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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.
Barrel-Aged Brownie Batter Blend #2 Base by Pontoon Brewing was judged as BJCP Category 33B, Specialty Wood-Aged Beer.
This beer's aromas are rich and legion. They are a mixture of dark and dried fruits, oak and ethanol, punctuated with vanilla and becoming sweeter as the beer warms. It... Read More
Fruit Lambic is a variable style, with some examples being predominately fruity and others retaining traditional Lambic character complemented by a fruit addition. This example falls squarely into the former category. It is dominated by a fresh cherry character in both aroma and flavor,... Read More
Otium by Miel Brewery & Taproom was judged as BJCP Category 21C, Hazy IPA.
Listen up: A hazy IPA is not just a “hazy” IPA. There is more to these trendy brews than opacity, primarily juicy hop character and lower hop bitterness. About fifteen years ago we reached the peak of the... Read More
This American IPA starts off with a distinctly fruity ester aroma – primarily raspberry – and low citrus rind from hops. Underneath is a toasted malt character and stone fruit aromas. It pours a very clear, orange-copper color and carries a full white head with good retention. This beer tastes... Read More
Raspberry is the dominant aroma in this Raspberry Saison, followed closely by earthy hops and a spicy phenolic character. There is a huge, crackly, cream-colored head on this deep orange-colored beer. This beer’s flavor is quite different from the aroma with the fruit character, even the... Read More
Saison de Rose is an Oak Barrel-Aged Farmhouse Ale with Fruit and Spices, judged as BJCP Category 33A, Wood-Aged Beer.
This beer begins with an acidic aroma with notes of lighter fruits and low spiciness. After a while in the glass, a low oak aroma is more obvious. It is copper and hazy... Read More
