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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.
Shannon Irish Coffee Cream Ale by Shannon Brewing Co. was judged a Cream Ale with lactose, aged on fresh coffee beans, judged as BJCP Category 30A, Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beer.
This beer's aroma is dominated by a mild roast coffee character, with light sweetness underneath. It is clean... Read More
This clear, pale orange IPA is All-American. The aroma is an initial burst of citrus hops, consisting of lemon, orange, mango, and grapefruit. A light piney note emerges as it warms. The fermentation character in both aroma and flavor is very clean and neutral. The malt is similarly clean, but... Read More
Coconut Rum Barrel Aged Stout by Wild Leap Brew Co. is a coconut rum barrel-aged stout, judged as BJCP Category 33.B Specialty Wood-Aged Beer. Visually rich, this beer is dark brown in color with a reddish edge. It has a low brown head if poured quickly, otherwise it may appear flat. It smells... Read More
When a Double IPA gets it right, it's easy to tell. This beer was a cinch. Its aroma begins with dank, sticky-sweet hop character that smells of fruity bubblegum, citrus, lavender, and perfume all at once. It's definitely boozy with a bit of vegetal and grassy aroma as well. This beer pours a... Read More
Gear Me by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. is being judged as a BJCP Category 1A American Light Lager. As I've probably written before, from a beer judge's perspective, an American Light Lager is more about what isn't there versus what is. In other words, these little ones... Read More
This Amber Ale has a sweet, rich caramel aroma supported by a lightly grainy and dusty malt undertone. True to style, it features a clear, amber color with a low, off-white head that dissipates after only a few moments. This beer's flavor contains caramel and toasted malts, cherry and red apple... Read More
