Getting over the "tasting everything" hump?

True that had gubna a few years ago and despised it for a garlic and onion flavor. Had it a few weeks ago because they just started distributing in kansas. Really enjoyed it for it's pungent flavor. What I used to hate about it, I now enjoy. That being said I switch up what I buy, especially since KS has been getting all sorts of new beers such as Oscar Blues, Stone and such. My current go to is Tallgrass Ethos. 8 bucks a four pack, bitter, juicy, wonderful fluffy mouthfeel, and beer holds up well untill the expiration date.

 

It's seasonal for me...winter and early spring are normally about chasing down some great legends and then I spend the majority of spring and summer relaxing with the usual stuff I know I enjoy

 

What's wrong with trying new things on a consistent basis? I would say that almost all of the time I choose new beers to buy. However, I still have my favorites from what I have tried in the past. Also, I do buy six packs of beers I consider staples (Anchor Steam and, as of late, Modern Times Fortunate Islands), and I will never turn down beers I have already had in the past at bottle shares and whatnot.

 

I'm right there with you but am on the cusp of slowing down. I have enough beer inventory to last me many, many months and most bucket list beers I've had now. I have screwed myself though in that my palate has expanded to appreciate all the fine rare beers that I've consumed and so keeping the old taste buds titillated will be a slight challenge. That said, I've found a go to beer in dirtwolf that I can settle on once I drink the shit load of other dipa seasonals I've managed to hoard.

 

When I first started getting really serious about ticking/trying everything in the top 50 it was a rush, but now I'm of the mentality to try what I like versus what everyone is supposed to like. The ticking days were fun, but then whose palate were you refine your own or the rest of BA?

 

I am at that tipping point right now I think. I didn't bother running around getting Hopslam or KBS this year. There are so many other quality beers out there that are just as good and easier to get. That being said, I did sort of stumble into a 4 pack of KBS haha.

 

One can go especially wild living in Vermont, and I learned my lesson in 2013 buying more top notch IPA than I was able to consume fresh. Since that time, Hill Farmstead has gone to a 3 growler fill limit, and Lawson's weekend bottle events are drawing hundreds from hundreds of miles away, making it more sensible to stick with a few solid traders and learning to find an affordable go to that gives me enjoyment in between the pricier bottles.

 

There's your problem. You are drinking too many crappy beers. Never drink anything that is below a 4.5.

You might benefit if you stop reading reviews. Just pick up what looks good to you. You are going to find that there is some beer that you love that just does not get much love. That just might make you enjoy it a little bit more.

 

Yes this is absolutely the best advice. I am very style oriented in my review opinions and there are far too many beers that are pristine style examples that get total crap reviews because people only care about robust and barrel aged beers to even make them look like they are worthwhile brews.

 

The only beers I truly "run around for" are beers I truly love. Ill do some small hunting popping into stores as they are on my way to somewhere else, but really its just something like BCBS + variants, which are without a doubt my FAVORITE beers that I hunt all over for. Its all about determining whats worth the hunt and what isnt.

 

I try to keep my cellar stocked, but that in truth is a tiny beer fridge. 9 months of the year, my cellar functions as a cellar June-August, not so much... Other than that it is all about trying new beers & appreciating a few solid go to's ( give or take a 100 ) . Still will never pass on a new beer unless it looks over priced ( more common every day ) or from shady/crappy breweries ( also too common )...

 

I've slowed down after finding which styles I like and don't like. My wallet thanks me that I only think sours are ok. I've cut into my cellar after realizing that I'm not so into RIS and Barleywines. Whales are pretty much always better than the average craft, but rarely enough to justify the cost or hassle. I only go to the liquor store now on delivery day and buy beer that was put on the shelf that day. Ill buy beer if the date code is acceptable, but I've been burned too many times on outdated beer. A 15 pack of All Day cans and grilling brats in the back yard is my thing. I didn't even try to call/drive around for a single bottle of KBS.

 

I started picking up mixed sixers of things I think look good. I'm trying to stray from looking at reviews on here all the time. There are so many beer that are considered only "average" on here that I do end up really loving and some of the higher rated ones have disappointed me a great deal *cough* Hopslam *cough*.

 

Eventually you get to the point where you find what you like and there is nothing out there that is better than that one beer. That is your Go-To beer for that style.

You save your money for the one and done beers for special occasions. Much easier on your life and wallet.

 

I've hit this wall where I have a really hard time trying anything new that isn't a stout or IPA. I'm trying to get past it because I'd really like to renew my enjoyment of ALL styles, but lately I only ever pick up the same few styles. :/

I'm also at the point where I'm STILL trying all of the big names. I'm about a year into craft beer so all I've really had before is the big name, easy to find stuff. What I struggle the most with, however, is being a pedestrian. Oftimes, the only thing available to me is the more popular stuff and/or stuff past freshness date. I don't have the means to travel all over creation to find lesser-known or heavily sought after beers.

 

I'd be lying if I said I'd pass up Pliny to get my regular local IPA after hearing so much about it but I did find after a while of being in the hunt for specific beers I got over it. I don't have the money or the patience, I don't cellar, I just enjoy good beer and don't make it a hassle.

 

I've been into craft beer for a long time, but really found myself becoming obsessive when I joined BA about a year ago. I found myself passing up old faithfuls so I could tick new things off my list, constantly chasing new releases, and going on a mission to complete the 100 Beers of Fame list. I was about 5 beers away from completing my Beers of Fame quest when BA changed the filters, completely changing the list. That's when I started to realize how obsessive I had been and eased up on the ticking. Well, that and the many times I obtained a top rated beer and the heavens didn't part and angels didn't sing when it passed my lips. I found myself in the bottle shop last week for the first time picking up an old faithful beer instead of only looking for beers I've never tried. I will still try new stuff that comes out, but am hoping to be more balanced and enjoy what I'm drinking more, instead of being so obsessed with the chase and building up my list of "hads".

 

Been here, done this. I haven't moved past the must try everything new I can phase or the quest to drink certain beers with legendary ratings and I am going on 15 years of being a beer geek.

But it does fade in and out. Sometimes I don't want to try anything new, I just need and want an old favourite and then I try it in a new way (food pairing wise).

And I don't think you're wrong for your honesty about being competitive. To those folks on this thread who scolded you… I bet they are the ones that secretly or maybe not so secretly keep count of their beer conquests too. I gotta tell ya, I track my beers and like seeing my "karma" go up. Not sure what it means but it must be good!

 

I've been drinking craft beer for almost 20 years. I'm expecting to hit that hump anytime.
Actually, I have and have not hit it. I don't have to try any and every new beer out there, but I know what styles I like, and if I know the brewery, and generally like their stuff I will try it.
I will also normally try a new brewery to the area (either new distro or new and local) I will generally give them the benefit of the doubt, and some I will come back to, and others I won't...

 

it will pass, or at the very least slow down a bit....i still like to try as much new beers as i can, but sometimes i can be content with a sixer of sculpin....its good to check places like taphunter or even call bars up if your looking for something specific, that way you dont blow your wad on a bottle you may not be that into....