How to rate a style you don't like?

I just don't drink styles I don't like. I'm guessing that's probably the norm. I suppose if someone were to actually enjoy a particular beer from a style they don't care for then it would warrant a strong rating.

 

Stop drinking red ales, problem solved.

 

If you already know you don't like the style its not a good idea to rate/review the beer.


Here are also some other thoughts about reviewing.

http://www.beeradvocate.com/articles/637/

 

I agree with zac16125. If you have tried more than a couple - say, you have tried 5 or 6 different ones - just stick a fork in the style and walk away. There are so many wonderful beers out there, why shackle yourself to a style that doesn't work for you?

 

OP, I'll go along with this. However, if you've had enough red ales and you think you know what the parameters are for what a good specimen of this style should taste like, then review it in comparison to that standard.

 

Seriously?

Maybe you just don't like the style. Why keep drinking something you don't like when there are literally thousands of example of beers that are other styles that you presumably do like. I once had a Doppelbock and didn't like it. I had a different Doppelbock and disliked it even more. I decided I don't like Doppelbocks and moved on. Luckily there are still IPA, quad's, Gose's, stouts, and many other styles that I enjoy so I drink those instead. Also, I don't like asparagus, so I eat broccoli or spinach instead. I don't order asparagus every time I go to a restaurant hoping to find a preparation of asparagus that I will find palatable.

Honestly can't tell if that response and this whole thread is a joke or if you are being serious.

 

For the most part, I rate beers on their overall appeal to my palate, regardless of style. If I'm drinking a style I don't appreciate as much as others, it'll most likely take a hit in the rating.

I'm not going to give Weinstephaner Hefe a perfect 5 even if it is the pinnacle of evolution and taste for that style (just an example, not saying W Hefe is, but it is a damn good hefe) and give it equal standing in my ratings with BCBS or Lagunitas Sucks.

Do I think that W Hefe is a great beer? Yes, but it's not something that I would drink over a wide range of other beers even if it would be my first Hefe choice.

 

How about keep trying them, without reviewing them. Is that a crazy suggestion?

 

I say, fuck the red ales. Try a hefe/dunkelwiezen or porter instead!

 

I really wouldn't give up on them. A true red is one of my favorite styles; however, it's first cousin which is known as an amber ale is one of my least favorite styles. These two types of beer are so close in family, yet very different in taste IMO. Reds are not widely available, and maybe you've picked up the ones that are more amber than they are red. To me, a good red has a nice sweet malty flavor with a minimal hop presence, whereas an amber is more hoppy and its malt is not as sweet.

 

Talk like that will get you shown the door 'round here .

 

How will anyone know you ever drank them?

 

Well, if you're pretty sure you don't like them then I would say go drink what you like. There's so many good beers out there that I'm sure you can find plenty that you DO like. Life's too short to drink stuff you don't like.

On the other hand, I have to give you a thumbs up for keeping an open mind and being willing to try them all in case there are some out there you like. I've had some real good reds, and some real terrible reds myself, with no intermediate. That said, if I thought it was a 2/5, I'll give it a 2/5. I might put notes in my review that I'm not a fan of the style, but I don't give pity points or whatever. I might not review it, if I know I am that biased.