Reviewing state of mind

Talk Discussion in 'BeerAdvocate Talk' started by Dix90, Nov 11, 2013.

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  1. Dix90

    Dix90 Initiate (0) Oct 20, 2013 Pennsylvania

    When you decide to review a beer, what state of mind or situational environment do you try to put yourself in? I don't rate every beer I drink or every time I have a new beer. The only times I do is when I'm completely relaxed, alone and on my couch, usually with the tv on (for background noise), the lights on, the electric fireplace burning (in the cooler months. During the warmer ones I usually have the windows open instead for a breeze). Any other situation and I feel as if my brain isn't up to paying the appropriate attention to the nuances of the beer.

    How bout you fellas and ladies?
     
  2. utopiajane

    utopiajane Grand Pooh-Bah (3,982) Jun 11, 2013 New York
    Pooh-Bah

    Me too. I review a beer alone most of the time. Who wants to see you with your nose in a glass and jotting down your notes? I set myself up at my computer desk and peruse WBAYDN or the other threads. I try to taste a beer in the late morning or just before lunch. I actually read in Randy Mosher's book that mid morning is a preferred time to taste beer because your senses are at their peak. I am not big on background nose and I prefer the quiet. It's good to do it when there is no cooking odors to interfere with the nose and when you are least likely to be interrupted.
     
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  3. BBThunderbolt

    BBThunderbolt Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,846) Sep 24, 2007 Kiribati
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Nah, I just take 'em as they come. A review is your thoughts, on that beer, at that time, at that place, under those conditions. Alone at home, in crowded bars, in full Major League Baseball stadiums, on moving Amtrak trains, by a campfire, I've reviewed under all those conditions and more.
     
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  4. scootny

    scootny Pooh-Bah (1,801) Dec 31, 2007 New York
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I do all of the above. When I have the opportunity to review in solitude I do. When beers present themselves in other situations like a bar or gathering of friends I'll review if I have the opportunity. Generally my review will reflect that in some way. While I take reviewing seriously I approach it like a journalist. I go wherever the story is and report all I can.
     
  5. claytri

    claytri Initiate (0) Jan 17, 2004 Maryland

    At first I tried to review anything wherever I was. Now if I'm in the mood I review if not I don't. I will say I usually do reviews when I'm drinking alone, as it's not a very good group activity. I will do it if I'm just out with the wife, but if I'm out with friends (that aren't also reviewing) then I just let it go, and enjoy the beer and company.
     
  6. Hendry

    Hendry Pooh-Bah (1,831) Mar 8, 2013 Vermont
    Pooh-Bah

    I find not reading the reviews before you try it is a plus. I think a clean slate is best as so many of the reviews are diametrically opposed to each other.
     
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