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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

Strawberry Catahoula Common

Strawberry Catahoula Common

Louisiana
United States
Strawberry Catahoula Common, Gnarly Barley Brewing Co.
Description 

A variant of Catahoula Common, this American Lager is light bodied & refreshing with an addition of strawberry.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.0%
Malts: 
Two Row

 

 


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Judges Rating:
84
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
15 / 20

Strawberry Catahoula Common by Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. is an American Lager with strawberry, judged as BJCP Category 29A, Fruit Beer.

This beer has a subtle fruity aroma that is very pleasant and could be mistaken for a Belgian Blond Ale, or even a more aggressive Kölsch. It could... Read More

Duckpin Pale Ale

Duckpin Pale Ale Union Craft Beer
Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Copper gold and crystal clear, this American Pale Ale smells moderately of floral and fruity hops. Stone fruits are followed by orange peel with a hint of pine. The aroma becomes almost tropical as it warms. There is a low, clean, malty sweetness underneath. This beer's flavor is equally floral... Read More

TwoConn Easy Ale

TwoConn Easy Ale

Connecticut
United States
TwoConn Easy Ale, Two Roads Brewing Co.
Description 

We are excited and honored to announce that we are furthering the partnership between Two Roads and UConn Athletics with a BRAND NEW Connecticut beer collaboration. TwoConn is an easy drinking golden ale that’s crisp and refreshing.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.3%

 

 


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Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

TwoConn Easy Ale by Two Roads Brewing Co. was judged as BJCP Category 18A, Blond Ale.

This beer has a familiar grainy malt aroma with herbal hop notes. It is clear and yellow with a dense, white head. Noble hops are the primary flavor with herbal and grassy characteristics. It has a firm... Read More

Polar Night

Roughtail Polar Night Beer
Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

This Imperial Stout begins with rich chocolate and roasted, fruity malt aromas. As it warms, it takes on a low sweetness with nutty, ashy, and coffee characteristics. This almost-black beer is opaque, even when held up to the light, and it carries a large brown head with very good retention. ... Read More

Green's Gluten Free India Pale Ale

Green's Gluten Free India Pale Ale

Green's Gluten Free India Pale Ale, Green's Gluten Free
Description 

Inviting amber-red color with full body. Aroma is bold hops with herbal and piney notes; flavor is nutty and firmly bitter with hints of caramel.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.0%
IBUs: 
60
Served at: 
50º F

 

 


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Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Green's Gluten-Free India Pale Ale by Green's Gluten Free Beers was judged as BJCP Category 31A, Alternative Grain Beer.

Pine, resin and lemon hop aromas are prominent, creating a West Coast impression for this beer. It also carries a substantial malty backbone. It pours a deep reddish-... Read More

Shower Beer

Shower Beer

Virginia
United States
Champion Brewing Shower Beer pilsner
Description 

Perfect for any relaxing occasion, this Bohemian Pilsner sings with fresh, clean maltiness and spicy flavor and aroma contributions from 100% traditional Czech Saaz hops. Aged cold on lager yeast for weeks for maximum refreshment. If you’ve never had a Shower Beer, it’s high time.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.5%
IBUs: 
35

 

 


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Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Czech Premium Pale Lagers (also known as Czech Pilseners) are an interesting breed. They’re flavorful yet refreshing and one of the few lagers in which diacetyl is acceptable. This example begins with a clean, sweet, pils-like malt aroma that isn’t overly bready or grainy. A very low honey aroma... Read More

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