Comments on: Armchair Brewer Syndrome

By: Appellation Beer: Beer From a Good Home » Blog Archive » New Beer Rule #8: More beer, less analysis

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:17:39 +0000

[...] Over Analysis Syndrome (from brewer Matt Van Wyk) - Armchair Brewer Syndrome (from brewvana) - Drinking the same beer way too long (from The Beer Mapping Project) - Rating Beer [...]

By: Appellation Beer: Beer From a Good Home » Blog Archive » Thursday morning musing: Take the quiz

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 13:45:08 +0000

[...] to read if you follow the link to brewvana that provoked his post and a similar conversation at The Beer Mapping Project (be sure to scroll [...]

By: Over-analysis Syndrome « brewvana

Over-analysis Syndrome « brewvana — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:35:37 +0000

[...] If you liked this philosophical Syndrome crap, check out my November post on Armchair Brewer Syndrome [...]

By: Bob Skilnik

Bob Skilnik — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 19:05:14 +0000

Excellent post.

The armchair brewer syndrome/beer snob has been nutured by the same elements that refuse to acknowledge Redhook and Widmer as now being members of the craft industry because they’ve been “tainted” by their connection to Anheuser-Busch; the same group that once criticized Jim Koch because he wasn’t a “real” brewer, that is, until he started taking out ads in their publications and sponsoring their events. Suddenly he wasn’t such a bad guy after all.

I remember back in the ’80s when there were no stylistic guidelines, when we were encouraged to homebrew what we wanted and how we wanted to. Now it’s organized competitions, with so many new styles that it’s impossible to keep up with. As a result, everyone and their mother are now beer critics—experts, armchair brewers—and too much of the beer community’s outer fringe reeks of elitism, the same charges that were once hurled at those “snobby” wine drinkers.

This attitude seldom comes from the brewers or brewery owners, but instead, from leading organizations and certain publications that have created a Frankenstein monster.

By: Glenn

Glenn — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:44:24 +0000

As usual you do a great job explaining the world of beer we live in. I suspect I know where “some” of the inspiration for this missive comes from (another beer boards posting lately with a lot of whining about a certain stout going on?).
One thing people who think they know about breweries should do is go to one sometime and work a day or two if they can. You will NEVER look at beer brewing the same way again. Those guys do it for the love and passion for their product. It’s dirty, hot, sweaty work with incredibly low pay for what goes on. Appreciate what they are doing for you as crafts people, and do like the man says, let your local brew place know how much you appreciate them and what they do!

By: Adam @ Beer Bits 2

Adam @ Beer Bits 2 — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 20:04:20 +0000

What a great post! Understanding where my food/drink comes from and what goes into it is important. I’m starting to realize how much I take for granted.

Actually brewing my own beer seems to help give me some insight.

By: Wilson

Wilson — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 18:30:12 +0000

You’re right about variables, Boak. Once that beer leaves the brewery door, God only knows how it’ll be treated. Not all trucks (or distributors’ warehouses) are refrigerated. Dirty lines. Poor rotation. That list goes on and on, as well.

Sorry, Brendan. I probably exaggerated about that Golden Promise. Grain seems to be fairly exempt from free shipping deals like MoreBeer’s over $50 loveliness. Still, no shipping on fifty bucks’ worth of ingredients ain’t too shabby.

By: brendan

brendan — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 17:34:47 +0000

Great post. Like we always say at work don’t make perfect the enemy of good!

Can you tell me where I can get that 55lb sack of Golden Promise with free shipping..

By: Boak

Boak — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 17:13:21 +0000

amen!

Obviously with “real ale” there´s all sorts of variables that can affect the taste, often negatively. I try not to judge beer on the basis of just one, and we have a policy of not criticising beers when the brewery is (a) small and (b) trying its best.

Mind you, they could at least grant an interview or answer a few questions for a humble blog… that´s not asking much, is it?