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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

Judges Rating:
87
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

This is a very different approach to a Berliner Weisse; it features a distinct peach aroma followed by a light smokiness and a firm tart character. It is pale straw in color and hazy with low head retention, which is not unusual for beers of this style due to high acid content.

The flavor... Read More

16 Point IPA

16 Point IPA by Devils Backbone Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Reviewed as a 22A Double IPA as per the style guidelines established by the Beer Judge Certification Program. (2015 edition)

The Hop aroma of this beer was redolent with the scent of ripe citrus fruits along with undertones of mango and pineapple. Caramel malt along with a persistent... Read More

Lightning Will

Lightning Will, On Tour Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Lightning Will Pilsner by On Tour Brewing Co. was rated as per style guidelines established by the Beer Judge Certification Program under subheading 5D German Pils.

Pale yellow in color and brilliantly clear with a fine bead and  big white head that poured up nicely and quickly fell off... Read More

Lost Carnival

Lost Carnival

Louisiana
United States
Lost Carnival, Gnarly Barley Brewing
Description 

Brewed in collaboration with our friends in New Orleans, Miel Brewing, this Imperial Oat Stout was originally brewed in January 2020, then transferred into barrels in February to condition a year and set to release for Mardi Gras 2021. This unique brew celebrates our love for Carnival and will forever remember (entomb) the year of revelry lost.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
10.1%

 

 


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Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Lost Carnival by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. was reviewed in conjunction with the style guidelines provided by the Beer Judge Certification Program under subheading 33B Specialty Wood- Aged Beers after a pour from a 25.4-ounce bottle into an eight-ounce snifter.

... Read More

Neon Roses

Neon Roses

Georgia
United States
Neon Roses, Wild Heaven Beer
Description 

Neon Roses is a mint julep-inspired wheat wine aged in Bulleit Bourbon 10-year barrels from Wild Heaven Beer. Expect notes of spearmint, toasty bourbon oak, and sweet vanilla.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
12.0%
Served at: 
55 - 60º F
Malts: 
Wheat
Hops: 
Northern Brewer

 

 


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Judges Rating:
95
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Neon Roses by Wild Heaven Beer was reviewed using parameters established by the Beer Judge Certification Program and defined under their style guidelines as a Wheatwine (category 22D).

Lots of complexity in the aroma. Toasted malt notes with hints of mint and... Read More

Judges Rating:
89
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Smuttlabs Chestnut Saison is a hazy, pale, orange-colored ale with light conditioning and an off-white head, which was somewhat understated. Spicy yeast notes are evident in the bouquet as well as some citrusy and spicy notes and a hint of sweetness. 

The flavor also exhibited spicy... Read More

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