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James Link
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.
My articles
Thanks to the craft beer movement and the proliferation of new breweries and beer styles, many fascinating beers of all styles are available to...
My reviews
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20
Ride Share by Abita Brewing Co. was judged as a Double IPA (style 22A) according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines.
A full bouquet of aromas were evident upon initial pour. Tropical fruit notes were dominant and were accompanied by citrus aromas and hints of... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
Pouring this Double IPA from a 16-ounce can, I was immediately greeted by an assertive hop bouquet. Peach aromas mesh nicely with citrus and piney notes, however there was also a faint burnt rubber aroma, which detracted from the overall aroma.
The appearance reflected an orange-like hue... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
King Porter Stomp was poured from a 12 ounce can into a pint glass and subsequently reviewed under the guidelines of the Beer Judge Certification Program as a 9C Baltic Porter.
A big tan head filled the glass and held even with a delicate pour. Mahogany in color and very clear when held... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
This review of Flotation Device / Tart Cherry Pineapple by Pontoon Brewing was written in conjunction with the style guidelines as provided by the Beer Judge Certification Program under subheading 29B Fruit and Spice Beer, and sampled in a glass chalice after being poured from a 12 ounce can.... Read More
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Speedy, The 3-Legged Cat by Metazoa Brewing Co. was judged under the style guidelines provided by the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) category 26C Belgian Tripel after being dispensed from a pint can into a Belgian snifter.
A faint sulfur note was at... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Kanga Brew by New Realm Brewing was poured into a 12-ounce pilsner glass and reviewed using the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines as a Style 1A, American Light Lager.
Aromatics were perceived in higher amounts than would have been expected for style. A defined citrus... Read More