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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

Strawgator

Strawgator

Louisiana
United States
Strawgator, Abita Brewing Co.
Description 

Abita Strawgator™ is the fusion of Strawberry Lager sweetness with the bite of Andygator. This golden lager is made with malted barley and wheat. It is hopped with German Perle hops for a delicate hop flavor. After filtration, generous amounts of fresh Louisiana strawberry juice are added, giving the beer a pleasant sweet taste and aroma, as well as a rich golden color and slight cloudiness.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
8.0%
IBUs: 
27
Served at: 
40º F
Malts: 
Pilsner, Wheat
Hops: 
German Perle

 

 


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Judges Rating:
84
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Strawgator by Abita Brewing Co. was served in a narrow taper tall glass at 43oF. and judged as BJCP category 29 A: Fruit Beer. 

The beer casts a medium-amber color with a faint blush, pronounced haze and a thick, creamy layer of head that lasts well. The color seems light for base beer of... Read More

Redux Dark Cherry Rum Porter

Redux Dark Cherry Rum Porter

California
United States
Redux Dark Cherry Rum Porter, Garage Brewing Co.
Description 

Jamaican Rum Barrel Aged with rum, oak, cherries, and chocolate combined for a complex balance of flavors culminating in a quick and dry cherry chocolate finish.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
11.8%

 

 


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Judges Rating:
85
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Redux Dark Cherry Rum Porter by Garage Brewing Co. is being judged against the 2021 BJCP style guidelines for category 34B, Mixed-Style Beer.

The beer casts a deep ruby/garnet color upon illumination through the glass (a large tulip snifter), with some haziness and a nice, tan-colored... Read More

Stone 27th Anniversary Lemon Shark Double IPA

Stone 27th Anniversary Lemon Shark Double IPA

California
USA
Stone 27th Anniversary Lemon Shark Double IPA, Stone Brewing
Description 

For this year’s anniversary beer, we found inspiration in the southern hemisphere. This double IPA is brewed with Peacharine and Riwaka hops, along with a special ingredient called Phantasm – an extract from sauvignon blanc grape skins – all sourced from New Zealand. Combined with some good old fashioned Mosaic hops from the US and an amped up grain bill and we’ve got ourselves a unique sensory experience full of dankness and tropical citrusy notes. Coming in at a smooth 9.6% in honor of the year we started: 1996.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
9.6%
IBUs: 
43
Hops: 
Peacharine, Riwaka, Mosaic, Magnum

 

 


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Judges Rating:
88
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Stone 27th Anniversary Lemon Shark Double IPA by Stone Brewing is being judged according to BJCP category 22A, Double IPA, from the 2021 Guidelines. Despite the addition of Phantasm, a grapeskin-derived product designed to promote fruity aromas, the beer was not... Read More

Biere de Triomphe

Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Judges as BJCP cat. 24C Biere de Garde ( Amber)

The beer was served in a stemmed chalice, poured aggressively. The color is a medium brown with appreciable muddy haze. Foam stand fails, but a modest protein lace clings to the rim. A steady bead of outgassing (large bubbles) indicates a... Read More

Belgian Strong Dark

Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Belgian Strong Dark by pFriem Family Brewers was judged as BJCP Category 26D, Belgian Strong Dark Ale.  Served at 50oF.

The beer is served in a large tulip snifter showing a deep brown-mahogany with a light haze. A thick, tan foam of mixed-size bubbles fades fairly quickly even though the... Read More

La Fin du Monde

La Fin du Monde, Unibroue
Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

La Fin Du Monde by Unibroue is being judged as BJCP category 26C, Belgian Tripel. The beer is presented in a tulip glass at 48°F, showing a light amber color around 7 SRM, a distinct thick haze, and a lovely creamy foam stand that lasts minutes.

The aroma is biscuity-dry with obvious... Read More

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