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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

Orange Door

Orange Door, Sketchbook Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
88
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Orange Door is an American IPA, judged as BJCP Category 21A. This beer has moderate hop aroma that is fruity and sweet. There are classic citrus notes, specifically grapefruit. It pours an orange-yellow color with a low, wispy white head. This beer's flavor is expectedly hoppy, with more... Read More

Tie 8 On

Tie 8 On, Monday Night Brewing
Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
8 / 20

Tie 8 On by Monday Night Brewing is a Mixed Style Beer (blend of barrel aged strong beers with vanilla beans), brewed by Monday Night Brewing and judged as BJCP Category 34B. 

This pitch black brew has a complex aroma profile, a combination of wood, vanilla and sweetness. These elements... Read More

Milk Truck

Milk Truck

California
United States
Milk Truck, Mother Earth Brewing Co.
Description 

Our signature dark ale is the best part about waking up. Opaque in appearance but with a marshmallow softness, we use specially chosen roasted malts to impart a non-astringent darkness that laces the glass and your mouth from first sip. Accentuated by the use of vanilla, lactose and a heavy dose of oats, this big-bodied stout further impresses by finishing with a rich coffee aroma.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.8%
IBUs: 
30

 

 


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Judges Rating:
85
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Milk Truck by Mother Earth Brew Co. is a sweet stout with vanilla and coffee, judged as BJCP Category 30.A, Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beer.

This beer kicks off with a rich roasted aroma. There are undertones of vanilla, sweetness and, after a spell, butter. It pours black in color with a... Read More

Zombie Dust

Zombie Dust

Indiana
United States
Zombie Dust - 3 Floyds Brewing
Description 

This intensely hopped and gushing undead Pale Ale will be one’s only respite after the zombie apocalypse. Created with our marvelous friends in the comic industry.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.2%
IBUs: 
50
Hops: 
Citra

 

 


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Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

This American Pale Ale opens with pine, grass, and dank hop aromas, which dissipate fairly quickly. Assertive fruity aromas follow, including citrus and pear. It pours a hazy, deep gold color with a tall, white head that lasts until the final sip. This beer's flavor is fruity and juicy with a... Read More

For the Love of Lager: German-Style Dark Lager

For the Love of Lager: German-Style Dark Lager

Pennsylvania
United States
For the Love of Lager: German-Style Dark Lager, Wallenpaupack Brewing Co
Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.6
IBUs: 
30
Malts: 
Munich, Carafa
Hops: 
German Magnum, Spalter Select, Saphir

 

 


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Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

For the Love of Lager: German Style Dark Lager by Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. is being judged as a Schwarzbier, BJCP Category 8B.

Schwarzbier, or Black Lager, is an often overlooked German style. Helles and Pils have cornered the pale lager market, while its amber-hued cousins, Marzen and... Read More

Alter Ego Saison

Alter Ego Saison Smartmouth Beer
Judges Rating:
95
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Due to its artisanal origin, Saison is often mistakenly thought of as a freewheeling, anything-goes kind of beer. Granted, it is a hard style to pin down, but Saison does have some hard and fast rules: They should always be fruity, spicy, bitter and dry. This example opens with fruity aromas of... Read More

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