Ever turn down a hyped beer you've never had before?

Walked past 3 4-packs of KBS this afternoon.

 

This is the true question and my answer is I'd take it every time. I rarely spend the money if I see overhyped beers, but for free I'm taking it. For me its the constant quest for those beers that are just on another level. Hype doesn't equal good, but I've found the hyped beers I have tried are solid to great beers, rarely bad IMO, so why not try it if it's free. I finally traded for a Fundamental Observation and it blew me away. I traded for Jackie o's dark apparition and was disappointed. Part of it is the anticipation that the next beer may blow you away.

 

Couldn't agree more. In my craft beer journey some of the first truly great beers did kind of blow me away, in the sense that they helped me realize how well beer could be made. The first were Zombie Dust, Pliny the Elder, KBS, and BBA Plead the 5th. These were the first beers that I had that were anywhere near the the Top 250 list. For a while, I kind of expected any top rated beer to provide a similar experience. I was disappointed by a few until I realized that I really was starting to drink some of the best beers available. This realization has also helped me appreciate what is available locally.

 

Yessir. BCBS and Backwoods bastard were the first 2 that when I had it blew my mind. It's really fascinating to see my progression in taste and beers and which hold up. Those 2 are still among my favorites. I've only had prairie AB Noir once but it was one of the more recent beers that was unbelievable. I've noticed the juicy IPAs from trill and TH seem to lose their luster, maybe since they all kind of blend together where in the darker beers I can pick out more of the nuances. HF Everette is one of my targets to try next.

I think that'd be interesting to see peoples top 3 choices of beers they'd like to be offered for free..
1) HF Everett
2) Assassin
3) Huna

 

I did try it for $30 for a 2oz glass that was served in a Reidel glass that yo cold keep,loved it

 

I had a Fundamental Observation from a trade a few weeks ago as well. Agree it was really amazing.

 

I've never had Pliny. Last month, I was at a bar that had it on tap. Instead I went for the less hyped sister beer, Blind Pig. Then about a week later, I found myself at the Russian River brewery. Again, I didn't get Pliny; I got the sours instead.

 

You should get it next time. It's really good.

 

It's interesting in the Boston area I find myself passing up formerly hyped beers, that I do enjoy from time to time for newer beers that I haven't tried. Case in point, Sip Of Sunshine, there was a time when I could barely get it in Mass and wouldn't miss a chance. Now with all the great options, I hardly buy it at all.

 

I wouldn't pay over $20 for a 750ml bottle of beer, let alone $40+.

I have found many 4/6 packs of great beer for under $20 (most are $15 and under) that I feel there is no need to spend more.

 

Never turned one down, only been extremely disappointed.