What to say when homebrew is no good?

[RansomBrewing]

This thread is interesting to me as I'm about to give our beer/wine out at our wedding as party favors (not serve it). Our wedding is 3 months out and the beers are fermenting now.

Question about feedback...
Where do you draw the line? I've had someone tell me that I should buy distilled water and add minerals to it because my water chemistry was off. I laughed because I thought he was kidding. I'm not personally about to go out and buy a bunch of water like that because we tried it and I can't taste a difference.

 

[LandoLincoln]

Never criticize his beers from his wedding day. Don't taint his memory of that day.

But for any future beers...yeah, you should say something like, "I think this beer could be better if you..."

 

[LandoLincoln]

This thread is interesting to me as I'm about to give our beer/wine out at our wedding as party favors (not serve it). Our wedding is 3 months out and the beers are fermenting now.

Question about feedback...
Where do you draw the line? I've had someone tell me that I should buy distilled water and add minerals to it because my water chemistry was off. I laughed because I thought he was kidding. I'm not personally about to go out and buy a bunch of water like that because we tried it and I can't taste a difference.

Take a beer sensory tasting class and you might be surprised at what you can't taste that others can.

 

[FloppyKnockers]

Never criticize his beers from his wedding day. Don't taint his memory of that day.

But for any future beers...yeah, you should say something like, "I think this beer could be better if you..."

He he he he....you said "taint".

 

[Peruvian802]

Keep ya damn mouf shut.

If you try his beer again AND he asks for feedback and it's still obviously got a problem, I like AcrLight's suggestion.

 

[dryboroughbrewing]

I suggest feigning blindness and screaming 'It burns!' Or you could be polite, I hear that sometimes works too. Coin flip.

 

[Clonefan94]

How good of a friend is he?

Has he ever had any your beer and commented on it good or bad? Especially a good comment, i.e. "Wish I could make my beer taste like this."

IMO, if he didn't ask for your opinion, I wouldn't give it, unless he's a good friend and has tried your beer. Too many ways to come off as an jerk if you are acting like you know how to brew beer and he doesn't, especially his wedding beer.

 

[invictusbrew]

It all depends on the personality... I for one like the hard truth, but I know most don't, so I usually come up with some nice way to put it out there (usually situational dependent) or I just don't say anything at all if they are that sensitive - many people in this day and age can not take constructive criticism for their lives... go figure. Sometimes it's best to just set the beer down and tell him you forgot you had to "drive somewhere later".

On a side note, I made a terrible (and I do mean terrible) Strawberry Wheat once. I mean, paint thinner bad. Anyway, just for sh*** and giggles, I gave a bottle to a friend without warning him. He tried to hide the fact that he cringed and went on about the good points for 20 seconds or so before I started laughing and told him he didn't need to lie to me, that I knew it was garbage. First words out of his mouth: "Oh, thank God!"

 

[Scriv]

I wish I had someone local to give me feedback! My friends and family enjoy my homebrew but know nothing about what to look for taste-wise.

 

[Temptd2]

I'm with the general consensus - if he didn't ask you, I wouldn't tell him, unless he's a real good friend and can accept some constructive criticism.

AND even if he DOES ask - I'd start with, "Do you really want some honest feedback from somebody who's been there, done that?" and go from there.

 

[Turkeyshot]

I wish I had someone local to give me feedback! My friends and family enjoy my homebrew but know nothing about what to look for taste-wise.

I wonder if I'm local enough for you hahaha!

 

[watermelon83]

I was at a wedding.
The groom made all the libations.
They were not good.
When I say not good...many were gushers...blowing up on guests.
All of one variety clearly were infected (cheerios anyone?)

Groom seemed to think all was right with the world.

I certainly wasn't going to say a word at his wedding.

Is staying quiet the right thing to do? Maybe he'll never learn to make "good" drinks if nobody speaks up...are we doing a disservice by not telling the truth?

Yes, I would stay quiet. The inner crap stirrer in me would grab the groom by the shoulder, lean into his ear and say... hey bud, just opened one of those gushers... now my shirt is as wet as your wife at her bachelorette party.

 

[Cyclman]

Even if he's a friend and could take it, why stain his memories of a special day.

If he's making mistakes, he'll keep making them, comment on a future brew. But only if your opinion is solicited and you think he'll be receptive.

 

[madscientist451]

Depends how well you know the groom and if he's in your circle of friends. If he is one of your "friends" ask if he'd like some straightforward comments about his beers and invite him to bring them to a tasting panel of 3-4 people who's beer judgement and taste is known and respected.

 

[Cider123]

This is a classic post.

I'd say something before somebody loses an eye.

I'd march right up to him and say, "Hey, what the hell kind of $&%$# beer you serving us here Bub? Then I'd turn and hit the open bar, and the bacon-wrapped scallops (He'd better have some of those).

 

[1977Brewer]

Depends how well you know the groom and if he's in your circle of friends. If he is one of your "friends" ask if he'd like some straightforward comments about his beers and invite him to bring them to a tasting panel of 3-4 people who's beer judgement and taste is known and respected.

I'm usually free Saturday nights. Hit me up. Bad beer is still beerz

 

[Scriv]

I wonder if I'm local enough for you hahaha!

Nice! I'll pm you.