This is an Imperial Rye ESB judged as English Barleywine BJCP #17D. My assistant greets me with a tall glass of copper colored beer capped with an inch of off-white dense foam, intoning “Imperial Rye ESB”. Hmmm. This presents a bit of a challenge for classification. Naturally, I look to the... 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:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Despite being billed as a Pale Ale, Mosaic Single Hop Pale by pFriem Family Brewers was judged as BJCP Category 21A, American IPA. Served at 44oF. The style was determined by my assistant based on by the beer's specification sheet. Specifically, the strong hop description coupled with strength ... 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