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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

Judges Rating:
91
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Bravus Oatmeal Stout (Non-Alcoholic) by Bravus Brewing Co. was judged as a non-alcoholic rendition of BJCP category 16B, Oatmeal Stout. The beer is served in a half-pint stout glass after a full pour from 6 inches.

The beverage shows a very pretty burgundy-brown color with nice clarity... Read More

This Boi Is C H O N K Y: Wide Awake

This Boi Is C H O N K Y: Wide Awake

This Boi Is C H O N K Y: Wide Awake, Pontoon Brewing
Description 

You're MINT to grab this sweet stout to power through Thanksgiving weekend! This Chonky Boi features coffee, mint and cocoa; a refreshing combination to add to your collection!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
7.5%
Served at: 
50 - 55º F

 

 


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Judges Rating:
88
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
36 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

This Boi Is C H O N K Y: Wide Awake by Pontoon Brewing is being judged against BJCP category 20A, vegetable/herb/spice beer. It was served in a large snifter at 50oF.

Within the confines of performing single-blind evaluations, it can sometimes be hard... Read More

Bub2le Blue Raspberry Seltzer

Bub2le Blue Raspberry Seltzer

California
United States
Bub2les Blue Raspberry Seltzer, Garage Brewing Co.
Description 

Crisp, light, and refreshing with a taste of blue raspberry that lingers on the palate!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.0%

 

 


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Judges Rating:
81
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
17 / 24
Flavor:
34 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
16 / 20

Bub2les Blue Raspberry Seltzer by Garage Brewing Co. is being reviewed per The Beer Connoisseur's Hard Seltzer Definitions and Guidelines (2022) as a Fruit Seltzer. The drink was poured into a kölsch glass and served at 42 degrees Fahrenheit.

The appearance is highlighted by a light but... Read More

Old 121 Lager

Old 121 Lager

Colorado
USA
Old 121 Lager, Old 121 Brewhouse
Description 

Our house lager is an easy-drinking American Lager that is full of flavor, crisp, and great for lawnmower days or an easy afternoon. This beer uses premium malts and noble hops to create a malty profile and light hop spiciness for a refreshing and delicious beer.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
5.0%
IBUs: 
4.4
Served at: 
38 - 40º F
Malts: 
Bohemian Pilsner, Flaked Maize, Six-Row, Vienna
Hops: 
Saaz

 

 


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Judges Rating:
92
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Old 121 Lager by Old 121 Brewhouse is being judged as an American Lager, category 1B in the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines.

The beer is presented at 47 degrees F in a stange glass, showing a deep straw (~3 SRM) color with brilliant clarity and a modest white foam stand.

The aroma shows... Read More

Abrikoos

Abrikoos by pFriem Family Brewers
Judges Rating:
86
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
19 / 24
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20

The beer was judged as a BJCP category 23F  Lambic with fruit: fruit lambic with apricots.

The beer is presented in a stemmed goblet after a full pour: a hazy golden-orange with nary a bubble of foam to be found, despite being assured that it was poured aggressively. Being a sour beer,... Read More

Steamworks Pilsner

Pilsner, Steamworks Brewing Co.
Judges Rating:
94
Appearance:
6 / 6
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Steamworks Pilsner by Steamworks Brewing Co. is being judged as BJCP style 5D, German Pils. The beer is served in a stange glass at 41oF.

The beer pours a bright gold with faint haze, holding a nice 2-inch frothy head that exhibits excellent stand. Outgassing is modest. The aroma is... Read More

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