Flotation Device Snozzberries Edition by Pontoon Brewing is branded as a fruited Berliner Weisse, and is being judged against BJCP category 29A, Fruit Beer. While this choice seems straightforward, the inclusion of lactose and vanilla (in addition to the fruit, which... 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:
19 / 24
Flavor:
33 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
20 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20
Bub2les Strawberry Lemonade Seltzer by Garage Brewing Co. is being reviewed per The Beer Connoisseur's 2022 Hard Seltzer Definitions and Guidelines as a fruit seltzer.
The seltzer pours slightly pale with a very light peachy tone of light yellows and very faint red hues, and is brilliant... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Old 121 ESB by Old 121 Brewhouse was judged as an Extra Special Bitter, category 11C in the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines.
There was a time early in the craft ...ahem!, microbrew era when ESB's were ubiquitous in pubs, taverns and grocery store shelves across America. They may have been... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Judged as BJCP category 33. Wood Aged Russian Imperial Stout.
Poured into a tulip snifter, the beer appears black-opaque, with a light brown moussy foam that is beautiful while it lasts -- about three minutes. Such is the ephemeral nature of young love.
The nose presents a huge... Read More
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Flagship IPA by Steamworks Brewing Co. was judged as BJCP category 21A, American IPA, served in a taper-shouldered pint glass at 47oF.
The beer shows off a deep golden/light amber color (~6 SRM), displaying a reasonably pronounced polyphenol haze that may or may not be directly... Read More
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Terrible by Unibroue is being judged as BJCP category26E, Belgian Dark Strong Ale. The beer is presented in a tulip glass after a big full and splashy pour, at 44°F. The beer casts a dark brown color with some obvious haze but not opaque; the foam is creamy and fine but lasts only about 2... Read More