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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

Lost & Found Barrel Aged Imperial Stout

Lost & Found Barrel Aged Imperial Stout

Louisiana
United States
Lost & Found Barrel Aged Imperial Stout, Gnarly Barley Brewing
Description 

Imagine a beer that embodies the recovery of dashed dreams, a revitalization of a weary soul. A sensuous, velvety exploration of dark malts rich in dessert-laden notes of dark chocolate and decadence. Just like our lost carnival, it spent 2021 stashed away - developing it’s complexities against the grain of a bourbon barrel. It spent enough time that all heat and all bite gave way to a luscious and luxurious body that would make your daddy cry.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
9.2%
Malts: 
Two-row, Chocolate, Cara Aroma, Cara Bohemian, Roasted Barley, Oats, Wheat
Hops: 
Cascade

 

 


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Judges Rating:
95
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Lost & Found Barrel Aged Imperial Stout by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. was judged under category 33B Specialty Wood Aged Beer, according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines.

Chocolate bar aromas meld with a dry roastiness alongside a pleasant warming of the... Read More

Southern Tier Porter

Southern Tier Porter
Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

This American Porter produced a clean chocolate malt aroma that was somewhat subdued. Coffee notes were accompanied by hints of vanilla and only a faint wisp of hops, which were more earthy than floral. This beer was a deep mahogany in color, was very clear with a medium tan head.

As was... Read More

Candi Belgian Tripel

Candi Belgian Tripel by Fordham & Dominion Brewery
Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Evaluation of this Belgian Tripel (BJCP style 26C) was made subsequent to a pour from a 12 ounce bottle into a 10 oz. snifter.

Banana esters come to the forefront of the bouquet profile accompanied by spicy clove-like phenols and a plethora of fruity esters. Alcohols were subdued and... Read More

MO PILS

MO PILS, Jersey Girl Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

MO PILS by Jersey Girl Brewing Co. was reviewed in conjunction with the 2015 style guidelines of the Beer Judge Certification Program under subheading 5D German Pilsner.

A very pretty golden beer poured brilliantly clear with a fine bead and big white head.

The aroma was a clean... Read More

Papagayo

Papagayo

Maryland
United States
Papagayo, Denizens Brewing Co.
Description 

Named after the strong tropical winds that run up the pacific coast of Central America, this beer showcases the tropical fruits of soursop and pineapple over top the canvas of a brett saison. The barnyard aromatics of the Brettanomyces complement the soursop fruit, while the pineapple characteristics naturally produced during secondary brett fermentation are enhanced by the pineapple fruit. This beer finishes dry and spicy.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.1%
Malts: 
Barke Pilsner, Flaked Barley, Flaked Wheat, Acidulated
Hops: 
Hallertau Blanc

 

 


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

Papagayo by Denizens Brewing Co. was judged under category 28C Wild Specialty Beer in the 2015 BJCP Style Guidelines.

Aromatic fruity notes assail the nostrils upon initial pour, which is dominated by pineapple notes and supplemented by passion fruit. The barnyard aroma of Brettanomyces... Read More

Pavilion Peanut Butter Porter

Pavilion Peanut Butter Porter

Georgia
United States
Pavilion Peanut Butter Porter, Georgia Beer Co.
Description 

Cocoa nibs and roasted Georgia peanuts combine in this robust porter to bring you a rich, balanced, and creamy treat.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.5%
Served at: 
45 - 50ºF
Malts: 
Chocolate Pilsen, Munich, American Two-Row
Hops: 
Liberty

 

 


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Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Pavilion Peanut Butter Porter by Georgia Beer Co. was reviewed under the auspices of the Beer Judge Certification Program Style Guidelines as defined in category 34B, Mixed-Style Beer.

As anticipated, peanut butter is the dominant aroma perceived upon first pour... Read More

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