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