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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

Mocha Moon Imperial Coffee Stout

Mocha Moon Imperial Coffee Stout

Louisiana
United States
Description 

A dynamic grain bill supports this Imperial Stout, which clocks in at 8.8% ABV. Laden with notes of chocolate and roast, it's the perfect foundation for the addition of cacao nibs and Honduran Monte Vista Juan Hipp beans from the rascals over at Luma Coffee. The caramel sweetness, toasted almond, and stone fruit notes of the coffee and dark chocolate flavors of cacao blend with the stout to create an explosive and feisty journey into the center of your consciousness.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
8.8%
Malts: 
Two-row, Roasted Barley, Caraaroma, Carafa II, Chocolate Wheat, Chocolate, Wheat, Oats
Hops: 
Cascade

 

 


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Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Mocha Moon Imperial Coffee Stout by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. was reviewed under the auspices of the Beer Judge Certification Program Guidelines (Revised 2021) under category 34B Mixed-Style Beer. This particular category covers a plethora of styles. The below... 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

KC Bier Co. Festbier

Festbier, KC Bier Co.
Judges Rating:
96
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

KC Bier Co. Festbier by KC Bier Co. was reviewed  per the style guidelines provided by the Beer Judge Certification Program under category 7A, Vienna Lager.

A decidedly striking beer, golden in color, crystal clear with a persistent soft white head and lots of very tiny bubbles that... Read More

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

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