheat ale with natural tropical fruit flavor. The beer is all malt, brewed with Pale and Wheat malt, and a hint of aromatic malt. A blend of pineapple and passionfruit flavors create the tropical fruit character with a slight tartness and a smooth light finish.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.0%
IBUs: 
20
Served at: 
40 - 50º F
Malts: 
Pale Malt, Wheat

 

 


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Judges Rating:
93
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

Lime of the Party

Lime of the Party

Lime of the Party, New Realm Brewing
Description 

The ultimate slice of beer heaven. This key lime pie Gose combines the zing of Florida key lime juice, the perfect touch of sea salt and a dance of vanilla beans and coriander. The tartness of lime harmonized with creamy vanilla creating a delectable balance that will make every sip feel like a dessert escape.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.0%
IBUs: 
7
Served at: 
40 - 45º F
Malts: 
Wheat, Two-Row Pale

 

 


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

Lime of the Party by New Realm Brewing was judged as a Category 23G, Gose, per the 2021 Beer Judge Certification Program Guidelines.

A highly effervescent, well-conditioned beer that delivered a firm tart lemon aroma in combination with other fruity notes... Read More

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

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