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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

Philly Special

Philly Special

Pennsylvania
United States
Philly Special, Iron Hill Brewery
Description 

This hazy beer may be considered a New England IPA, but its inspiration is pure Philly. Brewed with flaked oats and wheat, this beer features tropical fruit and resinous pine notes almost as intense as your passion for the home team. Whether you’re cracking one open at a tailgate or in your living room, you can just taste the brotherly love.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.7%
IBUs: 
16

 

 


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Judges Rating:
88
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Philly Special by Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant is a New England IPA brewed by Iron Hill Brewing, judged as BJCP Category 21B. Classic West Coast hops make up the aroma of this beer and include pine, lemon and resin. There's a note of passion fruit as well. The aroma overall is subdued. It... Read More

Liliko'i Kepolo

Liliko'i Kepolo
Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

A vacation in a glass, this cloudy, bright yellow beer contains a host of tropical fruit characteristics. Its aroma is alive with juicy grapefruit, lemon zest, coriander, pineapple, and white pepper. The flavor follows suit and jumps with passion fruit, light sweetness and pleasant acidity. The... Read More

Weekender

Weekender

Massachusetts
United States
Weekender, ZēLUS Beer Co.
Description 

Weekender is the perfect companion for your adventures. A pronounced malt-forward biscuit-like flavor from the Munich and Vienna malts, and subtly hopped with Hallertau to epitomize this German-Style lager. After you satisfy your appetite for adventure, reach for a Weekender!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.3%
IBUs: 
25
Served at: 
40 - 45º F
Malts: 
Two-Row Pale Malt, Munich Malt, Vienna Malt, Carafoam
Hops: 
Hallertau Mittelfrueh

 

 


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

Weekender by Zelus Beer Co. was judged as Category 4A, Munich Helles.

This beer is crystal clear and golden-colored with a tall, fluffy, white head. Bready, crackery malt aromas dominate the aroma, which overall is mild and pleasant. There is a low, spicy hop aroma in the background. Pils... Read More

Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

This Märzen smells bready, spicy, and very clean. It has a low malty richness and sweetness that become apparent as it warms. This beer tastes malty, but is also decidedly dry. The malt flavor is predominately pils-like, which is surprising considering its orange-amber color. Balancing the malt... Read More

Green's Gluten Free Dubbel Ale

Green's Gluten Free Dubbel Ale

Green's Gluten Free Dubbel Ale, Green's Gluten Free
Description 

In the classic dubbel fashion, a hint of dark-sugar and toffee flavor; and a traditional Belgian yeast bouquet.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
7.0%
IBUs: 
24
Served at: 
50º F

 

 


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Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

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

The aroma of this barley-free Dubbel is mild overall, with gentle fruit esters and a specific note of fig. This beer is reddish brown-colored and has a tall, dense tan head... Read More

Hi-Wire Gose

Hi-Wire Brewing Gose beer
Judges Rating:
89
Appearance:
4 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Restrained acidity and perfume make up the pleasant aroma of this understated Gose. It pours a crystal clear, bright yellow color and the white head collapses noisily and quickly. The light acidity carries through to the flavor and adds a bit of tartness. This beer is delicately salty and fruity... Read More

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