When the history of craft beer says goodbye
The beer world lives a moment of nostalgia and reflection with the definitive farewell of Ratebeer, that platform that for decades was more than a simple website: it was a meeting point for all those who feel passion for beer. With its closure scheduled for February 1, 2025, many fans say goodbye to a space that helped define the character of the global beer culture.
Joe Tucker’s legacy and the creation of a corner for beer lovers
In a very human message published in the former forums of the platform, Joe Tucker, the creator of Ratebeer, expressed a thanks and a hint of melancholy for everything they achieved together over more than twenty years. For Tucker, Ratebeer was a dream come true, a space where beer fans could share experiences, new styles and their favorites. He recommended to those who still did not download their data before January 18, 2025, offering help for that process on their official page.
A well -deserved tribute to the history of artisanal beer
From his birth, Ratebeer was a pioneer in the beer world. Before the rise of social networks and mobile applications, this platform became a lighthouse to discover, catalog and discuss countless beer styles. Its annual rankings, which collected the best beers in the world, became a must for brewers and consumers equally. The community that was formed in their forums not only argued, but also lived and reinvented the beer culture.
Why was its end inevitable in a world in constant change?
The passage of time and the arrival of more modern platforms meant weight challenges. Services such as UNTAppd offered intuitive navigability and functions aligned with new ways of interacting online. In addition, in 2019, the purchase of Ratebeer by ZX Ventures, the Anheuser-Busch Innovation Division, generated some controversy and distrust among more traditional users. Many thought that this decision misrepresented the independent essence of the site, affecting their credibility and away from an important part of the community.
Will there be a second chance for Votebeer?
Despite the efforts of some passionate, such as Matt Berkowitz – who tried to revitalize the platform seeking to acquire it and return his original spirit – they failed to persuade the current owners. The reality is that, sometimes, for some actors within the beer market it seems easier to close chapters than to pass the torch to those who really feel and understand the culture that surrounds the platform.
What to do with all that personal beer history?
For those who invested hours, emotions and reviews in Ratebeer, there is still time to save that fingerprint. Download your profiles and grades before closing is simple if you follow these steps: log in, go to “My profile”, look for the option “Compile my qualifications” and download the information in CSV format. The help of the platform experts will be available to solve doubts, ensuring that each story is protected.
A community that transcends pixels
Over the years, Ratebeer was much more than a website; It was a crucible of friendship, knowledge and passion for beer. From the exchange of unusual styles to the conversations about the best beers on the planet, its influence has become part of the Cultural DNA of artisanal beer. Although the portal will close its doors, the spirit of camaraderie and the memory of all shared moments will remain alive in each story, each toast and every friendship that flourished in that community. The beer history continues, and in each new cup there is a bit of the legacy that Ratebeer left in all of us.
