Mentoring Program

On the topic of creative assessments, I don't think I've read anyone funnier than BA member 'RaulMondesi.' That dude pens some funny-ass reviews.

 

There is definitely a second "BA" in there and the Select is needed if playing 2player. And lets face it, you'd have to have balls of steel to play Contra by yourself.

 

The review mentioned above does need a little work. I would maybe suggest that one simply start with the first words that come to mind when tasting the beer and observing the nose and appearance. Jot them down. Use the form and create some good habits that become second nature to you. Say something about each category. You can try to break free of the form and "freestyle" there is nothing wrong with that. A sense of humor is not a bad thing. I would also suggest to read the top reviewers and gather as much information you can. No one knows what horse blanket is until they read it in someone else's review and it clicks. Don't be afraid to adopt the words and phrases and make them your own. The bros use some excellent phrases in their descriptions that bring an excitement to the reading of it. When you are done you want to have imparted the experience of this drink to anyone who will read your review. You will write hundreds of them so just keep doing it.

=)

 

I was lucky enough to have local, seasoned BA's that helped me out when getting into trading and commenting. Glad I had them around, but still would like to get an official mentor. That would be awesome.

 

As long as it follows the basic etiquette already outlined beforehand, let them be. There are already too many members who don't review out of fear of being mocked/picked apart. It's a casual hobby, not a standardized test or something you can put on your resume for Wine Spectator.

 

I get the idea, but personally, I don't think it is a very good one. Several people who have backed this idea have stated the idea that you have to develop your palette before being "able" to review beers. So lets say a novice runs his review by his mentor, and his mentor does not agree with the ratings or characteristics that the novice gave the beer?

Is the novice supposed to agree with all the nuances the mentor tells them too? How is someone supposed to develop a palette if they have someone over their shoulder telling them if what they taste is "right" or "wrong"?

Again, I get the idea, but don't think that someone can "teach" someone else about how to taste a beer when everyones palette is different and everyone values different characteristics differently. (i.e. Threads about beers like GUBNA where 1/2 the people say it tastes like onions and cat piss and 1/2 the people say its a great beer). If I enjoyed GUBNA but my mentor said it tastes like cat piss should I change my mind cuz he's my mentor, and since he has had so many beers he should know what I'm tasting more than I do?