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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 reviews

Space Juice

Long trail beer Space Juice Double IPA
Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Pouring this Double IPA from a 16-ounce can, I was immediately greeted by an assertive hop bouquet. Peach aromas mesh nicely with citrus and piney notes, however there was also a faint burnt rubber aroma, which detracted from the overall aroma.

The appearance reflected an orange-like hue... Read More

King Porter Stomp

King Porter Stomp by Cape May Brewing Co
Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

King Porter Stomp was poured from a 12 ounce can into a pint glass and subsequently reviewed under the guidelines of the Beer Judge Certification Program as a 9C Baltic Porter.

A big tan head filled the glass and held even with a delicate pour. Mahogany in color and very clear when held... Read More

Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

This review of Flotation Device / Tart Cherry Pineapple by Pontoon Brewing was written in conjunction with the style guidelines as provided by the Beer Judge Certification Program under subheading 29B Fruit and Spice Beer, and sampled in a glass chalice after being poured from a 12 ounce can.... Read More

Birthday Month Mango Cryo Hop IIPA

Birthday Month Mango Cryo Hop IIPA

Georgia
United States
Birthday Month Mango Cryo Hop IIPA, Wild Leap Brew Co.
Description 

The beer features our favorite experimental hops to date in a soft, smooth Double NEIPA. We used YCH Cryo Pop and one of their newest experimental Cryo Hop Blends: Trial Blend Mango. Zero fruit, just notes of mango from the hops.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
8.0%
IBUs: 
30

 

 


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

Birthday Month Mango Cryo Hop IIPA by Wild Leap Brew Co. was reviewed under the Beer Judge Certification Program via Category 22A Double IPA.

Vigorously aromatic, exhibiting citrus notes (mostly grapefruit) that blend with stone and passion fruits aided by a... Read More

Blackberry Smoke Southern Light Lager

Blackberry Smoke Southern Light Lager

Blackberry Smoke Southern Light Lager, New Realm Brewing
Description 

Light and refreshing all American malt golden lager with lower calories. No blackberries, no smoke! Just our second collaboration with the band friends Blackberry Smoke, a crushable lager with just enjoy flavor for a great drinking experience.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.0%
IBUs: 
12
Served at: 
33 - 40º F
Malts: 
Pale, Pilsner
Hops: 
German Magnum, German Hersbrucker, Lemondrop

 

 


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Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Blackberry Smoke Southern Light Lager by New Realm Brewing was poured into a 12-ounce pilsner glass and reviewed using the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines as a Style 1A, American Light Lager.

Aromatics were perceived in higher amounts than would have been expected... Read More

Boomsauce

Lord Hobo Boomsauce Double IPA Beer
Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

A vigorous pour from a 16 oz. can produced a bold pine sap aroma accompanied by citrus hop notes and the honeyed effect of caramel malt.

Featuring a light gold color with slight haze and a medium white head, this beer's flavor profile featured a medley of hops that were distinctly... Read More

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