This is something we were debating a few weeks ago. We were at Brewer’s Alley enjoying a sampler of eight of their fine brews. For three of the four of us it was our first visit. As we were discussing the merits of each selection, in addition to whether we liked it or not, we brought up how close each was to the definition of the style.
Now, obviously, we’re not professional beer reviewers. Heck, all you have to do is read some of the reviews we’ve done here and there’s no doubt. Certainly we’ve never been accredited by the Beer Judge Certification Program. But, we have opinions, we know what we like, and we like to tell you about them.
But how important is it for the beer to be “true” to the style? If a beer bills itself as an Irish-style Red Ale, but is highly hopped with a distinct hop aroma, it’s not really a red ale. But if it’s delicious, does it really matter?
On the other hand, if I’m in the mood for a stout, the beer I’m drinking claims it’s a stout, but it doesn’t taste like a stout, I’m not going to enjoy it as much. Further, I know from experience that there are styles that I generally like (I tend to like English styles over, say, Czech, German, or Belgian styles). I would be quite put out if every E.S.B. I tried was wildly divergent from the last.
Ultimately, we decided that it was more important that we like a beer than for it to be true to its style.
So, what do you think? When you “rate” beer, how much weight is the style to you? Let us know in the comments.
I have to agree with most of what you said. When I review beer its most about what I expect from a style. If its Red ale as you say but overly hoppy, I might like it, but would give it a lower review just becuase its not true to the style, unless of course its touted as a Hopped up Red ale…..
Although there are some styles I don’t care for, i.e. Belgium Brown ales, I try to look at those for what they are, and try to leave my prejudices aside, although not entirely successful as I tend to rate those a lot lower on the taste….
Hey no one is perfect.
When I’m reviewing stuff for RateBeer, I try to find a balance between rating to style and rating to enjoyment. When it comes to styles that I generally enjoy a lot – like stouts, or hoppy pale ales, or gueuzes – I’ll tend to mark it higher if it’s close to what is expected from the style. For styles that I don’t dig as much, I’ll usual give extra marks if I enjoy it, even if it’s not exactly on style.
I am big on styles, and a beer being true to the syle. I know the stlyles defined by the BJCP pertain mainly to the homebrewing world, but I think a standard helps people know what they are drinking or ordering when they order it. I’m all for beers being true to style and wish more pro-brews would go by them as well.
… my $.02