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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

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

Southside Lager

Southside Lager, Arches Brewing
Judges Rating:
96
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Southside Lager by Arches Brewing is an International Amber Lager, judged as BJCP category 2B.

This light amber colored beer has a gentle caramel aroma and a whiff of corn. It could be perceived as fairly neutral if you aren’t really paying attention. The flavor is similarly understated... Read More

Strawberry Catahoula Common

Strawberry Catahoula Common

Louisiana
United States
Strawberry Catahoula Common, Gnarly Barley Brewing Co.
Description 

A variant of Catahoula Common, this American Lager is light bodied & refreshing with an addition of strawberry.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.0%
Malts: 
Two Row

 

 


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Judges Rating:
84
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20

Strawberry Catahoula Common by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. is an American Lager with strawberry, judged as BJCP Category 29A, Fruit Beer.

This beer has a subtle fruity aroma that is very pleasant and could be mistaken for a Belgian Blond Ale, or even a more aggressive Kölsch. It could... Read More

Duckpin Pale Ale

Duckpin Pale Ale Union Craft Beer
Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Copper gold and crystal clear, this American Pale Ale smells moderately of floral and fruity hops. Stone fruits are followed by orange peel with a hint of pine. The aroma becomes almost tropical as it warms. There is a low, clean, malty sweetness underneath. This beer's flavor is equally floral... Read More

TwoConn Easy Ale

TwoConn Easy Ale

Connecticut
United States
TwoConn Easy Ale, Two Roads Brewing Co.
Description 

We are excited and honored to announce that we are furthering the partnership between Two Roads and UConn Athletics with a BRAND NEW Connecticut beer collaboration. TwoConn is an easy drinking golden ale that’s crisp and refreshing.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.3%

 

 


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Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

TwoConn Easy Ale by Two Roads Brewing Co. was judged as BJCP Category 18A, Blond Ale.

This beer has a familiar grainy malt aroma with herbal hop notes. It is clear and yellow with a dense, white head. Noble hops are the primary flavor with herbal and grassy characteristics. It has a firm... Read More

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