An Imperial Stout with a new twist. The bouquet had a variety of different aromas, none of which prevailed. A mixture of spices was apparent accompanied by notes of pumpkin pie more than actual pumpkin, which melded together with chocolate and gingerbread. This beer was ink-black in color and ... Read More
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James Link
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.
My reviews
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
I have evaluated the below described beer after a pour from a 12 ounce bottle into a .4L Pilsner glass. Since there are no recognized style guidelines for IPL's the following review is based on known parameters for lagers and how the ingredients marry together in balance.
Citrus and... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Mountain Jam by Southbound Brewing Co. was judged under the 2015 style guidelines established by the Beer Judge Certification Program via category 34B Mixed-Style Beer.
Although categorized as a lager, many ale-like characteristics were evidenced here. Hop flavor was well pronounced in a... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
ORNG Double IPA by Wild Leap Brew Co. was reviewed in accordance with the style guidelines as established by the Beer Judge Certification Program under category 22A Double IPA.
A firm pour from a 12-ounce can into a pint glass released a potpourri of aromas that... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
The below referenced ale was rated according to the style guidelines provided by the Beer Judge Certification Program as defined under category 18B (2021) American Pale Ale.
The aroma was decidedly hop-forward with floral and citrus notes that smacked of dry... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
A chocolate bar fragrance emerged upon first pour accompanied by an alcoholic warmth along with faint traces of fruity esters, creating a unique bouquet of aromas. This beer was very dark brown in color and opaque with a medium khaki-colored head, which dissipated quickly.
Although... Read More