Your least favorite thing about being a Beer Advocate?

The snobby elitism of all the people who got into craft beer before I did, and the stupid naivety of all the people who got into craft beer after I did. (Just kidding. No one got into craft beer before I did.)

A bit more seriously, I sometimes find myself looking at the beer selection and having a strong urge to pick up an old reliable brew, but then thinking I should get something I've never tried before instead... as if trying as many beers as I can is some kind of personal obligation and that what I actually want is a bit beside the point. Then I laugh at myself, tell myself to shut up and make a decision rather than just stand there with the cooler door open.

Also, in re: folks who don't see why one might prefer that local/regional beers remain exclusive to their area rather than widely distributed, one might note that the changes to production processes that would allow that beer to go nationwide would likely make it a different (and lesser) beer.

 

There are few things I dislike about being a Beer Advocate.

One of them is the entitled attitude that comes over from some people that "whaaa this beer (brewed on the other side of the country in a 10 barrel brewhouse) isn't available for MY gratification!". The future of craft beer is local - in the next 5 years or so you will see established brands retrenching to their home state and surrounding markets as they will simply not be able to supply anyone outside their home marketplace. Those who want to have these high profile beers (like Pliny or Heady) will need to go visit the brewery, which will benefit the brewery's local economy and provide a good excuse to travel around!

The other is that I cannot - will not - buy a 30 pack of some light macro knockoff brand just to get loaded. Woe is me, I cannot just get hammered on cheap beer any more

On the upside - the brewery tours I have done have generally been a whole lot of fun, and speaking with people as passionate about craft beer as the brewery employees is always refreshing. The diversity of choice is staggering, and it is getting hard to find styles that are *not* brewed any more - this means you can *always* find the beer that matches your mood. And finally - this means there's a WHOLE load more Imperial Stouts to add to my waistline

Yum yum, thick n sticky Imperial Stouts. And yes, I *do* drink Imperial Stouts in the middle of Alabama's summer - there is never a bad season for RISsen

 

A few things that I had to learn to overcome after joining BA:

1. Beer reviews altering my perception of a beer. I try not to read reviews before drinking a beer -- or if so, only objectively. Really what matters is whether YOU love it. Even more important is if you have good memories/experiences drinking it. Drink what makes you have a good time.

2. Idiot reviewers. The most recent example I saw is a review for Sculpin where the guy says before his review that he had just eaten Mexican food tasting it, and then proceeds to complain about how bitter the beer is. ...You kidding me?

3. Fitness and weight can be difficult, but I learned to circumvent this a bit by getting into food pairing, and having just a specific beer at dinner. Some days, have more, but in general this teaches you a lot about flavors, and helps you appreciate beer more. If you wanna chug, why waste the good stuff? Go buy Miller Fortune and get drunk Also, drinking earlier in the evening helps keep the weight off.

 

I don't like that a lot of people value rarity over taste. I've even seen people complain about some good beers being too available on this site. Seriously, wtf?

On a plus note, I love how much the members of this community are willing to give advice on the different styles and what you might like + what is available in your area. One mod spent days going over the different styles of beer and what I might like based on my input.

 

Agreed

 

That most the people I associate with don't like those "gross" beers I drink. Would love to have more beer advocate friends.

 

Im only going to answer that question as if you meant being on beeradvocate.com. I can no longer fun of my for being on facebook all day.

 

Long lines.

 

I only have one liver.

 

I hate when I show up at a craft beer bar and I could put together a better beer menu than they could. I also dislike how much weight I've gained since becoming a B.A. They should add that stat to everyones profile, Ha.

Steven
Weight Gained:15lbs
Beer Count:15lbs pounds worth
Status: Fat-ter than before
FT: HT,HF, Lawsons ISO: Personal Training sessions

 

The money I spend! (that was easy)

 

This is pretty much it for me. Only downside I can see. Went low carb, zero beer last fall, lost 18 pounds in two months.
I wouldn't want to be a BA in say Montana, or wherever great beer is hard to find, but it certainly isn't a problem where I am.

 

I don't like how just cuz I like craft beer I'm supposed to hate BMC. Are they the best beers? No. Are they the best at what they do? Yes. I've got nothing but respect for the big guys. From a technical and consistency standpoint, they are world class. Also, to get drunk they are the sensible option.

 

Same problem. My redpoint level is regressing, I swear.

 

For me it's constantly having your motives questioned for whether you actually like the taste better or whether you're just pretending to sound superior.

 

Dealing with BA’s that have crossed over to the dark side,

Otherwise known as Beer Snobs.

 

The fact that if I had all the cash that I've spent on this hobby and on my other main hobby (guitars) I and my wife would be a lot closer to being able to buy that house we saw last week.

 

Being a BA, I hate living in the state of Alabama. Our beer laws are some of the worst in the country.

 

When I climbed I sometimes joked that I used my belly as a third or forth point of contact. Sometimes that little bit of extra contact came in handy!

 

Judgements based solely on the join by date of people on this site. We all like good beer, a lot and it's silly to be condescending and rude to people with more recent join by dates than you. Doesn't make sense and lots of us read the forums or signed up to browse way before frequently posting