How Did You Learn So Much About Craft Beer?

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by __markstewart, Feb 19, 2016.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. __markstewart

    __markstewart Initiate (0) Feb 4, 2016 Michigan

    Okay BA-ers, so I'm really new here, and decently new to craft beer (maybe 3-4 years).

    I have joined a few craft beer groups on Facebook and obviously BA, and I am always seeing pictures posted with different beers that I haven't even seen before. And all the comments are along the lines of "Awesome", "Nice, wish I could find that", etc. So, my question is this:

    Where and how did you find out all this information? For me and my group of friends, I am by far the most knowledgable on craft beer. I have recently upped my visits to breweries and festivals - but I still feel like I have a lot to learn from you all. All I want is to be able to relate to the majority of these posts and say "Oh, yeah I know about that beer and all it's hype!"

    Any information about threads or other sites that would help me learn quickly? Much thanks in advance!
     
  2. Beersnob724

    Beersnob724 Initiate (0) Jan 11, 2016 Ohio

    Beeradvocate .com
     
  3. denver10

    denver10 Grand Pooh-Bah (4,155) Nov 17, 2010 New Mexico
    Pooh-Bah

    This, paired with plenty of experience drinking the stuff.
     
  4. __markstewart

    __markstewart Initiate (0) Feb 4, 2016 Michigan

    Any specific threads you frequent the most?
     
    LambicPentameter likes this.
  5. Shanex

    Shanex Grand Pooh-Bah (4,960) Dec 10, 2015 France
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    WBAYDN

    Best thread in the whole forum, once a day. Drinking and posting.
     
  6. bluehende

    bluehende Initiate (0) Dec 10, 2010 Delaware

    This site and a lot of time.
     
  7. __markstewart

    __markstewart Initiate (0) Feb 4, 2016 Michigan

    Awesome, thank you!
     
    Shanex likes this.
  8. anth0ny

    anth0ny Initiate (0) Jan 5, 2012 Michigan

    Basically.
    Reading the forums. Also, looking at the top rated beers, who made them, where they're from etc.
    I've been dabbling in the culture for a few years and I am always seeing people post pictures of
    bottles that I've never heard of. It's a pretty damn big market out there. A lot of times it's a regional thing.
     
    Beersnob724 and __markstewart like this.
  9. __markstewart

    __markstewart Initiate (0) Feb 4, 2016 Michigan

    Yeah, I have begun to notice that. I guess I've just focused on Michigan beers so much. I want to start trading soon to help combat that, but I need to study up on comparable beers elsewhere. Thanks!
     
  10. Shanex

    Shanex Grand Pooh-Bah (4,960) Dec 10, 2015 France
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    If you are around here on Sunday, check out the 'New Beer Sunday' thread, about trying new beers on this day of the week, it's distinct from the daily WBAYDN. Usually more wordy, but worth a read too.
     
  11. denver10

    denver10 Grand Pooh-Bah (4,155) Nov 17, 2010 New Mexico
    Pooh-Bah

    It really hasn't been about any single thread. More about finding discussions about beer styles and/or beers and paying attention to the posters who addresss ingredients and/or brewing processes. I don't read a thread specifically for this purpose, but it certainly is something I often ended up taking away from them.
     
  12. __markstewart

    __markstewart Initiate (0) Feb 4, 2016 Michigan

    Okay, thanks! I'll just have to give myself more time to learn.
     
  13. MikeySea

    MikeySea Pooh-Bah (2,165) Sep 17, 2015 Arizona
    Pooh-Bah

    I'm learning new stuff every day. This site, and a ton of Youtube beer reviews, and beer info vids.
     
  14. SoleBriety

    SoleBriety Maven (1,445) Oct 10, 2013 California
    Trader

    Basically this site. I just need to make sure that I'm not on it while speaking with a Cx. The posts and effery on here are top notch! Cheers!

    Btw, WBAYDN is hands down the best thread...just saying...
     
    GreenBayBA and __markstewart like this.
  15. Ext

    Ext Initiate (0) Aug 17, 2012 District of Columbia

    Both go to and host bottle shares. I belong to a couple of great beer groups on Meetup.com (there's a beer group in every city on Meetup--check it what's there where you live). One of the better ones has 2-3 events going every month: bottle shares, brewery tours, beer/food dinner pairings, etc...) Awesome people, learned a lot, continues to be a lot fun...
     
    zeff80 likes this.
  16. AlcahueteJ

    AlcahueteJ Grand Pooh-Bah (3,242) Dec 4, 2004 Massachusetts
    Society Pooh-Bah

    I've probably learned the most from discussions in the Germany forum.

    A lot of knowledgeable folks frequent the forum, and many of the threads are quite in-depth in terms of explaining brewing technique, ingredients, and history.

    This isn't to detract or take anything away from the main forums, but it can be refreshing to learn about the less popular styles and not continuously read about the latest popular IPA or barrel-aged stout.
     
  17. __markstewart

    __markstewart Initiate (0) Feb 4, 2016 Michigan

    I actually am doing my first bottle share in 2 weeks! But thank you, good to know that's a good route to go as well. All seem like good people, just never have done something like that so I was a bit worried.
     
    djtothemoney likes this.
  18. __markstewart

    __markstewart Initiate (0) Feb 4, 2016 Michigan

    Great, thank you! Noted. Yes, I have noticed IPA's and bourbon barrel stouts dominate a lot of talk on here (which is fine with me), but great to know.
     
  19. Caveworm

    Caveworm Maven (1,275) Feb 26, 2014 Ohio

    The Beer 101 style guide has been instrumental for your truly. I don't just want a/an ____________(insert style name). I want to know the story behind it. WHY is it called _____? Plus its got the rated lists, from which one can read a few reviews to get the general gist of what he or she is getting into. The recommended glassware also helps you get the most out every pour & fires up the olfactory senses more than simply drinking out of a can or bottle ever will. Pretentious statement? Perhaps, but you'll be enjoying your beer more than the accusers& gradually give less of crap what they think as the night or session goes on. But honestly, the tops of the lists rotate so frequently, I wouldn't rely on them as the end-all be-all sources of information. You just gotta try as much as you have the extra time and $ to spend on this lifestyle and base your experiences from there.
     
    GreenBayBA and __markstewart like this.
  20. mungbeans

    mungbeans Initiate (0) May 27, 2007 Massachusetts

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.