How do you tell a guy his beer SUCKS

[Rhumbline]

Nobody wants to hear that they've got an ugly baby. Tell him the truth, which is that it wasn't your style or that you prefer a different flavor profile. Don't tell him his beer sucks, even if that's your opinion.

Judging by the number of popular beers that many people hate, it's entirely possible that the guy brewed a perfect beer of a style you don't like.

I brewed a Belgian tripple, I wasn't impressed. Gave several bottles away and a long time brewer complimented me on how I'd nailed the style perfectly. I guess I just don't care for tripples.

 

[Jaybird]

I like these old threads! Makes me think about what I do/say differently now.

Cheers
Jay

 

[Billy-Klubb]

Now I'm thinking my homebrew sucks and no one has been honest!

I think that every time I hand mine out.

Nobody wants to hear that they've got an ugly baby. Tell him the truth, which is that it wasn't your style or that you prefer a different flavor profile. Don't tell him his beer sucks, even if that's your opinion.

Judging by the number of popular beers that many people hate, it's entirely possible that the guy brewed a perfect beer of a style you don't like.

I brewed a Belgian tripple, I wasn't impressed. Gave several bottles away and a long time brewer complimented me on how I'd nailed the style perfectly. I guess I just don't care for tripples.

"You know buddy, it's good! don't get me wrong here. it's just... well... not my style. are your feelers ok? would you like some ice cream? don't cry..."

 

[mcbaumannerb]

Tell the truth - but after telling him the short comings of each, offer a recommendation on how to fix it. If you lie and/or give him a vague response, he'll think he's on the right track and keep doing what he's doing. If you just slam him he ight get discouraged and stop. But constructive criticism with pointer to fix the problems will be appreciated - at least in the long run. Not easy no matter what you do.

And BK - no worries brah - ivenever had a bad beer from you. Honest. Now if we ever do a trade, that opinion is subject to change

 

[Rhumbline]

I think that every time I hand mine out.


"You know buddy, it's good! don't get me wrong here. it's just... well... not my style. are your feelers ok? would you like some ice cream? don't cry..."

Or "WTF are you asking me? Do I look like Sam Adams?. I got a buzz from it, it didn't make blind, and it didn't give me the sh!ts, so, it's good beer."

I figure anyone who asks me for my opinion on a beer isn't looking for a professional review.

 

[Billy-Klubb]

Or "WTF are you asking me? Do I look like Sam Adams?. I got a buzz from it, it didn't make blind, and it didn't give me the sh!ts, so, it's good beer."

I figure anyone who asks me for my opinion on a beer isn't looking for a professional review.

I figure they're asking for an honest review.

 

[flamingtop66]

I have a hard time gaging the criticism. It's wise to consider the source. If a person is looking to you as an experienced brewer, they likely want honesty, tempered with encouragement. If the person has simply shared something they created, and are proud to have done so... Choke it down.
When I offer my home brew to friends I expect some mixed feelings. Most of my friends are not craft brew lovers. Those who are, I am not looking for them to be overly critical. If I ask somebody who brews, I am hoping for some constructive advice delivered with a thank you for sharing.
Sharing your home brew is like sharing your playlist, people should be polite.

 

[Rhumbline]

I have a hard time gaging the criticism. It's wise to consider the source. If a person is looking to you as an experienced brewer, they likely want honesty, tempered with encouragement. If the person has simply shared something they created, and are proud to have done so... Choke it down.
When I offer my home brew to friends I expect some mixed feelings. Most of my friends are not craft brew lovers. Those who are, I am not looking for them to be overly critical. If I ask somebody who brews, I am hoping for some constructive advice delivered with a thank you for sharing.
Sharing your home brew is like sharing your playlist, people should be polite.

Best answer so far.

Guy's rule #1 - "Don't be a d(ck"

 

[theck]

I recently got back into brewing, was out for 10 years, and started all grain this year. I've brewed 5 beers since I've been at it and everyone hates them ha... I even had one person say it tastes like glue. Not sure what I'm doing wrong but when I was at it in the past I didn't get too many haters, and I'm not doing much that's different, cept for all grain. It's odd but I honestly think, except for one, they turned out ok. The cascade smash I did I love but everyone hates with a passion. Just means I have more to drink I guess ha.... I think it's good to get bad feedback but it's also dependent on who's drinking what.

 

[newbies13]

Assuming you are giving them to a good group of people you may be suffering from a bit of denial if everyone hates the beer you make. I've certainly had picky people not like some kinds based on taste, but I would say on the whole most people really like them. You may want to ask for more specific feedback to see what it is that people don't like.

 

[bigken462]

If anyone needs a black labeled beer to make your home brewed beer taste better, give me a shout. I've got 50 bottles of Scull and Cross bone Pumpkin Spice Porter that would turn a drunk into a sober evangelist. It was my first brew made last month and makes stagnated pasture pond water taste like a brew from heaven. I promise you, one sip of my beer, then a chaser of yours to compare taste with, will cause the person that is tasting yours to be begging for more.

 

[theck]

Assuming you are giving them to a good group of people you may be suffering from a bit of denial if everyone hates the beer you make. I've certainly had picky people not like some kinds based on taste, but I would say on the whole most people really like them. You may want to ask for more specific feedback to see what it is that people don't like.

The dudes I hang with drink very different beers than me. I love ipas, and good beer vs. vanilla flavored and nasty beers they drink... Might be some of issue. I've had some good responses but not a lot. Hell, it doesn't bother me too much... I am mostly brewing for me to drink it, less they like it the better. They do
all do love the cider I make and since that's cheap and easy I have been making a ton. They even bring their junk over sometimes and leave it, when in a pinch I'll suck it down. So win win ha...

 

[rico567]

From the sounds of the OP, there may be multiple things that are wrong with his process, but I'd try to mention three to him: sanitation, sanitation, sanitation.

 

[PastorofMuppets]

ask questions about the process and try to figure the problem without being direct.
Then as politely as you can first say something nice about it and then give your absolute best advice for improvment in the future.

 

[progmac]

i've learned that there is only one way to really know if someone likes a beer that i make...do they want another...although almost no one takes a second rauchbier, even if it is commercial

 

[billl]

These are the rules I go by.

I try not to offer unsolicited opinions or advice. A thank you is always in order though.

If someone asks a general question, they get a general answer - in the most positive light possible. eg "How did you like it?" gets a thank you and some sign of appreciation for what they offered. Beer is food, so I treat it the same way as if someone asked about the dinner they just cooked.

If someone asks a specific question, I take that as an invitation for honest discussion. I assume anyone asking about some specific aspect of brewing or tasting is looking to learn and improve.

Likewise, if I'm looking for honest feedback, I state that up front and ask more detail questions.

 

[Hello]

I've gotten little to no feedback on my beers given in person. Ones I've shipped are other story, but it seems people nearby are all too happy to take them but not so into telling me what they thought. I keep telling people that I am giving them beer to try, tell me honestly what they think, and return bottles. They follow one of three requests and that involves only the drinking part.