Beer rated on its merits or the brewer?

Talk Discussion in 'BeerAdvocate Talk' started by beerjerk666, Dec 8, 2012.

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  1. beerjerk666

    beerjerk666 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,155) Aug 22, 2010 Florida
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I have seen a lot of negative reviews and perceptions on here about Magic Hat, Rogue, Stone etc and was curious if the reviews are based on the beer(s) or the brewer. I personally have had many great beers from some of these breweries and don't understand the negative perceptions.
    I have read many threads and reviews recently that appear to be influenced more by the brewer than whether or not it tastes good.
    Thoughts?
     
  2. PaulQuinn

    PaulQuinn Initiate (0) May 27, 2011 Canada (BC)

    I can understand it with Rogue, but since when does Stone has this kind of bad connotation attached to them? I believe it's just that some beers are not that good. You can't hit the ball every time you try.
     
  3. BierStein711

    BierStein711 Initiate (0) Oct 12, 2011 Illinois

    I do not understand it either.

    But, I will admit that some breweries have stronger portfolios altogether. There is one I won't name right now, where I find their brews weak and low quality across the board. I'm hoping that there is something of a diamond in the rough within my journey.
     
  4. WanderingFool

    WanderingFool Pooh-Bah (2,136) Aug 7, 2002 Massachusetts
    Pooh-Bah

    I rate beers on its merit regardless of where it was brewed. I've had some great beers from mediocre breweries and some mediocre beers from great breweries. Everyone's taste is different so was great to one person might be awful to another.
     
  5. Lordquackingstic

    Lordquackingstic Pundit (998) Jun 14, 2011 New York
    Trader

    For Rogue at least it's definitely the beers. When you start labeling your beers with "Made With Real Books!" you start to get funny looks...
     
  6. mellowmark

    mellowmark Savant (1,018) Mar 31, 2010 Utah

    Again, this is where expectations play a role. If you have a beer from a brewery that is known for making great beer and by your perception the beer does not meet those standards you might rate the beer lower than if it was from a little-known brewery. The same can be said if the brewery is known for making mediocre beer and they come out with something good, you might rate that beer higher than you would otherwise simply because you expected less. All you can do is try and be cognizant of these biases when reviewing and not let them factor into your final rating, but that is easier said than done.
     
  7. UCLABrewN84

    UCLABrewN84 Initiate (0) Mar 18, 2010 California

    I rate beer independently, no matter who brews it. It does a disservice to the community to purposefully bash beers based on who brews them. I have had great beers from supposedly poor breweries and vice versa.
     
  8. dbrauneis

    dbrauneis Grand High Pooh-Bah (8,071) Dec 8, 2007 North Carolina
    Mod Team BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    I suppose there is always a slight amount of comparison to expectations that occurs even if it is not intentional (similar to having already read another review or based on cost).
     
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