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Jim Koebel

Jim Koebel's picture
Grand Master Beer Judge

Jim is a Grand Master beer judge and former Associate Exam Director for the Beer Judge Certification Program. He began enjoying good beer in the mid aughts and started homebrewing shortly thereafter. Regardless of style, Jim is always on the lookout for breweries that are good at what they do.

 

   

My reviews

Roughtail Pale Ale

Roughtail Pale Ale Beer
Judges Rating:
87
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

This Pale Ale's aroma consists of grapefruit and passion fruit at first, then takes on a familiar piney hoppiness. It is clear and copper-gold with a moderate off-white head. This beer's flavor manages to take on quite a different hop character than the aroma. Quite hoppy from beginning to end,... Read More

Banana Foster Hef

Banana Foster Hef

Banana Foster Hef, Garage Brewing Co.
Description 

This banana hef is just like a yummy banana foster with its sweet banana finish. Super refreshing and crisp.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.5%
Served at: 
45º F
Malts: 
Rahr Two-Row, Rahr Wheat, Weyermann Acidulated
Hops: 
German Magnum, Mt. Hood

 

 


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Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

 Banana Foster Hef by Garage Brewing Co. is a Hefeweizen-style beer brewed with banana and vanilla flavors brewed by Garage Brewing Co., judged as BJCP Category 29B. Fruit & Spice Beer.

As with other Fruit Beer examples, a Fruit & Spice beer should contain fruit and spice ... Read More

Rollcage Red

Motorworks Brewing Rollcage Red IPA Beer
Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

This appropriately red Red IPA pours very clear with an off-white head; this is a very pretty beer. It smells hoppy, bready and clean. The hop aromas are piney and earthy – a very West Coast feel. This beer's flavor is similar but with a marked hop spiciness in the finish that lingers. Inside of... Read More

Last Snow

Last Snow by Funky Buddha Brewery
Judges Rating:
87
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Last Snow is a limited release porter with special flavorings, judged as BJCP Category 30C, Winter Seasonal Beer. 

Coconut, vanilla, and coffee-and-cream are the aromas here, in decreasing order of strength. The coffee-and-cream aspect is especially nice, and would have been adequate all... Read More

Judges Rating:
81
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20

Brouwerij 't Verzet Oud Bruin is an Oud Bruin, judged as BJCP Category 23C. This example is a murky brown color with a solid charge of fizz. The white head dies down after just a moment. Its aroma is acidic and fruity (mostly cherry) with background sweetness and caramel malt. The taste is full-... Read More

Hipster IPA

Hipster IPA

Pennsylvania
United States
Hipster IPA, Iron Hill Brewery
Description 

This hazy, New England style IPA’s been crafted by our finest, tight-pants wearing brewers. It’s a blend of wheat and oats, unironically dry hopped with All American hops. Notes of melon, mango and pine lead to flavor so cool it’ll curl your mustache.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.7%
IBUs: 
4

 

 


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Judges Rating:
89
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Hipster IPA by Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant is a New England IPA, judged as BJCP Category 21B.

This example has a sweet, juicy hop aroma containing notes of pine, mango and other fruit. It pours a milky yellow color and is hazy. The flavor is also hop-dominated, but tastes more of... Read More

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