Reuben's Crush Series: Crush Cancer by Reuben's Brews was judged against BJCP category 21B, Specialty IPA – New England IPA – though the style is still not recognized by the BJCP. No matter, we know basically what to expect: deeply complex hop character from new hop breeds in a juicy and creamy... Read More
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David Sapsis
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.
My reviews
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
BRAMS Chocolate Coffee Stout by BRAMS was judged under 2015 BJCP Guidelines, style 30A: Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer.
The beer is served at 48oF in a small,12-ounce wide-mouthed stout glass after a very vigorous pour. Upon inspection with a focused light, it reveals a super-deep ruby-... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Dragon's Milk Reserve S'mores by New Holland Brewing Co. is a barrel-aged stout with chocolate, toasted marshmallow and graham cracker flavoring and is being judged under BJCP category 33B, Specialty Wood-Aged Beer.
Presented in a large snifter after a robust pour, the beer is opaque and... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Double IPA, BJCP #22A: The beer pours a crystal clear light amber color, with a nice full creamy cap of foam with good stand and lace. Color indicates relatively little in the way of kilned/colored malts used -- possibly some Vienna/Munich or very light crystal malt in low quantity. The beer... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
North Fork Lager by Payette Brewing Co. is being judged as an International Pale Lager, BJCP category 2A. Served in a 200-ml stange glass at 44oF.
The beer is very pale gold, bordering on deep straw in color (~ 3 SRM), with brilliant clarity. The aggressive pour formed about a 2-inch... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
pFriem Belgian-Style Dark Ale by pFriem Family Brewers is judged as Belgian Dark Strong Ale, aka BJCP Category 26D. Served at 49oF.
The beer is presented by my assistant in a Belgian tulip glass after a vigorous pour down the middle; color deep amber-brown estimated~12/13 SRM, with... Read More