"ratebeer" news and stories

A couple of my recent posts discussing opinion polls from BeerAdvocate and RateBeer opened a lively discussion on this website, including a comment from CEO of the Stone Brewing Company, Greg Koch.

Far be it from me to let the thoughts of the co-founder of one of America's most recognizable and renowned craft breweries languish in the comments section of one of my lowly posts, Greg was gracious enough to accept an interview offer to discuss these polls, as well as the Stone Brewery and craft beer in general.

I'd consider this suggested reading for both beer aficionados and casual Slashfood readers alike. As Greg puts it: "I appreciate the discussion of great craft beer in food-oriented circles like Slashfood. That is a huge win for both foodies and for craft brewers."

Mike Pomranz: In a recent "consumer opinion" list, BeerAdvocate named Stone Brewery the "All-Time Top Brewery on Planet Earth" -- a title I believe is reasonably within your grasp. More amazingly, Stone placed five beers in the Top 25 "All-Time Top Beers on Planet Earth." Putting aside for a moment the ancient brews of Mesopotamia, how do you feel about these honors? Do you believe Stone has five of the best beers of all time on planet Earth?

Greg Koch: For one brewery on Planet Earth to take five out of 25 spots is not probable. However, it IS possible (as evidence would suggest).

MP: The idea of "picking your favorite child" is so clichéd. So let's force you into it. The five that placed: Stone Imperial Russian Stout, Stone Ruination IPA, Stone IPA, Double Bastard Ale, Arrogant Bastard Ale. Who you got? (Styles be damned!)

Continue reading my interview with Greg Koch, CEO of the Stone Brewing Co. after the jump...

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Since I took a few constructive swipes at BeerAdvocate over their "The People Have Spoken!" opinion polls, I thought it only fair that when rival RateBeer.com released their annual best of lists for 2009, I'd reflect on these lists as well.

One of my primary complaints with the BeerAdvocate list was its bias towards Stone Brewing, who landed 5 beers in the top 25 and grabbed the coveted top brewery spot. RateBeer.com reviewers seemed slightly less blown away by Stone. The California brewer still took a respectable 8th place in RateBeer's brewery list, but did not score a beer in the top 25. Instead, though, RateBeer readers found a bias of their own: Munster, Indiana's Three Floyds Brewing Company. Three Floyds not only earned the top brewery of 2009 spot, but also placed an impressive four beers in the top 25. Luckily, this feat once again gives me the opportunity to reiterate that almost any user-based poll will have its leanings. With thousands of beers to choose from, any brewery having four beers in the top 25 seems a bit over-the-top. [Writer's note: For the record, I have biases of my own, such as greatly preferring having my points reinforced rather than refuted. So thank you, RateBeer users!]

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