Written by There was some good discussion awhile back over at Thank Heaven for Beer about the legitimacy of beer reviews. Are they really worth anything? That got me thinking a bit (I know, unusual) about the beer reviews that I read on other sites, and the beer reviews that we write here at The Brew Club.
I’m also thinking about 2012 and if the Mayans were right, but I’ll try keeping on point here. What really happened to the Mayans?
When we started The Brew Club waaaay back in April 2008, I didn’t know anything about beer. I mean, anything in a very literal sense. I didn’t know the differences between a lager and an ale, and I thought that Bud Lite Lime was the best beer around. (I kid. I DID know something!)
The original point of this blog was really to keep track of the beers that we all exchanged at work, (The Brew Club manifesto) but I took it upon myself to try learning about the beers I was tasting by thinking about them, and then trying to write about them in a way that other people might also be able to understand.
Its not easy knowing nothing about beer, and trying to write about it. Its only slightly easier now actually. I found it interesting (perhaps shocking even) that other people started to read the posts. Some people take the time to comment, correct me, and suggest different things – and so its become a great learning experience for me. Looking back, I’m very glad I did it!
Which bring me finally to the point of this post. Of the beer reviews that you read online, either here or elsewhere, do they influence you as a consumer? Have you ever gone out and bought a beer specifically because of a good review? Conversely, have you ever specifically avoided buying a beer because of a bad review?
I suppose the answer to that would help answer the question over at THFB if beer reviews are legit. If a review moves you to try a beer you might have otherwise skipped, or avoid a beer you might have otherwise tried, wouldn’t that make the review(er) legit? Just thinking.
Do you take a holistic approach to beer reviews, meaning, do you consider several reviewers opinions, or do you seek out a singular voice on a beer before making a purchase decision?
I know I have done both, but I read a LOT of beer blogs for fun, and my brain is full of potential good purchases and potential ‘no way’ type of beers. But, what about you? Do beer reviews guide your purchasing decisions?
I’m especially curious about the non-beer bloggers out there, the casual readers or seldom-commenters. What’s your take? Do beer reviews influence you or not? Don’t be shy, we know you’re out there! Leave a comment and let us know! 
I like reviews just to see the response and cosensus of readers and to hear about things I’ve passed up in the beer store. In fact I will be picking up some Dales Pale Ale in the cans based on the the review and responses I saw here. I don’t know if they make it as well but I saw some watermelon beer in cans that I don’t think I will pick up. Maybe one just to settle my curiosity if I can call it that.
I think most poeple wo read these blogs are looking for ideas. There are so many beers to try, blogs like this help narrow the focus. I’d say that yes, I have been influenced by reviews in both positive and negative ways! Recently, I even tried making a chileda as a result of a recent post here!
@Brandon in VA – I do that too. As I mentioned I read a lot of blogs, and if I pick up on a beer that gets a lot of praise, I’ll make a point to look for it. Unfortunately, a lot of those beers don’t make it to Jersey! Dale’s Pale Ale is a perfect example actually of a beer I specifically bought because of several good reviews.
@meile – I think you’re right. I would guess that most people reading a site like this would be more inclined to either buy or not buy based on reviews, I’m just wondering how common it is.
I’m glad you liked the Chelada! That’s one of the cool things about doing The Brew Club beer exchanges @ work because it forces me to try beers I would never try otherwise! I would have never made a chelada for myself had Melissa not provided the gang with all of the ingredients. I’m not saying I’d make a habit of them, but I’m glad I tried it and I’m glad you tried it as a result.
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..The Hairy Eyeball – Lagunitas Brewing Company =-.
I’ll look at the reviews. I’m curious about the beers of which I have never heard or unable to get due to distribution and location issues. In some respect, yes, they do influence me somewhat. I’ve heard many good things about Victory, so when I had the opportunity to try their Festbier, I jumped. I enjoyed it very much too. But then on the flip side, many rave about Samuel Adams, especially their imperials. Well, Sammy comes across rather harsh on my palate. Maybe it’s the carbonation levels, or maybe it’s something else. I’m curious about their imperials, but have yet to make that plunge… hard to get past that “Sam Adams is harsh” mental block.
.-= Big Tex´s last blog ..Autumn Approaching =-.
I do look at reviews when I come across them, but rarely seek them out and never take them very seriously. It really boils down to one thing: one man’s elixer is another man’s poison. That is certainly the case with beer, especially with the explosion of new products hitting the shelves these days. Taste is a very subjective thing.
At least the glut of products brings more choice for veer drinkers than there has probably ever been. But it has also made many consumers a bit more cautious. For many years now I have preferred beer brewed at home, but when I do try a new commercial beer I never buy more than a single bottle (whenever possible) the first time out. There are so many small brewers now, that inevitably the industry has reached a point where there is now ample proof that ‘smaller’ or ‘local’ is not an ironclad guarantee of a better product.
So, the reviews I happen across may provide a jumping off point when deciding to try something new, but my perception of many beers that I’ve read reviews of has been different enough that the reviews tend to hold little relevance. In fact, a few beers that have gotten bad reviews have been ones that I found quite enjoyable. (Oskar Blue’s “Gubna” is one that comes to mind).
Why would I listen to anyone else’s opinion? I’m an Idiot, and I have a blog. No one should ever listen to me. So I try not to listen to anyone else either.
That said, sometimes the thoughts and opinions of others tend to seep in there, and I can’t get them out. Like Ayringer, I never would have purchased a beer with a goat ornament on it, but lots of people said it was good, so I tried it. It was good, so now I buy everything I can find with a fancy bauble hanging from the neck.
I also make my NFL picks based on the fanciness of the helmets.
.-= Don´s last blog ..GABF’d Up! =-.
@Don – so do I! (the football picks, not the hanging bauble thing) Actually, you and Jim have given me quite a few good beer ideas so if you’re an idiot, what does that make me?
@The Professor – Great points as always! I like the idea of picking up singles of new beers – it always sucks to get saddled with a sixer of a beer that’s not good. That’s kind of what The Brew Club started out as. Everyone brought in a six pack, we’d all exchange so everyone got to try six new beers. Good way to try things (like the chelada) that one would normally not try!
I also agree that everyone’s tastes are different and that’s why I was wondering if people went for several opinions about a beer – a consensus if you will, or just purchased or avoided based on one person’s word. Good stuff. Thanks!
@Big Tex – Its hard to overcome those blocks, but thankfully there are enough other choices out there these days to fill the void of no Sam Adams! Personally, I’m not a big fan of Imperials, so while I too see the rave reviews, they haven’t yet gotten me to make a purchase.
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Greene King Abbot Ale =-.
I’ve bought beers that have gotten good reviews and skipped beers that didn’t. I’ve also found that some beers that have gotten good ratings I personally didn’t care for and vice-versa.
I think reviews are fun to read and I’d say they do help me focus some of my decisions even though my experience might often vary from the reviewer.
@Bo – Thanks for chiming in! Much appreciated!
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Colette – Great Divide Brewing =-.
I’m always curious to read other people’s opinions on my favorite topic, and have purchased beers I may not have been aware of without the reviews. As my job involves travel, regional or craft beers not distributed in Maryland can be sought out when on the road. The reviews definitely help narrow, sometimes define, the search. I may not always agree with the reviewer’s taste, but it’s better than playing “beer roulette” and buying random brews based on the company’s reputation, enjoying other products they brew, label, etc.
@Lee – Except for the traveling, that’s why I also read review sites! Lots of good choices, but some are better than others and a respected opinion helps. (Helps me anyway!) Thanks for posting!
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Samuel Adams Octoberfest =-.
When I encounter beers that are new to me. I search for reviews about this beer to know if they are really worth buying. So I can say that beer reviews can really affect me when I’m buying beers.
@Craft Beer – Thanks! I’ll do that sometimes as well. If I hear a lot of good stuff about a particular beer, I’ll make it a point to look for it. Of course, it doesn’t necessarily mean I’ll like it the same, but its helped me find some winners in the past.
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Victory Festbier =-.