Realbeer.com is definitely the best

[hops99]

I think Chazwicke posted a thread last week regarding Realbeer's place relative to the other beer forum sites out there, and he (rightly) praised Realbeer as the best. It served as an impetus for me to check out a few of the other sites mentioned, as I've been a bit parochial with Realbeer these last few months.

Specifically, I gave a critical look at BeerAdvocate.com's site the last few days, and it left me with a bad taste in my mouth. No, I didn't post, but I read several discussions and was left with the distinct impression that the "brothers" who run the site are a couple of self-aggrandizing schmucks. Let me explain:

Now my opinion is just my opinion, and I believe that the hundreds of Beeradvocate members are extremely knowledgeable and opinionated - two traits that are welcome in any forum discussion. Furthermore, I applaud the efforts that the brothers have made over the years championing craft beer, and it's obvious that they've worked hard to develop the site into what it is today. Here's my beef: a shrink would have a field day with these guys, and their apparent need to constantly run others down to try and exercise their supposed beer knowledge. Can anyone say displacement? From constantly berating those who disagree with what they preach, to abusing other beer writers (check out the reaction to Lew Bryson's column in one of their threads today), it just isn't my cup of tea.

It's akin to the fine editors at Realbeer jumping into every forum discussion whenever they get the chance to desperately show people that they know realbeer, gosh darnit! Well, we know they don't jump in, but it doesn't mean there isn't a tremendous respect from all of us for the work they do. And it's all about respect, and our society's devolvement relative to public opnion. These days, It's always about who shouts the loudest, who drops the most f-bombs, who makes the biggest stink to win an argument. Nobody can ever seem to respectfully disagree anymore - rather discussions always turn ugly and infantile, whether it's politics, sports, or...the egomaniacs running Beeradvocate. It's been my experience in business, and life for that matter, that the guy who thinks he knows everything, is going to fail miserably.

So, here's to Realbeer.com - the editors, the contributors, and everyone involved who make it an open-minded, intellectual experience. Here's to civilized discussion, compelling arguments, and meaningful information. So, as Chazwicke proclaimed last week, Realbeer.com is hands-down the best beer forum site out there, and I second that notion!

[chazwicke]

Hear! Hear! You said it better than I ever could!

[Fast_Eddy]

I've spent some time over there at BA and while I appreciate the beer reviews a great deal(they're invaluable sometimes), I do greatly prefer the "atmosphere" of this forum.

BTW, has everyone else noticed that this place seems to be gaining momentum?

[wortchillergoal]

I find this to be an examplary for the web. I visit 3 other sites often, not beer related, and one of them could learn a real lesson from here.

It has to do with goaltending, we all on the board are, and I swear that some use the board to just flame people. I admit that some one liners can't be passed up. Yet, they do not have to be brutal. When another board member and I pointed this out, we attqacked and told to go to other boards. It was pointed out to me that the site was tame compared to others, Thank goodness for Realbeer.

I have to tell you there is another site, again not beer, that equals or suroasses this board with helpful information. It is a model railroading board. The sit is twice as active as this one if you can believe. I know that is a little of subject.

To close my ramble, I could get by with just this site. I enjoy my time here and I would describe my fellow members as gentlemen with a great passion for a great subject,beer.

[hopjack13]

hear , hear ! or is it hear here? oh well...what chaz said!!!

[ray m]

Originally posted by wortchillergoal:
___________________________________________
I find this to be an examplary for the web. I visit 3 other sites often, not beer related, and one of them could learn a real lesson from here.

It has to do with goaltending, we all on the board are, and I swear that some use the board to just flame people. I admit that some one liners can't be passed up. Yet, they do not have to be brutal. When another board member and I pointed this out, we attqacked and told to go to other boards. It was pointed out to me that the site was tame compared to others, Thank goodness for Realbeer........

To close my ramble, I could get by with just this site. I enjoy my time here and I would describe my fellow members as gentlemen with a great passion for a great subject,beer.
____________________________________________
I agree wholeheartedly with W'goal....everyone here is definitely a gentleman and does not live for the opportunity to dick-smack someone just because his opinion differs. Instead, those with differing opinions merely post their information, I think, with the hopes of educating or assisting (in most cases), rather than attacking. I think that's cool, and VERY refreshing!! I, too have very briefly visited other forums but VERY quickly lost interest & came right back to this one. I have also visited beeradvocate.com, and do so on occasion to see what others think about brews. When I read some of those reviews on that site, I just want to f&!@ing gag. It cracks me up how some of those morons, who think they are the epitome of beer culture, write their bullcrap trying to sound like Garrett Oliver, Michael Jackson, Charles Finkle or Roger Protz (sp?). You guys know the type....putting stuff in their reviews like "Oh, my!" and how they swear they taste/smell stuff like "raisins, figs, mincemeat pie, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah". I don't think I have ever read about a beer that Roger Protz tasted that he didn't swear to God that he tasted figs or "juicy...malt". At least I know that when I come here, I'm talking with real, down to earth dudes who know good beer when they taste/make it, and their not out to try to impress everyone with moronic dissertations that scream, "Hey, everyone, look how I can write like Garrett Oliver...AND I can taste the same .0001 microns of flavor hints that he can!!!!" Thanks for putting up with my ramble, guys....:rolleyes:

[fidcastro]

I have to agree with Ray M. I have spent a good deal of time on beeradvocate reading the reviews, but have never posted one myself. This is mainly because I don't taste raisins, figs, coriander or anything else in most of my beers. I don't even know what the heck coriander is! I do know what I like though.

I actually remember reading (I believe it was in one of Michael Jackson's books, but I'm not sure) that the taste buds don't develop enough for one to taste the subtle nuances of a beer until one reaches their late 30s to early 40s. That sounds like a good enough explanation for me. I have another 10 years before I can even expect to taste coriander (and figure out what the H it is).

Until then, I don't care what "subtle" flavors are in it. I know what I like, and I like what I brew!

Prost!

[fidcastro]

As a follow-up to myself, I'd like to add that I really appreciate the fact that there are people on this board willing to post daily (and even multiple times daily) but don't present themselves as know-it-alls. I don't post all that often (this is my 74th post since joining in February) but I am constantly present as a "lurker." If there wasn't the dedicated and opinionated bunch of dudes to answer me every once in a while I might get bored.

So I now tip my beer glass to all the regulars. If you were here I'd buy you a round. (that may be because I've had a few this evening and am feeling slightly over-generous - but it could also be that I'm a nice guy - it's your call).

[Herb Ninja]

Yep No Doubt The Best Beer Website On The Net. :D

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by fidcastro
[

If you were here I'd buy you a round. [/B]

I vote we all go over to Fids place. Thanks Fid. I also enjoy this site because of its friendly, Gentlemanly decorum.

[threecb]

I have to agree with everyone else, this place rules! I know it's about the beer, but I feel like I have more in common, more of a "kindred spirit", with the people on this board. I actually feel a little intimidated by the BA forums, while here feels comfortable...thanks all!

(who wants to bet on how long it'll be before this thread is flamed on BA?;) )

[hopjack13]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I vote we all go over to Fids place.

i could be there in about 20mins i think :D

[ray m]

Originally posted by threecb:
_________________________________________
(who wants to bet on how long it'll be before this thread is flamed on BA?;)
_________________________________________

Oh, I'm sure it'll happen---and I couldn't really care less.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by ray m
Originally posted by threecb:
_________________________________________
(who wants to bet on how long it'll be before this thread is flamed on BA?;)
_________________________________________

Oh, I'm sure it'll happen---and I couldn't really care less.


Actually, I don't think it will. I see BA bashing happen at other beer sites and I could care less. If it ain't for you, don't hang out there. I do hang out there for the most part and really enjoy it. There are a-holes on any board....BA, Ratebeer, even here.

I won't get defensive about BA, but why bring up another site only to bash it and toot your own horn? I enjoy my time at all three sites I hang out at. I'm not as active here but I know some names and maybe you know mine. I don't try to come off as a know-it-all but won't shy away from voicing my opinion.

As far as beer reviews go, I will say "ease off". You don't taste figs? Coriander? Juicy malt? Don't know what they taste like? Hit the grovery store and buy/taste some. Same with grains and hops. Hit your local homebrew shop and grab some grain and munch away. Not ideal for taste comparison but it gives you a base to go on. My palate is far from refined but some of the guys on BA really do know their shit. They're not posers. Beer reviewing was intimidating to me at first but after my first 10-20, I started looking for and tasting whole new flavors in my old favorites. Read some tips and try reviewing your favorite stout tonight. You might surprise yourself.

Look, I absolutely hate posts like this. If you think the Bros. that run BA are "self-aggrandizing"...that's your opinion and you're entitled to it. But a thread titled "Realbeer.com is the best" seems awfully similar. Let's just stick to the beer, shall we fellas.

Cheers!
newportstorm ('michiganmiked' on BA.com)

[Brownbeard]

I really like this site, but I frequent 2 other brewing sites that I like very much. Northern Brewer Forums and Homebrew.com are both really good sites. I would suggest them to anyone.

[Fast_Eddy]

Originally posted by newportstorm
...

As far as beer reviews go, I will say "ease off". You don't taste figs? Coriander? Juicy malt? Don't know what they taste like? Hit the grovery store and buy/taste some. Same with grains and hops. Hit your local homebrew shop and grab some grain and munch away. Not ideal for taste comparison but it gives you a base to go on. My palate is far from refined but some of the guys on BA really do know their shit. They're not posers. Beer reviewing was intimidating to me at first but after my first 10-20, I started looking for and tasting whole new flavors in my old favorites. Read some tips and try reviewing your favorite stout tonight. You might surprise yourself.

...

I agree with this, and I can taste most of the stuff they describe. Before I buy a new commercial beer I head over to BA and get a very good idea of what it will taste like. It's especially useful if you take a cross section of the reviews.

[steveh]

Originally posted by newportstorm
...that's your opinion and you're entitled to it. But a thread titled "Realbeer.com is the best" seems awfully similar. Let's just stick to the beer, shall we fellas.

To be fair, the title of this section *is* News and Opinion, Express yourself. Subtitled, Comment on current events or what you're mad as hell about. It should be expected to find editorial here.

I agree that there's a lot of good info over at BA, but you have to admit that there is also a lot of posing - and I see that at homebrew competitions all the time!

AFA tasting descriptions go, I think we should "tell it like it is" to us. If I taste corriander in a Erdinger Weizen, I'm gonna say so, and I hope I don't sound pretentious saying so. I think I said I tasted pineapple or grapefruit in NB Porch Swing - Cascade hops will do that.

If anyone is at all interested in tasting information I'd like to suggest The "Essentials of Beer Style" by (the inimitable) Fred Eckhardt - he has a great section on what to look for and what it means. Or "Home brewing - Volume One" by Al Korzonas. He goes into depth about tasting and even identifying problems and troubles with beer and homebrew methods via tasting.

S.

[hopjack13]

i frequent ba.com as well. though i am much more active here as i find RealBeer more of a home and B.A. kind of a hang out. there are some awsome people over there at BA.com, newportstorm (michiganmiked) being one of them. who i have traded with in the past and has gone above and beyond my expectations . truely a stand up guy! there are some other people there at BA i won't mention who i would never try to trade with again, and others who are kind of condescending. point is there are good and bad where ever you go and its good (imho)to try and keep an open mind.............can't we all just get along?...he he he he :D

[hops99]

The important point to make is that while, yes, I do think Realbeer is the best, I'm not tooting MY horn, rather I'm tooting Realbeer's. I'm not a Realbeer editor, rather an objective schmo who has spent some time reviewing different beer sites recently, and found this one, in my opinion, to be the best suited for me (for the reasons I outlined in my original post).

As I said earlier, I have a tremendous amount of respect for the BA guys - I just don't like the ego and the style of the Bros., and I don't like the general feel of the site. AFA the reviewing, I do think there are many, many posers over at BA, but I don't think it's wrong to recognize tastes, and report them objectively on any beer review site. Heck, I think I taste exotic things from time to time when I imbibe something new, but one person's reaction to a beer is most likely going to be different than that of the next guy. So, if someone thinks that a beer tastes like figs, great. Just don't be surprised when some people think the same beer tastes like, say, soy sauce.

Finally, I think taking a cross-section from several beer sites is the best idea - BA, Pubcrawler, Ratebeer, etc. - if you're looking for a diverse number of reviews relative to a beer you're considering. Just my five cents worth...

[hops99]

Geez, I didn't think that this thread would become as divisive as it has. Strike both my posts from the record and we'll start over again! :)

[hopjack13]

Originally posted by hops99
. Just don't be surprised when some people think the same beer tastes like, say, soy sauce.

spam adams tripple bock

[hopjack13]

a tad bit late but congrats on 100 hops99!:)

[hops99]

Thanks, HopJack! They always say the first 100 is the hardest....

[Fast_Eddy]

Originally posted by hops99
...
Finally, I think taking a cross-section from several beer sites is the best idea - BA, Pubcrawler, Ratebeer, etc. - if you're looking for a diverse number of reviews relative to a beer you're considering. Just my five cents worth...

Well put, and I agree. I'm usually too lazy to go to too many more than about two sites, though(note the impressive multiple use of the various ways to spell "2").

[chazwicke]

All that said, It's just my opinion, however, I do think this is the best site going. I too go to a couple of others such as Oxford Bottled Beer Database and BA. I get pleasure from participating in both but none as much as this site. Again, I think the civility and decorum here speaks well for all of us.

[ray m]

...and it certainly was not my intention to get anybody chapped here. I have way too much respect for everyone here and enjoy reading & posting on this site too much to have any inkling of intention to foster bitterness/hostility between another member & me.

I admitted to being a visitor of beeradvocate, and I also find the reviews useful and frequently use them, as well as other sources, to determine whether or not a beer goes onto my "should purchase & give it a try" list. I merely said "some" of the reviews make me gag----not all of them. I have to admit that one review in particular, that I read just the other day, was the basis for my previous rant. Perhaps I made my comments sound much more site- and reviewer-enveloping than I intended. I forget which beer was being reviewed and who wrote the review (I never pay attention to the names). But when I saw that "oh, my" crap I blacked out--who knows what terrible things I may have done during this time, hehheh!!

I really have to be honest, though, gents. Sometimes I do wish that I could taste, and therefore appreciate, the suttle flavor nuances of brews that others experience. Call it jealousy, I guess. My buds ain't developed, yet, I suppose, but it should be just around the corner (I am 37, after all)! I still will stick with what I said, though, and agree with Steveh, about some (emphasis on "some") of the reviews definitely seem posey. I guess, ultimately, my beef is not the reviewer being able to taste figs, etc., but rather the reviewer trying to sound like Garrett Oliver, Jr. In other words, if you taste stuff, great---one should be themselves when writing a review, and not sound like they are trying to be someone they're not.

[Herb Ninja]

Originally posted by threecb

who wants to bet on how long it'll be before this thread is flamed on BA?

Well I don't really want to bet, but aside from the laugh I just experienced, I don't really give a crap, do any of you?

Apathy can be a helpful tool of life, not always the right tool but sometimes its that screwdriver with a perfect fit. :D

[threecb]

geez, you make one little joke and it comes back to haunt you in several quotes!
(i guess that's what they say about putting things in writing...)

Anyway, I think BA is a valuable tool for beer research, and informative AFA finding out about local events, etc. I was just saying that I feel more comfortable in this community. Maybe it's because I haven't posted that much on BA, so I'm not recognized with the regulars. I am here, though, so that's cool with me.

As for writing styles, everyone has there own, and if some guys choose to put a little flourish in their style, so be it. It's more about what's being said than how it's being said, to me. I mostly look at the numbers, and maybe after i've tried, check to see if i've found the same thing...

[hopjack13]

posers...thats a funny name, i guess that means a wana be, or out here we call them busters. hmm must be an east coast thang :confused:

[steveh]

Originally posted by hopjack13
posers...thats a funny name,

Webster's
2 pose n (1818) 1: a sustained posture; esp: one assumed for artistic effect 2: an attitude, role, or characteristic assumed for effect. syn POSE, AIR, AIRS, AFFECTATION, MANNERISM mean an adopted way of speaking or behaving. POSE implies an attitude deliberately assumed in order to impress others.

2 poser n (1888): a person who poses.

Oh yeah, I'm midwest.

S.

600? Man, I gotta get a life. :\

[threecb]

Originally posted by steveh
600? Man, I gotta get a life. :\

You have one, it just has a lot to do with beer, apparently! :p
Congrats on the new plateau...

And "poser" has been popular on the East Coast since, I guess,
the early 80's (that's when I first heard it). Usually in regards
to bands that weren't good enough to be considered part of a genre,
like, say, Heavy Metal. As in:

"Poison ain't no metal band, man, they're just a buncha posers."

(hey, i was young...)

[Fast_Eddy]

Originally posted by threecb
You have one, it just has a lot to do with beer, apparently! :p
Congrats on the new plateau...

And "poser" has been popular on the East Coast since, I guess,
the early 80's (that's when I first heard it). Usually in regards
to bands that weren't good enough to be considered part of a genre,
like, say, Heavy Metal. As in:

"Poison ain't no metal band, man, they're just a buncha posers."

(hey, i was young...)

I was gonna post almost exactly the same example(I was gonna use Cinderella instead of Poison, but same idea). It was a pretty big insult to be called a poser in, say, 1987. Ahhhh the 80's........

[steveh]

Originally posted by threecb
And "poser" has been popular on the East Coast since, I guess,
the early 80's (that's when I first heard it). Usually in regards
to bands that weren't good enough to be considered part of a genre,
like, say, Heavy Metal. As in:

"Poison ain't no metal band, man, they're just a buncha posers."

But it still matches the 1818 definition! The more things change...

S.

Thanks for the conngrats...I think. :P