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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

Galipette Brut

Galipette Brut

Galipette Brut, Galipette Cidre
Description 

Winner of the 2019 Cidercraft Awards for the Heritage category (Double Gold), Galipette Brut is sparkling bright orange and gives way to a soft and luscious apple taste with earthy fruit tannins. Full of a rich apple aroma, Brut is a treat you don’t want to miss. Apples from Brittany, France.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
4.5%

 

 


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Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Galipette Brut by Galipette Cidre was judged as a French Cider, BJCP Style C1C. The cider presents a brilliant deep-gold color with light outgassing indicating a modest level of conditioning. The nose is lush with sweet fruit and hints of green apple/skin astringency. Overall, the aroma is light... Read More

Rye Whiskey Barrel Aged Imperial Brown Ale

Rye Whiskey Barrel Aged Imperial Brown Ale

Rye Whiskey Barrel Aged Imperial Brown Ale, pFriem Family Brewers
Description 

Aged in rye whiskey barrels for a year, our Imperial Brown Ale pours a black walnut hue, bursting with rich notes of brandied cherry, toffee and a kiss of char. It’s ideal for sharing fireside stories under a starry, western sky.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
12.3%
IBUs: 
45
Served at: 
45º - 50º F
Malts: 
Simpsons- Marris Otter-Finest, Golden Promise, Crystal Dark, DRC, Brown Malt, Chocolate, Roasted Barley, Golden Naked Oats
Hops: 
Warrior, Chinook, Cascade

 

 


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Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Rye Whiskey Barrel Aged Imperial Brown Ale by pFriem Family Brewers was judged under BJCP category 33 B, Specialty Wood-Aged Beer, with the underling style being a high-gravity brown ale. 

The beer is served at 50oF in a large snifter after a hearty pour, exhibiting a very dark brown... Read More

Stone Imperial Stout

Stone Imperial Stout

California
United States
Stone Imperial Stout, Stone Brewing
Description 

Ask any hardcore Stone enthusiast about our most legendary beers and you’re bound to hear mention of this one. Nearly jet black with a fluffy hot chocolate-colored head, a goblet of this obsidian wonder held to the sky could block out the sun. Or an evening. Redolent with dark chocolate and heavy roast up front, gracefully supported by nuances of coffee, black currant, molasses as it finishes… this beaut is ageable for years. Some of us are still enjoying our bottles from the early 2000’s.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
10.5
IBUs: 
45

 

 


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Judges Rating:
87
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Stone Imperial Stout by Stone Brewing is being judged as an Imperial Stout per the 2021 BJCP style guidelines for category 20C Imperial Stout.

The beer is presented at 50oF in a snifter tulip glass after a rough pour designed to produce foam. The color is opaque black, and the head a deep... Read More

Red Evelyn

Red Evelyn by Black Shirt Brewing Co
Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

The beer pours a deep amber color with a faint haze; foam is mousey with fine light tan bubbles and modestly lasting foam stand.  Conditioning appears relatively light by the modest tracing of rising gas. Aroma is bright and citrusy, with tones of grapefruit and mandarin, above a spicy/caramel... Read More

Betty IPA

Betty IPA by Hangar 24 Craft Brewing
Judges Rating:
93
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Beer judged as an American IPA,  BJCP Category 21A. Served at 43oF

Informed that the sample was a full sixteen ounces, I asked my assistant to use a favorite English pint glass I have with a gentle, inward-tapered shoulder -- one that has done good duty with aromatic ales. "Pour it hard... Read More

Bosbessen

Bosbessen, pFriem Family Brewers
Judges Rating:
90
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Bosbessen by pFriem Family Brewers is being judged as BJCP category 23 F, Fruit Lambic. Served at 46oF in a Belgian tulip glass. 

The beer pours a deep burnished red, with moderate haze, throwing a light pink mixed foam that dissipates  quickly. The beer is very lively with lots of steady... Read More

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