RateBeer Shutting Down: The End of a Craft Beer Institution

The pioneering craft beer rating platform RateBeer has revealed it will permanently shutter on February 1, 2025. For craft beer enthusiasts worldwide, this news signals the conclusion of a groundbreaking era in beer culture.

Statement From RateBeer’s Founder

In a heartfelt farewell, founder Joe Tucker reflected on the platform's journey. Here’s his full note, which was posted to the website’s iconic RateBeer Forums:

“Hello all,

I have some difficult news to share with you - RateBeer will cease operations as of February 1, 2025.

RateBeer was born and evolved around a core purpose: To provide a place for beer enthusiasts around the world to share their passion and experiences. When I started building RateBeer over 2 decades ago, I couldn’t have dreamed of what it would grow into and become. Together, we’ve built a close community that helped shape the history of craft beer.

Thank you all for your participation. It’s been a joy for me and I hope it’s been for you.

You are encouraged to download your ratings and reviews from RateBeer by January 18, 2025.

If you require assistance, please submit a request via https://www.ratebeer.com/feedback

It’s undeniably tough news. In closing this chapter, I want to thank each one of you for being part of the RateBeer community. I am truly grateful for all of those who’ve contributed to our success.

Thank you, JoeT”

A Legacy of Passion and Community

Founded over two decades ago, RateBeer was a trailblazer in the craft beer world, connecting beer lovers globally through reviews, discussions and shared experiences. Long before social media or mobile apps like Untappd became mainstream, RateBeer served as a cornerstone for beer enthusiasts.

The site’s robust database of beer reviews, contributed by thousands of users, became an essential resource for exploring new brews and breweries. Its annual rankings of the "Best Beers in the World" were revered by both seasoned beer aficionados and curious newcomers, setting benchmarks in the industry.

Challenges in a Changing Landscape

Despite its storied history, RateBeer faced mounting challenges in recent years. The rise of mobile-first platforms like Untappd offered streamlined interfaces and features that catered to modern beer drinkers. In 2019, Anheuser-Busch’s ZX Ventures fully acquired RateBeer, a move that generated mixed reactions in the craft beer community, which have become further amplified through AB’s poor treatment of the site – doing a disservice to the beer industry at large.

Competition and evolving user preferences eventually led to a decline in the platform’s influence. Yet, RateBeer’s role in documenting the craft beer explosion of the late 1990s and early 2000s remains undeniable.

Statistician Matt Berkowitz, a devoted RateBeer admin and community member, has made attempts to acquire the website and its assets, but those efforts have fallen on deaf ears: “When Joe told me a few weeks ago about the impending announcement, I resumed my efforts to acquire the assets. But I've not had any success in getting through to ABI. It appears it's simply the path of least resistance to shut down the website rather than incur expenses associated with selling it back to the community."

He continued: "My interest in RateBeer is in completely re-developing the website from scratch—to modernize, make more efficient and breathe some much-needed life into this wonderful community. I’ve had several talks with the global Mergers and Acquisitions Director at AB, but couldn’t work anything out.”

Preserving Your RateBeer Legacy

For users who have spent years contributing reviews and building profiles, RateBeer is offering the opportunity to download personal data before its closure:

Log in to your RateBeer account and navigate to the “My Profile” page.

Select “Compile My Ratings” under the “My Account” section.

Download your reviews in a CSV format by January 18, 2025.

The RateBeer team remains available to assist users with this process through their feedback page.

RateBeer’s Legacy Lives On

For countless enthusiasts, RateBeer was more than a website—it was a community. It introduced users to new styles, highlighted hidden gems in the brewery world, and fostered connections between like-minded beer lovers.

While the closure of RateBeer marks the end of an era, it also highlights the adaptability of the craft beer community. As digital platforms evolve and new tools emerge, the passion for craft beer and its stories remains strong.

As RateBeer prepares to close its doors on February 1, 2025, the craft beer community reflects on the platform's enduring impact. For over two decades, RateBeer connected beer lovers, shaped the craft beer movement and fostered a global community.

While this chapter ends, its legacy as a cornerstone of beer culture lives on, reminding us of the passion and camaraderie that unite enthusiasts worldwide. Cheers to RateBeer for its lasting contributions to the craft beer world!