Deduct points for no date

I just don't buy the beer.

If it is undated, then just rate it as it tastes, as the brewery obviously does not care if it is fresh or not.

 

That's seems unnecessarily punitive.

Even if it's undated....you still bought it, otherwise you wouldn't be rating it!

Just give it an honest assessment.

 

Appearance score doesn't really affect the overall score that much, if I'm remembering right -- I know I've seen reviews of the "looks like juice" IPAs with a 1 appearance and somewhere in the 4+ range for everything else where they calculated out to 4 or so in the end anyway, despite the rock-bottom appearance score.

So knocking off a couple points for not putting a date on the bottle isn't really unrealistically harsh -- if the beer is still really good it'll still end up with a really good score, and if it's mediocre the low appearance score won't bring it down much further than the other scores already did.

 

Will you also be adding points if there is good artwork? Deducting points for a dented can? Rate what is in the bottle not on it.

If a can is undated I don't buy it unless it is something I know is fresh.

 

I'm all for advocating freshness dates, but subtracting points on, well, appearance of all things, for lack of freshness dates, seems like a petty and completely ineffective way to grade a beer.

Also: If you're going to go that route, why not subtract points for "Overall"? For your overall impression? That would make a lot more sense.

 

If the beer is not dated and the flavor or aroma suffers as a result of it then the score will speak for itself.

 

BA should just have a rating category and deduct if answer is No.

 

I am sure you are kidding. deducting for no package date will be done in the review anyway if anything is less than satisfactory. 2 points out of 5 puts it at a 3 or ok. So let's talk about that. If the average appearance for the beer includes aspects that are not met, head retention, color etc . . . then you deduct points. You will find that the 3 as ok is a misunderstood parameter. if there is some slight haze in my pilsner that is ok.. If the head does not last as long as it should that is ok . . . if the color is brown, if the head gushes or there isn't any that is not ok. All by varying degrees. The other side of the coin is that by not recognizing the details about the appearance that always matter to the style, you also deprive the score of it's inching upwards. So if my pilsner was clear ok. a little bright, more bright, perfectly bright etc . . . To reach a world class score the appearance does matter.

 

This could get out of hand - hell, I'd like to deduct for using clear bottles because they are more susceptible to being light-struck and skunked. Or bombers for being too damn big. Or a beer could be penalized for being tap only. Or for having a stupid looking or offensive label and/or name. Guess you could change your overall score, but please note it in your review so others can dismiss your input if they disagree - though it still figures against the grand total for the beer.

 

Problem is that doesn't send a clear message to either the brewery or to the rest of us. (And I can see for myself that a beer is undated. :-))

 

May not seem harsh, but it's got nothing to do with the sensory qualities of the beer and doesn't tell the rest of us anything useful about the beer itself or even why the score was given.
( I can already see for myself if a beer is undated. :-) )

 

I register my complaint directly to the Brewery either by email or phone call, or both. I tell them I believe such information is an important part of the purchase decision and if they won't date their product then I'll buy from those who will.

 

I do that and go one step further. If I'm looking for something in particular and find it is undated I also tell the brewery which of their competitor's beers I bought instead of their's. Since I often buy beer by the case I usually mention the word "case"....

 

Brb knocking 2 points off of all my The Alchemist ratings.

 

I adjust overall score slightly based on price to competition. If its way underpriced and very good, it excites me. If its one of the most expensive for the style and not at a world class level, I am more disappointed. Scores reflect it.

So if no date creates a negative feeling as your drinking the beer then mark it down a little. Do as you see fit. As others said though, if it tastes and smells great, who cares.