Stepping away from beer ratings

The funny thing with Google images is when it sends you the daily "Remember this" slide shows. For me it's a lot of pictures of beer and cats, which is telling.

 

I do mostly ratings vs reviews now. Virtually the same old words in my reviews, got to the point of, uh, what's the point? If you catch my drift. Shrugs.

 

When I originally got into beer, rating things was a ton of fun and it pushed me to think about and learn about things a lot more. As time passed, I felt like I was writing the same stuff over and over though. I stopped writing full reviews/ratings not too long after that, although I have to admit I still like reviewing places. Untapped breathed a bit more life into things since it was easy and a much shorter format. I typically didn't give anything scores, but I could write a few short notes and "tick" things just to keep a record. Eventually that got old, too. I stopped using it when I hit 3K unique ratings. These days I enjoy just drinking whatever and not knowing or caring if I've had something before. It's refreshing. Maybe some day I'll get drawn back in Michael Corleone style, but I'm enjoying being retired.

 

That's all my slide shows are too, funny you mention that.

 

With beers out at taprooms costing $7+ anymore, I’m glad I have my archived reviews so I know which beers to avoid again if any where not good or if I’m interested in trying a new beer to me (I can check to see if I’ve had it before). Between thousands of ratings and getting older, I need those notes. Oh and thanks to BA staff and @Todd for adding that “You” addition so I can sort by the beers I’ve had at a brewery before. That really has been a game changer for the best.

 

Reviewing can be a time-consuming thing, especially when you try to give an honest and thoughtful assessment like it sounds you do. You have some impressive beers on your list, which I’m sure you enjoyed very much. Your list includes some beers that I would love to have some day but unfortunately have remained beyond my grasp, such as Westy XII and Lou Pepe Kriek (my ride to our beer group screwed up on that last one). Best wishes and don’t be a stranger.