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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

Curmudgeon Old Ale

Curmudgeon Old Ale
Judges Rating:
95
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Although the presence of hops graces the bouquet of this Old Ale, malt is the dominating aroma. Alcohol is also manifest in spades here and warms the nostrils, accompanied by hints of molasses and treacle.

Copper in color and quite clear, the head was understated even with a vigorous pour... Read More

G-String Pale Ale

G-String Pale Ale Funky Bow Beer
Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

This beer poured a clear amber color with a medium-white head. Its aroma featured citrusy orange and grapefruit elements -- very reminiscent of Cascade hops. A subtle touch of bready malt was also noted behind the hop fragrances. The citrus hop aroma carried over into the flavor profile and... Read More

The Shack IPA

The Shack IPA by Ship Bottom Brewery
Judges Rating:
87
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

The Shack IPA by Ship Bottom Brewery was reviewed as a 21A American IPA as per style guidelines established by the Beer Judge Certification Program in 2015.

The aroma carried a defined citrus peel bouquet along with other less evident fragrances of passion fruit and pine. Hops also... Read More

Largemouth IPA

Largemouth IPA

Pennsylvania
United States
Largemouth IPA, Wallenpaupack Brewing Co.
Description 

This IPA lends its character to Chinook, Simcoe & Citra hops. Citrusy on the nose with a dry clean finish.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.5%
IBUs: 
65
Hops: 
Chinook, Simcoe, Citra

 

 


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Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Largemouth IPA by Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. was poured from a 16-ounce can into a pint glass and was subject to the guidelines as established by the Beer Judge Certification Program under style 21A American India Pale Ale.

A plethora of citrus-like hops come to the forefront of the aroma... Read More

Field Party

Field Party

Georgia
United States
Field Party, Georgia Beer Co.
Description 

Simple ingredients are brewed with care and respect for the process to bring you our classic and refreshing American Blonde Ale.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.0%
Served at: 
35 - 40º F
Malts: 
American Two-Row, Flaked Maize
Hops: 
Willamette

 

 


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Judges Rating:
89
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
7 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Field Party by Georgia Beer Co. was reviewed under the style guidelines of the 2021 BJCP category 18A, Blond Ale.

The malt-accented aroma evident here reflected grainy, bready notes with a light fruity ester influence that mixed well with the aforementioned malt... Read More

Cinnamon Roll Dunkel

Cinnamon Roll Dunkel

Cinnamon Roll Dunkel, Old 121 Brewhouse
Description 

Our holiday lager that tastes like Christmas morning. A Munich Dunkel base brewed with cinnamon and vanilla to give notes of sweet cinnamon rolls with hints of chocolate, biscuit, and caramel.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.9%
IBUs: 
24.5
Served at: 
38 - 40º F
Malts: 
Pilsner, Munich 1, Munich 2, Biscuit, Pale Chocolate
Hops: 
Hallertau Mittelfruh

 

 


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Judges Rating:
88
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Cinnamon Roll Dunkel by Old 121 Brewhouse was judged according to the 2021 Beer Judge Certification Program Guidelines under sub-heading 30A, Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beer.

Upon initial pour a full sweet fragrance of vanilla was evidenced with bready malt and... Read More

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