Create a "Doesn't Adhere To Style" Style

In the first case, if that beer was very tasty, then a beer like that would probably get very high ratings here even if it isn't a "proper" Berliner. If Berliner is a bad fit, it sounds like the kind of beer people put in the "wild ale" box.

In the second case, I wonder how you even get to the altbier comparison. Why not "rye beer?" Sounds like a good fit.

Note that in both cases above, BA has some style listings that are meant to be relatively open and not bound by convention.

 

Then I'd still suggest that the new category name designation should follow the GABF and other competition guidelines. Remember I didn't suggest that a category such as that would be problemmatic, rather that it would be a problem if the category were "not to style beers." I.e., a different name than not to style.

As for your Oktoberfest example, from what you say it was "too hoppy" for the style from the perspective not only of the blogger but also many of the reviewers who love tradition and don't want to see it challenged. I've seen similar comments about this year's SN Oktoberfest. Something I happened to disagree with as for me that Oktoberfest is exactly what I'd expect if Mahr's were allowed to have a tent on the festival grounds.

If one decides to do the unconventional there will always be some who flame it and/or reject it.

 

I think both beers sound interesting and well worth trying, but I would say they should go into the "Specialty" category you mention in a later post.

 

Then I think we agree. What I was suggesting in the post you responded to was that the name of the category should not be something like "doesn't adhere to style" given that "style" is a red flag word for so many and creates problems for many others. If I seemed to be suggesting the idea of a "Specialty" category was a bad idea that was really not my intent since the way I read what you were proposing was that you were focused saying "the dopplebock with American hops" should be in the "Not to style" category so that it didn't get dinged for not being to style.

 

I'm curious why someone would 'think' they were getting an IPA if they ordered a Kolsch?

 

Instead of bringing up your kolsch example, if talking about this site, reading a single review would bring to notice anything not to style. And to be on that kolsch subject, if a brewer says its a hopped kolsch, we know what to expect. But honestly would a casual drinker understand what a kolsch is? Thats up for debate. I know plenty of beers up for non styles and i do think there could be a way otherwise to categorize them

Its a good idea actually. A non styled "style" though is a bit redundant though.

 

Had one tnight, an "Albino" stout.

 

Having read the response that actually answers your question, I will still answer your question as asked.

If a person were new to the "craft" beer scene, and were just exploring their palate, if that person were to see a thing labeled "Kolsch", yet they get blasted with a huge blast of bitter, grapefruity hops, that person would, understandably, expect every Kolsch they met going forward to meet that parameter.

Hopefully, that person would soon learn that their introduction to that given "style" was an outlier, and adapt appropriately. This is why "styles" retain their relevance. If a brewery makes a Stout,yet calls it a Wit, shouldn't they be dinged for making one beer yet calling it another? Regardless of their reasoning?

To reuse a poor analogy I've used before: How would you rate that Lobster Tail on your plate, when you had ordered a Salmon filet? Salmon might be awesome, but you wanted lobster. Both are tasty, but ya want what ya want, not a shitty approximation.

 

I rarely let the style designation get in the way of enjoying a fine beer. Besides there's too many styles already.

 

I do like when a beer is it's own genuine thing ie; Carton Boat, Sixpoint Sweet Action.......and i also enjoy when styles cross like belgian ipas etc..... but as stated styles are there for a reason and brewers do mention if its traditionally styled or not. Ex, clown shoes mango. It says right on the label it is dry hopped thus not a traditional kolsch.