I think it would be really awesome if there was a top 50 or even 100 rare list compiled from the BA community on this site. Beers that I would most likely never have a chance to try, but would like to see how the BA community has ranked over the years. Problem is I'm not sure what would even qualify for a rare beer. Beers that are no longer in production, but highly sought after? Like Founders CBS and GI BCBS Rare.
Once your in the deep dark world of rarity, CBS and Rare don't even qualify. There are lists floating around if you do a quick search
I saw a whale list on google docs once. I'm sure someone has it handy and can link it. That would be the closest thing to what you are asking for.
I have a love/hate relationship with rare beer. Sometimes I love them, sometimes I hate them. Sometimes I love the chase, sometimes I hate it. I hate to love a rare beer, and I love to hate a rare beer. Props to Sierra Nevada, Lagunitas, BBC, New Belgium and Stone for creating awesomeness in great quantities!!!
People on BA care about rare beer??? MIND BLOWN... I think I need to sit down and think about this one!
It's because clearly such a list would not further the cause of beer advocacy, while obviously this list does: http://beeradvocate.com/lists/bottom
I think the rationale the Bros have is similar to not allowing the reviews of beers where the brewery has gone out of business - they do not want people to abuse the system to effect the value of these beers (I can easily see people trying to make sure the rare beer they own moves up the list so they can command a greater amount of stuff in return for it).
For the most part, the "White Whales" are from still operating breweries and you can still review them. Boy, it's a good thing no one does that with non-retired beers!
I agree but I think the Bros are trying to do what they can to reduce price inflation - I have been around long enough to understand what the "white whales" are and which breweries make them...
Huh? Have they actually stated this as their position? If price inflation was really a concern for them then the most immediate solution would be to just close the trading forums, not by refusing to have a Most Rare Top 50 list.
I recall them stating something to that effect back in the old forums but that was over a year ago so they certainly may have adjusted their position. Many of the whales are "retired" beers though and I recall a thread not too long ago about why they do not allow reviews of beers for breweries that no longer exist (maybe MasterSki was involved).
