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David Sapsis

David Sapsis's picture
Beer & Cider Judge

Dave has been brewing beer since 1983 and judging since 1985. He holds the BJCP rank of Grand Master II, and has served in the program as Exam Assistant Director, Exam Director, and Western Representative on the BJCP Board of Directors.  Early in his brewing, while at the University of California pursuing a degree in Forestry, he met a young woman who worked in a world-class yeast lab (the Professor of the lab recently won a Nobel Prize), who helped him build a diverse yeast bank. He married her.  

In addition to brewing beers regularly and evaluating beers wherever he goes, Dave likes to cook and dabbles in charcuterie and motorcycle racing. In his day job, he works as a wildland fire scientist for the State of California.

 

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My reviews

Judges Rating:
87
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Bravus Raspberry Gose (Non-Alcoholic) by Bravus Brewing Co. was judged as and NA interpretation of BJCP category 29A, Fruit Beer. Served in a traditional straight-sided cylinder glass with moderately aggressive pour at 42 degrees. 

The beer presents with a deep yellow color with a hint of... Read More

Sigman Stavecation Maple

Sigman Stavecation Maple

Georgia
United States
Sigman Stavecation Maple, Pontoon Brewing
Description 

Over a year in a single Blanton barrel (mash bill #1, barrel #409, warehouse H, Rick #2) with a triple mash and incredibly long boil (28 hours) to get to 42 Plato, with a 20 Plato final gravity. Featuring Vermont maple syrup, madagascar vanilla and chili.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
13.9%
Served at: 
50 - 55º F

 

 


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Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

After close inspection, Sigman Stavecation Maple by Pontoon Brewing is labeled as a whisky barrel (Blanton's no less!) milk stout, of 13.9% alcohol content, and in almost microscopic font you will find "Vermont Maple Syrup, Madagascar Vanilla, Chili." It seems this is... Read More

Pit Stop Pale Ale

Pit Stop Pale Ale

California
United States
Pit Stop Pale Ale, Garage Brewing Co.
Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.5%
Malts: 
Rahr Two Row, Rahr White Wheat, Weyermann Caraamber, Gambrinus Honey, Briess Flaked Barley
Hops: 
Citra

 

 


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Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Pit Stop Pale Ale by Garage Brewing Co. was judged per the 2021 BJCP style specifications under 18 B, American Pale Ale. The beer is served at in a nonic pint glass after a full and vigorous pour at 42 degrees Fahrenheit, and exhibits a medium-light amber color (around 7 SRM), and some modest... Read More

Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

"Extra Pale Ale" judged as BJCP 18B American Pale Ale.

My lovely assistant (my wife, amazing she puts up with me) presents a full classic nonic pint glass and boldly states "Extra Pale Ale".

This sends me to the books looking for clarity and enlightenment. Well, so much  for that. ... Read More

Secret Spot

Secret Spot, Duck Foot Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Secret Spot by Duck Foot Brewing Co. was judged as BJCP category 21A, American IPA.

The beer shows off a deep gold color with very pronounced, almost milky, haze character. An off-white creamy foam of 3 cm tops the liquid and demonstrates a lasting head.

The nose is bright with... Read More

Pommeau

Pommeau

Oregon
United States
2 Towns Ciderhouse Pommeau, 2 Towns Ciderhouse
Description 

Our Pommeau is made from locally grown traditional bittersweet cider apples which are hand-harvested and 'sweated' at cool temperatures. After the apples have sweetened, the fresh-pressed juice is fermented and aged with apple brandy made from our own cider. Our Pommeau is then matured in French oak barrels for one year. The result is a tremendously complex apple Pommeau that blossoms with aromas of fresh-pressed cider, dried fruit and wood. This bottle will improve with cellaring up to 20 years.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
19.0%
Served at: 
50º F

 

 


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Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Pommeau by 2 Towns Ciderhouse was judged outside the BJCP cider guidelines, which don't recognize sweet dessert wines made from apples. Served in a small brandy snifter at 54oF/12oC. Deep golden color with haze. Completely still. Legs on glass looks viscous. 

The nose is redolent with... Read More

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