RateBeer to Close Its Doors: A Fond Farewell to a Craft Beer Icon
RateBeer to Close Its Doors: A Fond Farewell to a Craft Beer Icon
In a heartfelt announcement, RateBeer—the beloved craft beer rating platform—has revealed that it will cease operations as of February 1, 2025. For many in the craft beer community, this marks the end of an era.
Joe Tucker’s ‘Thank You’ goodbye note on RateBeer
A Legacy Built on Passion
RateBeer launched over two decades ago, long before craft beer was the cultural powerhouse it is today. At its core, the platform served a simple but ambitious purpose: to connect beer lovers around the globe through shared experiences and reviews. For many, it wasn’t just a website but a digital meeting place—a forum where tasting notes mingled with camaraderie, and where beer geeks became lifelong friends.
Its founder, Joe Tucker, shared his bittersweet reflections in the farewell message posted to the site. “When I started building RateBeer over two decades ago, I couldn’t have dreamed of what it would grow into and become,” he wrote. “Together, we’ve built a close community that helped shape the history of craft beer.”
In 2019 Anheuser-Busch (AB InBev) via their ZX Ventures fully acquired RateBeer. (See more here: ZX Ventures Fully Acquires RateBeer)
Why Does This Matter?
For craft beer enthusiasts, RateBeer was more than just a review site. It was a cornerstone of the craft beer movement. Before social media and apps like Untappd, RateBeer was the go-to source for beer ratings, brewery information, and forums where enthusiasts could trade tips and rare bottles.
The platform’s extensive database, crowd-sourced by thousands of users, served as an invaluable resource for exploring new brews and breweries. Its annual “Best Beers in the World” rankings became a trusted guide for both seasoned beer aficionados and curious newcomers.
The End of an Era
RateBeer logo
As craft beer culture grew and evolved, RateBeer faced increased competition. The rise of mobile-first platforms like Untappd offered faster, more user-friendly interfaces that catered to a new generation of beer drinkers. Despite adapting with updates and features, RateBeer’s influence began to wane.
But its impact cannot be understated. RateBeer played a pivotal role in documenting the craft beer boom of the late 1990s and 2000s. It gave brewers feedback from their most devoted fans, helped foster the idea of beer as an art form, and built a community united by a shared love for hops, malt, and innovation.
Joe Tucker’s Goodbye Note
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.
Preserving Your Contributions
For those who spent years contributing reviews and building their profiles, the site encourages users to download their ratings and reviews by January 18, 2025. The process is straightforward:
- Log in to your RateBeer account and go to the “My Profile” page.
- In the “My Account” section, click “Compile My Ratings.”
- Download your data in a convenient CSV format.
If you encounter any issues, the RateBeer team is still offering assistance via their feedback page.
A Personal Reflection
As someone who’s been immersed in the craft beer world for years, this news hits close to home. RateBeer wasn’t just a website; it was a rite of passage for many of us discovering the world of craft beer. It introduced me to styles I didn’t even know existed and breweries that became staples of my beer journey.
The closure of RateBeer feels like saying goodbye to an old friend. But it’s also a chance to reflect on its incredible legacy. Joe Tucker and the entire RateBeer community built something special—a space that celebrated beer in all its complexity and diversity.
What’s Next for the Craft Beer Community?
The closing of RateBeer underscores a larger shift in the craft beer world. As new platforms emerge and the way we connect evolves, one thing remains constant: our love for beer and the stories it tells. While we say goodbye to RateBeer, the community it fostered will undoubtedly find new ways to thrive.
To Joe Tucker and everyone who contributed to RateBeer’s success: thank you for the memories, the knowledge, and the passion. You helped shape craft beer history, and for that, we raise a glass in your honor. Cheers!
Additional Links
Brewery News
Interested in finding out about many other brewery openings, new locations, closings, movings, and in general brewery news? You can check out our links below:
- Crystal Ball Brewing Closing
- Stoudt’s Brewing Closing
- Full Pint Brewing Closing
- Night Shift Brewing Cancels Expansion
- ZX Ventures Fully Acquires RateBeer
- Imprint Beer Co. Doubles Production with New Tanks – What It Means for Craft Beer Fans
- Other Half Brewing Company Opening Friday 2.18.22 in Philadelphia
- Midwest Coast Brewery Opening
- Boulevard Presidents Steps Down Amidst Allegations
- Brewery Opening: Howling Henry’s (Hummelstown)
- Brewery Opening: Highway Manor (Camp Hill)
- Brewery Opening: Rotunda Brew Pub (Hershey)
- Is JB LoveDraft’s Opening a Brewery?
- Tattered Flag at Hollywood Casino – Grantville – Opening Their 5th Location
- JB LoveDraft’s Grand Opening (Mechanicsburg)
- ZeroDay Opens Their New Tap Room (Harrisburg)
- Victory Brewery Fire and Explosion (Kennett Square)
- Sign of the Horse Brewery is Expanding in Hanover (Taking Over the Old Miscreation Brewery)
- Brewery Tour: Couch Brewery (Pittsburgh)
- Brewery Visit: Mellow Mink (Mechanicsburg)
- A Sneak Peak at the new Rubber Soul Brewery (Hummelstown)
- Rubber Soul Grand Opening (Hummelstown)
- VooDoo Lancaster Closing
- River Bend Hop Farm and Brewery Closes
- Homaide Brewing Says Goodbye To Their First Home
- Grand Opening of Hemauer Brewing (Mechanicsburg)
- Rally Point Tap Room Opening – Cox Brewing Company – Elizabethtown
- Spigot Brewing Closes
- Full Pint Brewing Closes
- Night Shift Brewing Cancels Expansion
- Mikkeller Brewing NYC Closes Permanently
- Pilger Ruh Brewing Needs Your Help (Pottsville)
- Official BBQ (Pizza Boy Secondary Location) (Rutherford)
- Aslin Beer Co. Now Ships to Pennsylvania
- Boneshire Brew Works to Open Second Taproom in Harrisburg (Harrisburg)
- Aslin Beer Company Confirms Expanding to Pittsburgh
- Rural City Beer Company Coming to Beamstown PA
- Grand Opening of Forest and Main’s New Brewpub
- New Bells-gium – New Belgium Owned Company Buys Bell’s Brewery
- Human Robot Expanding to Jenkintown
- High Road Brewing Company Coming to Camp Hill, Pennsylvania in Summer 2022
- YAH Brewing’s First Can Drop
- RAR Brewing’s Star Wars Can Drop
- Arboretum Trail Brewing Company Opens Their Doors Tomorrow
- Macklin Brewing Company in Development
- Michaux Brewing Company Grand Opening
- Shy Bear Brewing Announces Two New Locations
- Newfangled Brew Works Announces Closure
- Fourscore Beer Company Celebrates Their 3rd Anniversary
- Penn Brewery Announces Sale and Owner’s Retirement
- Voodoo Brewing Company To Open Brewpub on North Shore of Pittsburgh – August 27th
- Truth Beer Company’s Grand Opening
- Sobel’s Obscure Brewery’s Grand New Location and Opening
- AleCraft Brewing Company Expands Into Pennsylvania
- Boneshire Brew Works Celebrates 6th Anniversary
- Funk Brewing Company – Elizabethtown Brewery – Fire
- Funk Brewing Company – Elizabethtown Brewery – Fire Update
- Voodoo Brewing Opening in Reno
- Victory Taproom in Kennett Square Re – Opens
- Pour Man’s Brewery Is Moving Their Tap Room
- Qatar Bans Alcohol Sales at World Cup 2022
- Second Sin Brewery Company Celebrates Third Anniversary
- Round Guys Brewing Company’s Brewpub in Lansdale is Getting a Revamp
- VK Brewing Officially Opens at Historic Ship Inn
- Rocket Frog Brewing Company Announces Closure on December 11th
- Co – Hops Brewery and Cannery Appears to be Closed
- Where to Watch the USA vs Netherlands World Cup Game – in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia
- Liquid Noise Brewing Company Announces the Show is Ending (Brewery Closure)
- Looks Like Homaide Brewing Company Might Be Done (January 2023)
- Beltway Brewing Closing at the End of the Month (January 2023)
- Old Soul Brewing Starting up in Waynesboro Pennsylvania
- Cox Brewing Company Returning to Their Roots
- Helping the Hemauer Family
- Cellar Works Brewing Closing Cooper Station
- Imprint Beer Company Unveils The GNARCADIUM
- Voodoo Brewing Co. Brings Craft Beer Magic to Reno
- Blueprint Brewing Company Announces Their Closing on March 31st
- Pilger Ruh Brewing is Expanding into Gettysburg
- Back Porch Brewing Grand Opening
- Jigsy’s Old Forge Pizza and Brewpub is Expanding into Hershey
- LoveDraft’s Brewery Sabotaged
- Homaide Brewing Company Resurfaces
- Sign of the Horse Brewery Announces Closure of Zeichen des Pferdes and Re – Branding
- Mount Gretna Craft Brewery in Palmyra Announces Closing Immediately
- The Englewood Announces Re – Opening
- AB InBev Closes Cleveland’s Platform Brewing Company
- Full Tit Brewing Closing
- Camp Hill Brewery – High Road Brewing – Plans Scrapped
- YAH Brew is Coming to Hershey in Spring 2023
- Bespoke Brewing Moving and Expanding
- BrewDog Pittsburgh Has Closed
- Isle of Que Brewing – The Que Brew Crew – Has Announced Their Closing
- Fermentery Form Announces Temporary Closure
- Separatist Beer Project Announces Temporary Closing of Both Locations
- Fermentery Form Cited for Failing Health Inspections
- Guinness Brewing is Closing Their Maryland Production Facility
- Cox Brewing Company Celebrates 8th Anniversary
- Human Robot Expands into the Schuylkill
- Despite Being Closed – Fermentery Form Selling Bottles Tomorrow
- Cape May Brewing Company Acquires Flying Fish Brewing Company
- Our Town Brewery Expanding into Philly
- Smoketown Creekside – Brewery Operations For Sale
- Founders Announce Closure of their Detroit Taproom
- The Bruery Store D.C. Is Closed
- Founders Brewing Company Sued for Racial Discrimination (Again) Just Before Detroit Taproom Shut Down
- Liquid Noise Brewing Company – New Ownership, New Beer, New Friends
- YAH Brew Grand Opening
- FX Matt Brewing Company Acquires Flying Dog Brewery
- The Beerded Goat Brewing Company Taking over the old NewFangled Brewery
- River Horse Brewing Company Acquires DuClaw Brewing Company
- Carbon Copy Brewing will be taking over Separatist Beer Project’s East Passyunk Location for the Summer
- Anchor Brewing Will No Longer Be Sold Nationally
- The First Hershey Beer and Music Festival Announced
- Cushwa Brewing Company Opening Second Location in Columbia Maryland
- Guinness Baltimore Blonde Beer Production Moving to New York
- Black Rock Brewing Company – Downtown Pottsville – Will Not Be Re – Opening
- Jim Thorpe Brewing Needs Your Support
- Cinderlands Foederhouse Temporary Closure
- Appalachian Brewing Company Coming Soon to Carlisle
- Tattered Flag Brewery and Distillery Is Up For Sale
- New Belgium Teams Up with Magic the Gathering for Vastwood Seer IPA
- Anchor Brewing Could Be Sold Tomorrow
- Anchor Brewing Company Ceasing Operations and Liquidating Business
- A Sneak Peek of The Beerded Goat Brewery
- Allusion Brewing Company Appreciation Party
- Allusion Brewing Company Expanding to the North Hills
- Sworn Brewing Company Opening in September
- With Heavy Hearts Tattered Flag Announces Last Day
- Appalachian Brewing Company Pairs with The Vegetable Hunter to Release Plant Based Beyond Beer Collaboration
- Getting Sworn In: A Sneak Peek at Sworn Brewing Company
- Arboretum Trail Brewing is Closing Their Taproom
- Mastic Trail Brewing Company Setting into the Sunset – Closing on September 2nd
- A Look at Local Time Brewery
- Second Sin Beer Announces Second Tap Room Location
- Rumor Mill: Snitz Creek Brewing To Take Over Mt. Gretna Brewing’s Old Location
- Howling Henry’s Not Looking to Finish Out the Year
- Brewery Fire Celebrates Their Fourth Anniversary: The Power of the Fourth
- Devil’s Eye Brewing Announces Closure on September 30th
- Walk to End ALZ at Lost in the Wilds Brewing – September 28th, 2023
- 12 Pennsylvania Breweries Collaborate on Buckeye Tears
- Stickman Brews Announces Immediate Closure
- Spring House Brewing to Open The Coffin Bar on Friday the 13th
- Cox Brewing Company Announces Closure at the End of 2023
- High Road Brewing Company Announces Grand Opening Celebration at High Road Taproom in Mechanicsburg
- Circle of Life – A Fond Farewell to North Austin’s Oldest Brewery
- BierHall Brewing Coming to Lancaster
- Smuttynose Brewing and Five Boroughs Brewing Joining Under the Ownership of Finestkind Brewing
- Highway Manor Brewing Has Seemingly Been Closed
- Tree House Opening a Saratoga Springs Location
- Cartel Brewing and Blending Announce Their Moving
- Cartel Brewing and Blending Grand Opening of Their New Location
- Wacker Brewing Announces Upcoming Closing
- Mindful Brewing Company Temporarily Closing
- Highway Manor Brewing Temporarily Closed For Remainder of 2023
- Snitz Creek Brewing is Coming to the Old Mt. Gretna Craft Brewery
- Chatty Monks Brewing Company Has Exciting News
- Liquid Noise Announces Opening Soon
- Jackass Brewing Company Adding Williamsport Location in 2024
- Truth Beer Company Announce New Lancaster Taproom
- Truth Beer Company Opening a Taproom in Lancaster
- Moss Mill Brewing Company of Huntingdon Valley is Closing
- Liquid Noise Brewing Company Sets Grand Opening for December 29th
- Three Beards Brewing Announce Closure
- Ingenious Brewing Announces the Upcoming Closure of their Brewery
- Allusion Brewing is Opening a Second Spot in McCandless Township, Duncan Manor in Allison Park
- Breweries that Opened in Pennsylvania in 2023
- Cox Brewing Company Close Out Celebration
- A New Owner Takes Over Olde Bedford Brewing Company
- North Country Brewing is Closing the Corn Crib at Freedom Farms Farmers Market
- Compass Mill Tap House is Temporarily Closed Down for Cleaning and Maintenance
- Aldus Brewing’s Dolphin and Anchor Pub in Downtown Hanover Set for Grand Opening
- HiJinx Brewing Company Adding Second Location
- Truth Beer Company is Having Their Grand Opening on Saturday – January 20th
- Wissahickon Brewing Company to Add a Second Taproom
- Hell in a Bucket Brewery is Moving to Marietta
- Smuttynose Brewing to Acquire Wachusett Brewery
- Sign of the Horse Bierhaus is Closing
- Anheuser-Busch InBev Closes Two Craft Brewpubs
- Species X Beer Project Opening Soon in Columbus
- The Alementary Announces Their Closure
- Our Town Brewery Taproom Set to Open in Philadelphia
- Mount Hope Brewfest is Cancelled
- Hoppy Valley Brewfest Announced for Beaver Stadium
- Grist House Brewery Will Be Taking Over the Taproom at Freedom Farms Farmers Market
- Necromancer Brewing Temporarily Closing
- Hysteria Brewing Company For Sale
- The Mixing Room at Broken Goblet: A Brand-New Distillery and Taproom Are Here!
- AleCraft Brewery Bel Air to Close
- Necromancer Brewing Permanently Closing
- YAH Brew Looking to Expand
- Voodoo Brewing Company Names New CFO and Employee Owner, Reinforcing Its Dedication to a Diverse and Dynamic Community
- Country Trails Brewing To Open in April
- Voodoo Brewing – Seven Fields Coming Spring 2024
- Allusion Brewing Company’s Second Location is Having Their Grand Opening Saturday
- Kennett Brewing Company is Closing
- Dough Daddy Brewery Coming to Gibsonia
- Willow Creek Brewing Company to Close Permanently
- YAH Brew to Open YAH Brew’s Retro Bar in Mount Joy
- Twelve78 Brewing Company To Open Its Doors on May 17th In Phoenixville
- Ballast Point Shutting Down Production
- Wander Back Beerworks: Vineland’s Newest Brewery Gears Up to Join South Jersey’s Craft Beer Scene
- Pour Man’s Brewing Acquires St. Boniface Brewing
- BrewDog’s James Watt Stepping Down as CEO
- Insurrection Ale Works Closing Saturday
- Hoppy Valley Brewersfest is Tomorrow
- Mindful Brewing is Transforming into Chimera Brewing
- Liquid Hero Brewery’s New Spot
- Voodoo Brewery in Reno Has Closed
- A Look at Lindgren Craft Brewery (Amy’s Column)
- Tattered Flag Brewery and Distillery is Up for Auction
- Ross Brewing Company is Closing Their Taproom in Port Monmouth
- Source Brewing Expanding to Manayunk
- Broken Chair Brewery Announces They Will Be Closing
- Rubber Soul Brewing to Open New Taproom Saturday
- Brew Monkey to Close Thursday
- Bissell Brothers Closing Their Three Rivers – Milo – Brewery
- Mellow Mink Brewery is Closing
- Mad Princes Brewing Announces Upcoming Closure
- Truth Beer Closes Akron and Moves Brewing to Lancaster
- Brink Brewing Co. Expands Production and Patio Space in Cincinnati’s College Hill
- Humble Monk Brewery Forced to Relocate Amidst Unforeseen Challenges
- Tied House Abruptly Closes
- 2 Dogz and a Guy Brewing Announces Closing
- Grand Illusion Cider’s Last Week of Operations
- Stony Run Brew House Sells to a Local Brewery
- Breckenridge Will Open Third Taproom
- Sign of the Horse Brewery Bought Stony Run Brew House
- Selin’s Grove Brewing Closing Until Further Notice
- Urban Artifact Brewery Files Federal Lawsuit Against Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Over Online Beer Sales Restrictions
- J. Wakefield Brewing Announces Closing of Wynwood Taproom
- When it Rains it Pours – ZeroDay Production Slowed Down by Flooding
- J. Wakefield Brewing is Moving
- McAllister Brewing Company Transitions Completely to The Carriage House Restaurant
- Böser Geist Brewing Announces Closure
- Vault Brewing Company Easton is Coming Fall of 2024
- Sworn Brewing a Year Later – A Sit Down with Jesse and Amanda
- Anderson Valley Brewing Company Listed for Sale at $7.9 Million
- Beer Wall on Penn Has Closed
- Species X Beer Project Announces Closing
- Englewood Brewing Temporarily Closes with Announced Rescheduled Opening in 2025
- Cellar Works Brewing Announces Closure for October 26th
- White Horse Brewing LLC Celebrates 12th Anniversary
- Boneshire Brew Works Celebrates 8th Anniversary
- Tattered Flag Brewery & Still Works Sold to California-Based Tower Investments
- Berg Brewing Company to Open in Chambersburg PA
- Iron Hill Brewing Phoenixville PA Closes
- Aurochs Brewing Company Will Cease Operations by End of 2024
- Be Here Brewing Company Announces Closure at End of November
- Sign of the Horse Brewery (Hanover) Sustained Fire Damage
- Elysian Brewing’s Georgetown Brewery Closure: What It Means for Seattle’s Beer Scene
- Logyard Brewery Has Closed
- Tree House Brewing Co. Sets Its Sights on Boston Expansion
- Blind Cat Beer Co. Opening on November 23rd
- Emlenton Brew Haus Closes
- South County Brewing Expanding to Lancaster
- Sly Fox Brewing Ordered to Pay Nearly $200K for Withholding Tips
- Imprint Beer Co. Removes Brewing Staff and Halts Production in Hatfield PA
- Brewery Closings – Archives
- Brewery Openings – Archives
- The Craft Beer Conundrum: Navigating the Troubled Waters of the Craft Beer Industry
- How to Start a Brewery: Essential Tips for Beer Enthusiasts
- How to Start a Brewery Without Upfront Capital: 4 Proven Strategies for Success
- The Rich History of Beer in Pennsylvania: From Colonial Times to the Craft Beer Revolution
Thank You For Reading
If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!
Cheers.
Thanks again for reading everyone. Take some time to check out the site, we greatly appreciate it. We have affiliates and sponsors with Pretzels.com and Beer Drop.com, which can save you money on their products if you are interested. Check out our articles on them. Make sure to check out our beer reviews, brewery reviews, Amy’s weekly column, book reviews, hike reviews, and so much more.
As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com
Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.
We are working on a massive project here at The Beer Thrillers. We are creating a map of all of the breweries across the United States. State by state we are adding maps of all of the different states with every brewery in each state. (We will eventually get to the US Territories, as well as the Canadian Provinces, and possibly more countries; as well as doing some fun maps like a map of all the breweries we’ve been to, and other fun maps.) You can find the brewery maps here:
We are also working on a project of creating printable and downloadable PDFs and resources to be able to check and keep track of all of the breweries you’ve been to. So stay tuned for that project once we are finished with the Brewery Maps of the US States.
You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.
Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. As well as our brand new Tumblr page. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We are also now on BlueSky as well, so make sure to check us out there also. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!
You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.
The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.
We have partnered with an affiliateship with Beer Drop.com. You can check out that partnership and receive great discounts, coupons, and more here: Beer Drop. Going here and logging in and ordering will help you receive your discounts and coupons as well as help support our page. Thank you for helping to support The Beer Thrillers and to help us maintain the site and blog and to keep it running.
The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of August 2024.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!
You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code – AFFILIATE CODE IS THEBEERTHRILLERS20 – will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!
If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.
(Thank you for reading. The opinions, thoughts, and expressions of each article posted on The Beer Thrillers represents the author of the content and only themselves. It does not express the opinions, beliefs, or ideas held by The Beer Thrillers or any company in which the author themselves work for. Each piece of written content is written by the creator(s) listed in the authorial section on each article unless otherwise noted. Their opinions, comments, and words on screen do not represent any company in which they work for and / or are affiliated with or any non – profits that they contribute to. Thank you.)
