I am a long time beer lover, but have found a new appreciation for beer since a recent trip to England and Belgium. I am a new member to this site and a new reviewer. What are some good sources to help me become a better reviewer? Some times I have a hard time describing what I am tasting or smelling. Thanks for the help!
I'm not a reviewer myself, but I've read many reviews and they seem educational in many different ways. I think that is where I'd go to learn the nuances of recognizing, enjoying and then describing beers.
Don't take reviewing too seriously: Just write whatever sensation(s) come(s) to mind. Authenticity is infinitely better than forced pedagogy...
There is nothing forced about reading a book. It is a way to better educate yourself so that you can clearly express your so-called "authentic" opinions of something.
Literally just finished this yesterday, and I wish I would've read it like 2 years ago. Great read, especially the historical bits to put things in context.
Reviewing is too much work. I drink more with the time I saved from not reviewing. The BJCP style guidelines can be helpful though. Drink the commercial examples listed and read the guidelines for that style. The BJCP exam center has some help for documents as well for things like off flavors. http://www.bjcp.org/stylecenter.php http://www.bjcp.org/examcenter.php
I dont write down my reviews anymore, but I subconsciously "review" every time I drink a new beer. The best way I have found to learn and identify what you are tasting is to watch video reviews as you drink the beer they are reviewing. Try to pick out what they are tasting/smelling, but dont force it. I can recall countless times when a reviewer tasted somthing, and I didnt get it at all. It's no big deal. Just be true to yourself and what you taste. You will start to identify the differences and understand when people say things like mango, horseblanket, onion, cat piss, yellow flowers, etc...
Just remember that your review reflects your experience, with that beer, at that time. I's suggest starting off by writing a few reviews of beers you're familiar with. It'll take time to develop your own patterns and style. Have fun with it, if it feels like it's a chore, don't bother, just enjoy the beer.
I don't think the two things are mutually exclusive - reading the book creates the basis for understanding. Nobody is twisting anyone's arm to do so, but a little educatiin' never hurt no one. At the same time, I think it possible to maintain that authenticity (spontaneity, maybe?) of your personal impressions of the beer. So - value in both, I believe.
This. Don't be that guy that can pick out musty leather, burnt cedar chips, lofty underbrush, old charcoal, etc. from one bottle of beer.
Hey--thumbs up if you actually have the ability to detect these things. Those qualities are very descriptive!
read other reviews of beer you're drinking. see what things are being described. see if you agree or disagree. after doing this for a while and gaining some confidence, start writing reviews and describing your experiences with beer. then repeat.
I'm in a similar position. I have reviewed a few beers, a couple on here in fact, and I always wonder if I'm accurate in my notes. I don't want to become pretentious, but at the same time I want to be correct and my review to be complete. I mostly learn from comparing my notes to the actual beer description and reviews from others.
Drink beer, learn about the nuances of the various styles of beer, read others' reviews, write your own review, repeat. An educated opinion and palate will soon develop.
Thank you all for the ideas/info. I have been taking some of this advice and started doing some reviews. Definitly want to check out the book mentioned. Thanks again!
