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Jim Koebel

Jim Koebel's picture
Grand Master Beer Judge

Jim is a Grand Master beer judge and former Associate Exam Director for the Beer Judge Certification Program. He began enjoying good beer in the mid aughts and started homebrewing shortly thereafter. Regardless of style, Jim is always on the lookout for breweries that are good at what they do.

 

   

My reviews

Polar Night

Roughtail Polar Night Beer
Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

This Imperial Stout begins with rich chocolate and roasted, fruity malt aromas. As it warms, it takes on a low sweetness with nutty, ashy, and coffee characteristics. This almost-black beer is opaque, even when held up to the light, and it carries a large brown head with very good retention. ... Read More

Green's Gluten Free India Pale Ale

Green's Gluten Free India Pale Ale

Green's Gluten Free India Pale Ale, Green's Gluten Free
Description 

Inviting amber-red color with full body. Aroma is bold hops with herbal and piney notes; flavor is nutty and firmly bitter with hints of caramel.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.0%
IBUs: 
60
Served at: 
50º F

 

 


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Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Green's Gluten-Free India Pale Ale by Green's Gluten Free Beers was judged as BJCP Category 31A, Alternative Grain Beer.

Pine, resin and lemon hop aromas are prominent, creating a West Coast impression for this beer. It also carries a substantial malty backbone. It pours a deep reddish-... Read More

Shower Beer

Shower Beer

Virginia
United States
Champion Brewing Shower Beer pilsner
Description 

Perfect for any relaxing occasion, this Bohemian Pilsner sings with fresh, clean maltiness and spicy flavor and aroma contributions from 100% traditional Czech Saaz hops. Aged cold on lager yeast for weeks for maximum refreshment. If you’ve never had a Shower Beer, it’s high time.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.5%
IBUs: 
35

 

 


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

Czech Premium Pale Lagers (also known as Czech Pilseners) are an interesting breed. They’re flavorful yet refreshing and one of the few lagers in which diacetyl is acceptable. This example begins with a clean, sweet, pils-like malt aroma that isn’t overly bready or grainy. A very low honey aroma... Read More

C.O.B.

C.O.B. by Free Will Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

C.O.B. is an Imperial Brown Ale with coffee, judged as BJCP Category 30A (Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beer). Mild roast coffee, toffee, and toasted malt are the predominant aromas of this beer. The toffee and toasted characteristics are distinct and a nice reminder of this not-too-common style.  A... Read More

Mystik Bock

Mystik Bock, Arches Brewing
Judges Rating:
88
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Mystik Bock by Arches Brewing was judged as a Dunkles Bock, BJCP Category 6C.

True to type, this beer has a rich, Munich-type malt aroma. It becomes more distinctly toasty after awhile in the glass. It pours with a low, tan colored head and is reddish-amber in color. It is very clear.... Read More

New Wave

New Wave

Georgia
United States
New Wave, Pontoon Brewing
Description 

It’s just a blonde ale, right? FALSE. Our New Wave Blonde ale was brewed with an English yeast to provide some fruity esters that give this simplistic style a well-rounded character, while remaining crisp and light. Light notes of semi-sweet fruits and bready malts dance on your tongue while finishing clean, crisp and refreshing! Ride the New Wave and drink a beer that tastes like a beer should!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.2%
IBUs: 
5
Served at: 
40º F

 

 


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Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

New Wave by Pontoon Brewing is a blonde ale and was judged as BJCP Category 18A.

This golden-colored beer has a very pleasant aroma, which is also more complex than typically found in the blonde ale style. It has notes of corn and light DMS, grainy sweetness and noble hops. There is also... Read More

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