Appearance: What makes a 5 rating?

Such a dumb category. No idea why it's required on here.

 

While I agree that the appearance of a beer isn't that important as far as rating goes, I will say that when I get a vibrant, glowing orange or gold from an IPA, I do get a little more excited about trying it. Makes me think the brewer actually planned the color of the beer purposefully with a clear vision on presentation.

 

Im used to rating everything like that anyways. I guess thats where BJCP and beer judging comes in.

 

Yup. If I'm rating all the qualities of the beer and I want my overall score to reflect that, no matter how the beer looks, I'm giving it the rating I think it should deserve. I think the "overall" drop down should override, not average the rest of the scores for this reason.

 

Not to mention King Sue:

 

It's got to hit all 5 senses to me: taste, touch, smell, sight, and especially how it sounds.

 

Complete drain pour if the slosh doesn't reach the right decibel inside the bottle.

 

This is subjective. I really dig IPAs and all my other beers (for that matter) to be unfiltered. So if my beer is cloudy and packs a massive frothy head, that's an easy close to perfection on appearance to me. Lacing is another component that I watch for. Yet, to each other individual, just like taste, is subjective. There is no perfect beer for me...but many have come too close (I'm looking at you Another One!).

 

The more they look like orange juice the better!
Fuzzy Baby Ducks!

 

Absolutely! And don't forget the pop and snap of the bubbles and the foam dissipates! I won't even try it if that's off.

 

Duvel



and this







I'd give'm 5

 

Numerous studies have shown that appearance is a major factor in a person's enjoyment of food and beverages.

 

I don't think anyone considers these ratings objective...

 

I've thought about this from time to time. I don't think I've rated a beer 5 on appearance. I agree that it would be a hard standard to set. I think the highest I've rated on appearance is Edward or Abner at 4.75. Taste is obviously the biggest thing here, although I do think appearance comes into play a bit.

 

Appearance is (1) a comparison with style - a stout that is too clear will get a lower score; and (2) does it make me want to drink it.

To get to a 5, in my book, you need to hit both out of the park, and depending on style, that may be based on radically different elements. I am looking for floaties in my Hefe. I am looking for a crystal clear Pils. I want inky blackness from my RIS. The right look makes me think, "This has promise."

And for a gnarly old Barley Wine, that might be a murky, muddy looking brew. It happens.

I've given at least one 5 - for BCBS. Just seeing it in the glass made me want to dive in, after I poured it.

 

Would it look as sexy if it were in an unbranded shaker pint?

 

For a group that thinks the visual aspect isn't important, folks sure spend a lot of money on glassware. I know that I'm in a very tiny minority here on BA, but Looks are second in importance, after taste, to me. I have a terrible sense of smell, so that is the least important important to me. I spend much more time looking at a beer than I do sniffing its panties. Bartender hands me a brew, I look at the color, clarity, head, lacing, retention, and legs. A quick sniff, and unless the beer smells unique or outstanding, then it's on to the tongue. After the first sip, the beer keeps getting visual attention, but the nose can take a break until the next beer. And yes, some of those beers posted above, the ones that look like orange juice? Those would get 2s, or less, if I were rating them.