Prediction: lagering will be the new sour (like sours became the new imperial stouts and imperial stouts were the new barleywines). I can't wait for pilsners to be overpriced and frantically sought after.

Lets see in a year or so if I was correct (maybe 2 years).

The Death of a Ratebeerian

Symptoms:

1. Have not traded in over 6 months

2. Average less than 10 ratings a month for the past 12 months

3. Have no idea what is or who makes Chocolate Rain

4. Often go days without checking an online beer site

5. No beers purchased "to age" over the past 12 months

I have not met these criteria but I almost did a few months ago. Once I think I'm out they pull me back in.

Are there too many good beers?

It seems I can no longer keep up with all the special released beers and even the non-special releases that seem to be interesting or awesome brews. The beer scene is advancing so much that few brewers are just making the regular old light ale or lager through stout lineup but instead are making so many older styles, imperial styles, and experimental brews. Part of me feels said that I cannot try them all but a bigger part of me just loves the fact that everyone is taking chances. Since I can no longer try them all I am still satisfied with believing when I go somewhere new there is a good chance my choices wont be limited to just a Blonde, Amber, IPA, or Stout.

More tasting glasses, here are some pics.