How important are beer ratings?

I'm not particularly fond of American brown ale but I know what a well made beer is, and I have enough experience with the style that I can judge it based against guidelines. Additionally, there's that extra thing, especially with beers where the brewer is trying something new, and I can judge its overall character based on those variations (an addition from the yeast that might make it good, a poor choice of hops, etc.). For me my personal taste has nothing to do with how I score a beer.

 

Ok, but don't you think that's the exact opposite of how most the ratings on here come about? I think the top 250, or whatever they call it now, would look vastly different if the ratings were based on guidelines and not personal opinions.

 

I've yet to see anyone claim to rate based on style guidelines who doesn't have a disproportionate number of flavorful beers in big, bold styles at the top of his personal ratings and a disproportionate number of low-flavor beers at the bottom. If we rated based on style guidelines and brewer intent, then there are few better beers than Bud Light, the quintessential American Light Lager,* true-blue to style and perfectly executed every time. It scores a 1.86 out of 5 on this site.

* "Very low in malt flavor with a light and dry body. The hop character is low and should only balance with no signs of flavor or aroma... [T]his style has the least amount of flavor than any other style of beer."

We're all hedonicists. Don't fight it; embrace it.

 

If you based this brew to style and taste and mouth feel Hamm's should be a 5.

 

“I just don’t like sours 1.25/5”

 

I don't know about the "exact opposite" but yes, there's certainly a component of that. I agree.

Fortunately, and I truly believe this, in the end, for the most part, the numbers work out. I use BA ratings as a guide on what to buy and I've never been steered wrong. For me it works, especially when there are a lot of reviews.

 

I sometimes check untappd ratings when I'm at a liquor store to get a general idea.
BUT beware, there are breweries out there, either by their knowledge or not, have automated or programmed untappd ratings/checkins to skew their ratings...

 

I hear that a lot.

I also hear guys say "I'm not really an IPA guy, but I loved this IPA, you should try it." Umm . . . why would I take advice on an IPA from a guy who doesn't like them?

 

My experience has been that I've never had a bad beer that was ranked above 4 on untappd, any beer above 4.25 has been excellent, and any beer below 3.5 has never been really good. This is regardless of style.

 

If you don't like a style you should note that 1st thing. Than you should explain why you don't like the style and you don't like. That can be very useful info for people who enjoy the style. You could very well dislike it for the same reason another drinker likes it.

 

I am not sure anyone can go into a review unbiased. That goes with everything in life, everyone has different likes and dislikes and that will impact their view of the item in question. My take on reviews is take them for what they are. If your interested in a beer, check out the reviews and take away what you will from them. I drink what I enjoy, reviews and all don't determine my habits at all they just give me an idea on the general view of the beer. At that point it comes down to my enjoyment. If others rate it a 2 out of 5 and I love it does the review really matter?
Cheers

 

FTFY

 

I guess I wouldn't be totally shocked, but where did you hear this?

 

Your title and post are totally different questions.

The answer to the first is: Ratings are the most important thing about beer ever. I put it over taste, preference, price, and sales numbers. I’m fibbing.

The answer to the second is: In every way possible.

 

Miller High Life is an AAL, not an ALL. Different styles.

 

You're right, I originally misread your post.
I realized you said American light lager after the 15 minutes for editing had already passed and couldn't edit or delete.

Had I been able to I would have changed it to Miller Lite. It tastes great AND it's less filling, a twofer

 

Reviews don't really factor into my purchase decisions but I like reading them. Even if the reviewer doesn't like the beer I can at least get some insight into what they find objectionable.

 

Did you try the beer before or after reading the reviews?

 

I resemble that remark - not an IPA fan, but when I do try them I try the highest rated examples so I'm giving the style the best chance to impress me. I always mention in the review that I'm not a fan of the style so you as the reader know that and disregard it if it really bothers you that I have an opinion of that style. But I'm not going to skip reviewing a beer just because I'm not a fan of the style.