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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

Coconut Jucifer

Coconut Jucifer

Louisiana
United States
Coconut Jucifer, Gnarly Barley Brewing
Description 

Stacked with more fresh coconut than ever (15 lbs. per barrel). This hazy New England style India Pale Ale is bursting with toasted coconut flavor up front and a juicy tropical fruit finish (think orange, mango & grapefruit)

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.0%

 

 


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Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Coconut Jucifer IPA by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. was evaluated using the 2015 edition on the Beer Judge Certification Program style guidelines under subheading Specialty IPA 21B.

Poured from a sixteen-ounce can and judged from a pint glass.

Hazy and pale... Read More

Basement Light

Basement Light

Georgia
United States
Basement Light, Scofflaw Brewing Co.
Description 

We took our favorite IPA, Basement, loaded it with hops and slashed the calories on the low, low. get it? This time we added a little bit of oats and spelt to help keep the calories down but added even more of the Citra hops that makes Basement shine! dank on the nose, juicy on the palate with a little bit of haze. This checks in at 4.0% ABV and with only 120 calories while keeping all the flavor of a juicy IPA!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.0
IBUs: 
30
Served at: 
40 - 45º F
Malts: 
Two Row, Spelt, Oats
Hops: 
Citra, Chinook, Cascade

 

 


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Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Basement Light by Scofflaw Brewing Co. was judged according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines under category 21A, American IPA.

A potpourri of fruity aromas are immediately evidenced upon first inhale with an herbal hop note close on its heels.

Pale... Read More

Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

A host of aromas issue forth upon initial pour. Chocolate fudge notes marry with vanilla and roasted grains and are mixed with a defined alcoholic warmth. Whiskey barrel aromatics were also noted, though they were more subtly stated.

This beer poured pitch black in color (too dark to... Read More

Black Lager

Black Lager by Devils Backbone Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

This beer was appraised as an 8A Schwarzbier following the guidelines established by the Beer Judge Certification Program in 2015.

Schwarzbiers are not the run of the mill German lagers in that they are the only lagers that manifest a roasted malt character. The aforementioned roast is... Read More

Lightning Will

Lightning Will, On Tour Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Lightning Will Pilsner by On Tour Brewing Co. was rated as per style guidelines established by the Beer Judge Certification Program under subheading 5D German Pils.

Pale yellow in color and brilliantly clear with a fine bead and  big white head that poured up nicely and quickly fell off... Read More

Lost Carnival

Lost Carnival

Louisiana
United States
Lost Carnival, Gnarly Barley Brewing
Description 

Brewed in collaboration with our friends in New Orleans, Miel Brewing, this Imperial Oat Stout was originally brewed in January 2020, then transferred into barrels in February to condition a year and set to release for Mardi Gras 2021. This unique brew celebrates our love for Carnival and will forever remember (entomb) the year of revelry lost.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
10.1%

 

 


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Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Lost Carnival by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. was reviewed in conjunction with the style guidelines provided by the Beer Judge Certification Program under subheading 33B Specialty Wood- Aged Beers after a pour from a 25.4-ounce bottle into an eight-ounce snifter.

... Read More

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