Start 14-Day Trial Subscription

*No credit card required

James Link

James Link's picture
Beer Judge

A homebrewer in Connecticut for 31 years and a member of the BJCP for 29, Jim worked with Pat Baker, the driving force behind the creation and inception of the BJCP, while advancing to Grand Master ranking in 2001. With several decades of judging experience under his belt (along with many fine brews), Jim has served as Associate Exam Director for the BJCP,  appeared on Connecticut Public Television and worked with international beer experts Michael Jackson and Jim Koch in judging Best of Show for the Samuel Adams Longshot competition in 1995. James was also a judge at the 2015,2016,2018 and 2019 Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado.

James Link: BJCP Grand Master II Beer Judge

My articles

18 Beers For Wine Lovers
Thanks to the craft beer movement and the proliferation of new breweries and beer styles, many fascinating beers of all styles are available to...

My reviews

'Pack & Brass

'Pack & Brass

Pennsylvania
United States
'Pack & Brass, Wallenpaupack Brewing Co.
Description 

We had our friends at Black & Brass Coffee Co. roast up some wonderful Yirgacheffe coffee beans and then we added them to a delicious IPA. The end result is a wonderfully balanced beer in which the coffee & hops meld into one.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.8%
Served at: 
55º F

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

'Pack & Brass by Wallenpaupack Brewing Co.​ was rated under style guidelines as provided by the Beer Judge Certification Program (revised 2015) under category 30A Herb, Spice & Vegetable Beer. Poured from a 16-ounce can into a pint glass. This beer's Coffee IPA title is very misleading... Read More

Destress Express

Destress Express

Georgia
United States
Destress Express, Georgia Beer Co.
Description 

Locally roasted Nicaraguan coffee beans cold brew at 32 degrees for 5 days on a creamy milk stout base. This combination of milk (lactose) and coffee flavor presents a silky smooth stout sure to brighten your day. All aboard the De-Stress Express!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.5%
Served at: 
45 - 50ºF
Malts: 
Roasted Barley, Flaked Barley, Chocolate Malt, Black Malt, American Two-Row
Hops: 
Liberty

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Destress Express by Georgia Beer Co. was reviewed under the auspices of the Beer Judge Certification Program style guidelines, category 34B mixed-style beer.

A pleasant aromatic blend of roasted grain is immediately in evidence and is accompanied by a pronounced... Read More

Funnel Cake

Funnel Cake Beer Forgotten Boardwalk
Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

A defined vanilla aroma marries with hints of sweet corn to create a cakelike character in the nose with absolutely no hint of hops. The absence of fruity esters suggests the possibility of cold conditioning or the use of a lager yeast. This beer poured a pale hazy yellow in appearance with a... Read More

So Folkin' Hoppy IPA

So Folkin Hoppy IPA Funky Bow Beer Company
Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Citrus hop aromas combine with piney and fruity notes to deliver a firm punch of aromatics to the nostrils. This beer poured a quite clear copper color with a khaki-tinted head that slowly receded to a thin cap. The flavor was dominated by a tropical, juicy hop character, which melded together... Read More

Mexican Stout

Mexican Stout by Ship Bottom Brewery
Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Mexican Stout by Ship Bottom Brewery was judged as a 30A spice, herb or vegetable beer as defined in the Beer Judge Certification Program Style Guidelines revised in 2015.

Aromas of dark chocolate, vanilla and coffee are evident along with the distinct influence of Chile peppers which... Read More

Born Bohemian Pils

Born Bohemian Pils

Maryland
United States
Born Bohemian Pils, Denizens Brewing Co.
Description 

This Czech-style pilsner is straw in color, light in body, and finishes with a round mouthfeel. This beer is distinguished from the German-style pilsner due to a softer water profile and the use of Czech Saaz hops. Light toasty malt is complemented by a floral and spicy hop character throughout, making for a balanced and refreshing beer.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.9%
Malts: 
Barke Pilsner, Two-Row, Munich, Carahell, Carafoam
Hops: 
Saaz

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Born Bohemian Pils by Denizens Brewing Co. was poured from the can into a 12-ounce pilsner glass and subsequently reviewed under the style definition as established by the Beer Judge Certification Program Style 3B Czech Premium Pale Lager.

The aroma profile reflected a clean spicy hop... Read More

Pages