Expectations vs. Delivery

I’d say it’s 0% and anything higher would be impossible.

 

I don't see the ratings by others, either "objective" or subjective, as being very useful. I'd prefer a short review. Is it faithful to the brewer's description? If not, what style is it similar to? Can you describe the malt and hop character? Are there identifiable flaws? What is your overall impression?

 

I think that consumer expectations are set by the packaging. So depending how the brewer chooses to present the beer informs what people expect to get from the beer.

Packaging/presentation is a serious factor in the success of any brewery.

 

Agree. They should stick with their insecticides.

 

Case in poin

The albums never captured the spirit of the live shows, either.

 

A bunch of good comments above re: claimed style on the can vs. experienced reality. In my process of reviewing/ rating a beer I try to comment on my experience with drinking the beer in comparison to the brewer’s claims on the can. If the description says IPA with taste of mango and pineapple and I get IPA that tastes like grass and herbs I will mark it down in the overall score, I expect to experience what the can claims.

 

BA guidelines say rate it to the stated style benchmarks. That being said, that is the advantage of a full review vs. mere ratings. You assign numbers according to style guide, but you can assign a totally different score to “overall” and explain why.

 

Just reviewed Radeberger. To me, it's an almost perfect representation of a German Pilsner. Looking at other reviews, it's obvious that folks are wanting something out if it that it isn't trying to be. It's like wanting your stern uncle to be a fun uncle. So what if you're not ripping it up on jetskis with him, when you're mom asks him to pick you up from school, he'll be there on time.

 

Sometimes I review to taste. Sometimes I review to style authenticity. Most styles that I review are favorites and I enjoy them, so rarely do these two attributes differ. If it's a style I enjoy I review more to my taste/preference. If a style I don't appreciate as much I review more against authenticity.

 

The lost abbey method, find some way to make it sound like it’s good and pawn it off on your best customers then wonder why you have to downsize.