Start 14-Day Trial Subscription

*No credit card required

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.

 

ds-cert_g0369_grand_master_ii.jpg

My reviews

Secret Spot

Secret Spot, Duck Foot Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Secret Spot by Duck Foot Brewing Co. was judged as BJCP category 21A, American IPA.

The beer shows off a deep gold color with very pronounced, almost milky, haze character. An off-white creamy foam of 3 cm tops the liquid and demonstrates a lasting head.

The nose is bright with... Read More

Pommeau

Pommeau

Oregon
United States
2 Towns Ciderhouse Pommeau, 2 Towns Ciderhouse
Description 

Our Pommeau is made from locally grown traditional bittersweet cider apples which are hand-harvested and 'sweated' at cool temperatures. After the apples have sweetened, the fresh-pressed juice is fermented and aged with apple brandy made from our own cider. Our Pommeau is then matured in French oak barrels for one year. The result is a tremendously complex apple Pommeau that blossoms with aromas of fresh-pressed cider, dried fruit and wood. This bottle will improve with cellaring up to 20 years.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
19.0%
Served at: 
50º F

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Pommeau by 2 Towns Ciderhouse was judged outside the BJCP cider guidelines, which don't recognize sweet dessert wines made from apples. Served in a small brandy snifter at 54oF/12oC. Deep golden color with haze. Completely still. Legs on glass looks viscous. 

The nose is redolent with... Read More

Wooden Helix Triple IPA

Wooden Helix Triple IPA

Georgia
United States
Wooden Helix Triple IPA, Wild Leap Brew Co.
Description 

Triple IPA fermented with toasted American oak spirals, featuring a hop blend with juicy and woody characteristics.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
10.2%
IBUs: 
36

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Judges Rating:
87
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

Wooden Helix Triple IPA by Wild Leap Brew Co. was judged as BJCP category 33A , wood-aged beer.

The beer is served in a tall 12 oz. tapered glass after a full pour, and measured at 48oF. The beer casts a medium-light gold color, a deeply hazy clarity and exhibits good but not great foam... Read More

Racing Fuel Hazy IPA

Racing Fuel Hazy IPA

California
United States
Racing Fuel Hazy IPA, Garage Brewing Co.
Description 

A juicy and hazy India Pale Ale that will rev up your taste buds.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.5%
Malts: 
Rahr Two Row, Rahr White Wheat, Crisp Dextrin, Simpson Golden Naked Oats, Oats
Hops: 
Mosaic, Citra, Amarillo

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


Judges Rating:
84
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

The sample for the day is representing the ubiquitous style of our time, Hazy IPA, now possible to judge against an objective description as found in the new released 2022 BJCP styles guidelines under style 21C.

The beer is presented in an English shouldered pint glass, showing a deep... Read More

Pure Cider Rosé

Pure Cider Rosé

Pure Cider Rosé, Kelterei Possman
Description 

Cider Rosé with a dash of blackcurrant. Delicious and tasty, extra fruity. This delicious specialty cider with its round, pleasant, fresh aroma is simply fun!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.0%
Served at: 
38 - 42º F

 

 


The rating and full judge's review for this product is available only to premium subscribers.

Login / Subscribe

Not yet a subscriber? Visit the store now.
Options start for only $9.95!


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

Pure Cider Rosé by Kelterei Possman is being judged as a specialty cider with other fruit, Style C2B, per the 2015 BJCP Cider Guidelines.

The cider pours a brilliant tawny amber with an obvious rose-colored red shift reflecting the strong coloring of the base fruit. The look is inviting... Read More

Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
5 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

"Extra Pale Ale" judged as BJCP 18B American Pale Ale.

My lovely assistant (my wife, amazing she puts up with me) presents a full classic nonic pint glass and boldly states "Extra Pale Ale".

This sends me to the books looking for clarity and enlightenment. Well, so much  for that. ... Read More

Pages