Interested in creating your own beer reviews, or simply want to join the discussion? The folks over at BeerAdvocate have an informative guide that will give you plenty of guidance to get started. You’ll also find articles on beer styles, glassware and much more, plus thousands of beer reviews. Read the guide to reviewing beers and then have a look at some (or a lot) of the beer reviews. One clear theme should emerge: there’s no wrong way to review a beer. Some reviews are quick and dirty, others extensive. But perhaps the most important theme? Taste is individual. Remember that and you’re well on your way.

I didn’t start this blog to review beers. I started it to keep notes about the beers I’ve tried – to remember them, compare them, learn about them and have fun with them. So far, so good. There’s no magic to it. I look at it, smell it, taste it, think about it and do it again. I keep notes in my blackberry as I’m tasting. Those notes are a saving grace.  I’m amazed at how little I sometimes remember even a few days after I try something.

Don’t worry, learning about beer, reviewing beer, talking about beer – knowing something about beer – doesn’t make you a beer snob. That only happens when adopting a condescending attitude toward someone else’s preference or knowledge. It is far easier and fun to enjoy what you enjoy, try something new, and join the conversation.