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.

–Joe Tucker’s Thank You and Goodbye Note on RateBeer Forums

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:

1. Log in to your RateBeer account and go to the “My Profile” page.
2. In the “My Account” section, click “Compile My Ratings.”
3. 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

• RateBeer’s Goodbye Note
• BeerAdvocate’s Announcement
• ZX Ventures Fully Acquires RateBeer

Seattle’s craft beer landscape is undergoing yet another shake-up as Elysian Brewing, owned by Anheuser-Busch, announced the permanent closure of its Georgetown production brewery and taproom by December 31st, 2024. This marks the end of an era for a facility that had been a significant contributor to the brand’s identity since its acquisition by the beer giant in 2015. While details are still unfolding, the closure has sparked questions, speculation, and concern within the local beer community.

Elysian Brewing Company’s Georgetown Location

Elysian Brewing’s Georgetown Brewery Closure

The End of Georgetown Production

The Georgetown brewery, known for its large-scale production of popular beers like Space Dust IPA, is shutting its doors, with reports indicating that brewing will now shift to other Anheuser-Busch facilities. The smaller, original Capitol Hill brewery—Elysian’s birthplace—will remain operational and has been touted as the future focal point for the brand. According to Elysian representatives, a $1.7 million investment will be made to expand and enhance the Capitol Hill location.

The Georgetown brewery (located at 5410 Airport Wy S, Seattle, WA 98108), is one of the largest full scale production breweries in Seattle. (It is also one of the largest across the country comparative to many of the other Top Producing Breweries.)

However, the announcement leaves many unanswered questions. What happens to Elysian’s third location, Elysian Fields, near T-Mobile Park? For now, its fate remains unclear, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the brand’s Seattle footprint.

Impact on Employees

Employee layoffs are perhaps the most sobering aspect of this closure. Conflicting reports suggest anywhere from a handful to as many as 90 workers could be affected. According to insiders, most Georgetown staff, including the Brewmaster and Lead Brewer, have already been let go, with only two employees reassigned to the Capitol Hill location.

This isn’t the first instance of such consolidation. Employees have likened the move to what happened at Golden Road Brewing, another Anheuser-Busch-owned craft brewery, where production was similarly centralized.

Did Unionization Play a Role?

Adding a layer of complexity is Elysian’s unionization efforts. In 2022, employees at the Georgetown facility voted to join the Teamsters Union, but negotiations for a labor contract reportedly stalled. Some speculate that the closure could be retaliation for unionization, although this remains unconfirmed. With Anheuser-Busch’s broader workforce already unionized, the relationship between Elysian’s closure and its union efforts remains murky.

A Changing Strategy for Craft Beer

This closure is part of a broader strategy shift for Anheuser-Busch, which recently sold off eight of its craft beer brands, including Seattle’s own Redhook, to cannabis-focused company Tilray Brands. While Elysian wasn’t included in that deal, the move signaled a departure from A-B’s previous approach to craft beer. The focus now appears to be on consolidating production and streamlining operations—a strategy that has clearly impacted Georgetown.

Capitol Hill’s Beer Evolution

Elysian’s Capitol Hill brewery will now bear the weight of the brand’s legacy. Opened in 1996, this location has been the heart of Elysian Brewing, and the company plans to invest in its infrastructure to support both brewing and customer experiences. However, for fans of Elysian’s larger-scale offerings, future batches will be brewed outside Seattle, potentially altering the perception of the once-local favorite.

The move also highlights Capitol Hill’s shifting beer scene. Recent years have seen major changes, such as Stoup Brewing’s acquisition of Optimism Brewing and the sale of Redhook’s E Pike Brewlab to Tilray. Smaller breweries like Outer Planet Brewing remain resilient examples of independent craft beer, but Elysian’s closure underscores the challenges and transformations within the local industry.

What’s Next for Elysian and Seattle Beer Fans?

While Anheuser-Busch paints the closure as an opportunity to refocus on Capitol Hill, many in the community are left questioning what this means for Seattle’s craft beer identity. For now, Elysian enthusiasts can still visit the Capitol Hill pub to enjoy their favorite beers, but the shift in production raises questions about how connected the brand will remain to its Seattle roots.

For beer lovers in the Pacific Northwest, this news serves as a reminder of the ever-changing dynamics of the craft beer industry. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Elysian’s Space Dust or a casual beer enthusiast, the closure of the Georgetown facility is a bittersweet chapter in the brand’s story. As the dust settles, one thing remains clear: the Seattle beer scene is evolving, and local beer lovers will be watching closely to see what comes next.

What are your thoughts on Elysian Brewing’s closure? Have you visited their Capitol Hill pub recently? Share your experiences in the comments below or let us know your favorite Seattle brewery!

(Stay updated on craft beer news by following The Beer Thrillers!)

More Information on Elysian Brewing Company

The following comes via Untappd.

Elysian Brewing Company, a Subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, is a macro brewery from Seattle, Washington. They have 878 unique beers and over 1.5 Million ratings, with a global average rating of 3.74 (as of 11.15.24). Their Untappd description reads: “We opened our doors in 1996 when bold art and music defined Seattle. Over the past 25 years, we’ve carried this same spirit in the way we brew our beer – shaking up classic styles, using unusual ingredients, and learning from experimentation. Come chase down the rabbit hole with us.”

You can find them at the following social media platforms:

• Elysian Brewing Company – Official Website
• Elysian Brewing Company – Facebook
• Elysian Brewing Company – Instagram
• Elysian Brewing Company – Twitter
• Elysian Brewing Company – Untappd

Craft Beer vs. Regular Beer: Exploring the Differences

Craft Beer vs. Regular Beer: Exploring the Differences

In the ever-expanding world of beer, two terms often surface, creating a buzz among enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike: craft beer and regular beer. While both ultimately serve the same purpose—quenching thirst and offering a spectrum of flavors—the paths they take from brewery to glass are markedly different. This article delves into the essence of craft beer, contrasts it with regular beer, and explores the factors that distinguish one from the other.

The Craft Beer Identity

Craft beer is synonymous with creativity, quality, and local flavor. It’s produced by small, independent breweries—craft breweries—that prioritize innovation, taste, and traditional brewing methods. The Brewers Association, a key authority in the craft brewing industry, defines craft breweries based on three criteria: small, independent, and traditional. This means they produce a limited amount of beer, are independently owned, and focus on quality, flavor, and brewing technique.

The Regular Beer Landscape

Regular beer, often referred to as “macro beer” or “commercial beer,” is produced by large-scale breweries with a global presence. These breweries prioritize consistency and accessibility, ensuring that a beer bought in one country tastes the same as one bought on another continent. Brands like Budweiser, Coors, and Heineken dominate this segment, offering products that appeal to a broad audience with their mild flavors and approachable profiles.

Distinguishing Factors

1. Scale of Production

One of the most significant differences lies in the scale of production. Craft breweries produce beer in smaller batches, allowing for greater flexibility, experimentation, and attention to detail. In contrast, macro breweries focus on large-scale production to meet global demand, often at the expense of diversity and innovation.

2. Ingredients and Innovation

Craft brewers are known for their experimental approach to ingredients and brewing methods. They often incorporate local, unconventional, or seasonal ingredients, resulting in a wide array of unique flavors and styles. Regular beers, however, tend to stick to a standard recipe to maintain flavor consistency across the board.

3. Flavor Profiles

Craft beers generally offer more complex and varied flavor profiles compared to their regular counterparts. From the hoppy bitterness of an IPA to the rich, dark notes of a stout, craft beers can range widely in taste, aroma, and appearance. Regular beers, while enjoyable, usually provide a more consistent and less adventurous drinking experience.

4. Community and Culture

Craft breweries often serve as community hubs, reflecting local culture and preferences. They support local economies, engage with their customers on a personal level, and contribute to regional identity. Macro breweries, with their global reach, cannot replicate this level of local involvement and personal touch.

5. Price Point

Due to the use of high-quality ingredients, smaller scale production, and artisanal methods, craft beer often comes at a higher price point compared to regular beer. Consumers pay for the experience, diversity, and quality that craft beers offer.

Conclusion: A Matter of Preference

Choosing between craft and regular beer boils down to personal preference. Do you value the consistency and familiarity of a global brand, or do you seek the unique, locally-produced flavors that craft breweries offer? Perhaps the real joy lies in exploring the vast spectrum of beers available, appreciating the craftsmanship and tradition behind each pour. Whether you’re a devout craft beer aficionado or a regular beer enthusiast, the world of beer has something for everyone.

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:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

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 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 #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) 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.)

Wicked Weed Brewing’s German Chocolate Cake is an imperial stout that has garnered significant attention and acclaim. With a rich and indulgent flavor profile, this beer has captivated the palates of many enthusiasts.

Beer Review: German Chocolate Cake by Wicked Weed

Beer: German Chocolate Cake

Brewery: Wicked Weed Brewing

Style: Stout – Imperial / Double Pastry

ABV: 8.8%

IBU: N / A

Untappd Description: With velvety smoothness and enrapturing darkness, this stout surrounds you with the rich luxury of the Black Forest. Fresh coconut counters chocolate notes for a balanced indulgence.

Global Average Rating: 3.88 (as of 11.15.23)

Number of Ratings: 13,000+ (as of 11.15.23)

Appearance

German Chocolate Cake pours a deep, dark brown, almost black, with a luscious tan head that lingers, enticing you to take the first sip.

Aroma

The aroma is a decadent blend of roasted malts, dark chocolate, and a hint of coconut. The sweetness of the chocolate is balanced by the toasty notes, creating an inviting olfactory experience.

Taste

Upon the first sip, the beer delivers a symphony of flavors. Rich, velvety chocolate floods the palate, accompanied by the subtle sweetness of coconut. The roasted malts provide a robust backbone, imparting a satisfying depth to the brew. Despite its sweetness, the beer is well-balanced, with a touch of bitterness that lingers on the finish.

Mouthfeel

Full-bodied and luxurious, German Chocolate Cake coats the mouth with a creamy, smooth texture. The carbonation is gentle, allowing the flavors to unfold gradually.

Overall Impression

Wicked Weed Brewing’s German Chocolate Cake is a masterful creation that lives up to its name. It artfully captures the essence of its dessert namesake, offering a truly indulgent drinking experience. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a rich dessert, this beer is a treat for the senses.

Barrel – Aged Variation

For those seeking an even more elevated experience, Wicked Weed Brewing offers a barrel-aged version of German Chocolate Cake. This iteration boasts an intensified flavor profile, with the added complexity of oak and subtle notes of bourbon. The higher ABV of the barrel-aged variant contributes to a warming, lingering finish, making it a perfect choice for savoring on special occasions.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Wicked Weed Brewing’s German Chocolate Cake is a standout example of the artistry and innovation present in the world of craft beer. Its ability to authentically capture the essence of a beloved dessert in liquid form is a testament to the skill of the brewers. Whether you’re a dedicated stout enthusiast or simply in search of a truly unique and memorable beer, German Chocolate Cake is not to be missed.

More Wicked Weed Brewing Articles

If you are looking for other Wicked Weed Brewing Company articles we’ve written, you can check these out:

• Multiple Beer Review: Dark Skies (New Trail), Blood Money (Conshohocken Brewing Company), Lost Toys #3 (Wicked Weed), Medora (Wicked Weed)
• Some Older Posts

For More Information on Wicked Weed Brewing

The following information comes from Untappd. Wicked Weed Brewing Company is a Subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, based out of Asheville, North Carolina – and thus making them a macro brewery. They have 799 unique beers and over 1.8 Million ratings, for a global average rating of 3.92 (as of 11.15.23). Their Untappd description reads: We are focused on drinkability and boundary pushing recipes tempered only by quality of craft. Wicked Weed Brewing will always evolve, always grow, and always aspire to be better.

You can find them at the following social media pages:

• Wicked Weed Brewing Company – Official Website
• Wicked Weed Brewing Company – Facebook
• Wicked Weed Brewing Company – Instagram
• Wicked Weed Brewing Company – Twitter
• Wicked Weed Brewing Company – Untappd

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:

• MAPS OF BREWERIES

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 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 #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) 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.)

Despite the World Cup 2022 fiasco, Budweiser has renewed World Cup sponsor deal with FIFA. Budweiser will still be the official World Cup beer through the 2026 tournament in the United States, after brewer AB InBev renewed with FIFA. Budweiser is brewed by AB InBev.

Last year, as we discussed here – Qatar Bans Alcohol Sales at World Cup in Last Second Decision – with just days to go before the tournament kicked off, Qatar banned alcohol sales at the World Cup. Creating a disturbance for the Budweiser and FIFA sponsorship deal that had Budweiser proclaimed The Beer of the World Cup. (This happened just two days before the tournament began in Qatar, World Cup organizers withdrew a longstanding promise to let fans at stadiums buy beer with alcohol.)

The Budweiser brand by AB InBev was the official beer of the World Cup since the 1986 tournament. Despite this, Budweiser is still more than willing to become the sponsorship again for the Men’s Tournament in 2026 – hosted by North American countries (United States, Mexico, and Canada).

FIFA seemed unable to protect AB InBev under pressure from Qatar in a dispute which appeared to be a potential breach of contract issue for soccer’s world body. The conservative Muslim nation signed up to honor FIFA’s commercial partners when it started bidding to be host in 2009.

Though sales of Budweiser dropped in stadiums, the global publicity over the dispute arguably boosted the brewer and left little doubt which brand was tied to the World Cup.

Budweiser – FIFA Sponsorship (ESPN)

Budweiser As The Official Beer

AB InBev is certainly looking forward to having Budweiser brand being the official beer of the World Cup again; especially after recent set backs with their Budweiser Light (Bud Light) brand in the wake of the Republican / Conservative outcry in recent months.

Budweiser will also be the official beer of the Women’s World Cup which is set to kick off next month in Australia and New Zealand. (This was already a deal in place before today’s announcement.)

A renewal for the 2026 World Cup seemed a done deal even during the dispute in Doha. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said then that relations with AB InBev were good and handshakes had been exchanged before arriving in Qatar.

Budweiser – FIFA Sponsorship (ESPN)

The Men’s World Cup Tournament is scheduled for 2026 and will see an increased tournament structure; going to 104 games (from the previous 64). The tournament is due to be co – hosted by the North American countries of Canada, United States, and Mexio.

FIFA World Cup tournaments are the most popular sporting events in the world. We are deeply connected to the fans and to football all over the world, which is why we’re excited about extending the relationship with FIFA.

AB InBev chief marketing officer Marcel Marcondes

In the press conference the value of the renewal was not stated. The sponsorship was reported to be about seventy five million ($75,000,000) for the previous World Cup, hosted in Qatar.

More Information on Budweiser and AB InBev

The following comes from Untappd.

AB InBev (Belgium) is a subsidary of Anheuser-Busch InBev (shortened to Anheuser-Busch on Untappd). They are a macro brewery out of Leuven, Vlaanderen Belgium. They have 29 unique beers with a global average Untappd rating of 3.35 (as of 6.8.23). Their Untappd description reads: As a company, we dream big to create a future with more cheers. We are always looking to serve up new ways to meet life’s moments, move our industry forward and make a meaningful impact in the world. We are committed to building great brands that stand the test of time and to brewing the best beers using the finest ingredients. Our diverse portfolio of well over 500 beer brands includes global brands Budweiser®, Corona® and Stella Artois®; multi-country brands Beck’s®, Hoegaarden®, Leffe® and Michelob ULTRA®; and local champions such as Aguila®, Antarctica®, Bud Light®, Brahma®, Cass®, Castle®, Castle Lite®, Cristal®, Harbin®, Jupiler®, Modelo Especial®, Quilmes®, Victoria®, Sedrin®, and Skol®. Our brewing heritage dates back more than 600 years, spanning continents and generations. From our European roots at the Den Hoorn brewery in Leuven, Belgium. To the pioneering spirit of the Anheuser & Co brewery in St. Louis, US. To the creation of the Castle Brewery in South Africa during the Johannesburg gold rush. To Bohemia, the first brewery in Brazil. Geographically diversified with a balanced exposure to developed and developing markets, we leverage the collective strengths of approximately 164,000 colleagues based in nearly 50 countries worldwide.

Anheuser-Busch is a subsidary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, and is a macro brewery out of St. Louis, Missouri. They have 529 unique beers with a total of 2,866,128 Ratings, and a global average rating of 2.65 (as of 6.8.23). Their top beers are Bud Lite, Budweiser, and Michelob Ultra (in order). Their Untappd description reads: The leading American brewer, bringing people together for more than 160 years.

You can follow them on the following social media:

• Anheuser-Busch – Official Website
• Anheuser-Busch – Instagram
• Anheuser-Busch – Twitter
• Anheuser-Busch – Facebook
• Anheuser-Busch – Untappd

Budweiser is an American Lager by Anheuser-Busch. It has 12 IBU and is 5% ABV. The Untappd description reads: Known as “The King of Beers,” Budweiser was first introduced by Adolphus Busch in 1876 and it’s still brewed with the same high standards today. Budweiser is a medium-bodied, flavorful, crisp American-style lager. Brewed with the best barley malt and a blend of premium hop varieties, it is an icon of core American values like optimism and celebration.

It has over 461,000 ratings, and its global average rating is 2.61 (as of 6.8.23).

World Cup Related Articles

Here are some World Cup related articles:

• Qatar Bans Alcohol Sales Two Days Ahead of World Cup
• Breweries Opening Early For the USA vs Netherlands World Cup Game

Soccer Related Articles

• Beer Review: Pulisic Pilsner (Jackass Brewing Company)
• Book Review: Pulisic – My Journey So Far (Christian Pulisic)

Other Notable Articles

• Guinness Brewing is Closing Their Maryland Production Facility
• River Horse Brewing Company Acquires DuClaw Brewing Company
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In a move that’s stirring up some chatter in the craft beer world, ZX Ventures—the venture capital arm of global brewing giant Anheuser-Busch InBev—has fully acquired RateBeer.com, the popular beer ratings website. For those following this story, this isn’t entirely new; ZX Ventures had already made an initial investment in the platform back in October 2016. But now, the company has taken the final step, purchasing the remaining shares and gaining full ownership.

RateBeer has been bought by ZX Ventures (photo courtesy of ZX Ventures / RateBeer)

Let’s dive into what this means for craft beer fans, RateBeer users, and the industry at large.

The Deal: What We Know

While the financial details of the transaction remain under wraps, ZX Ventures has confirmed that the deal is closed. In their statement, they emphasized that RateBeer will continue to operate as an independent entity, with its familiar rating system staying intact. So, if you’re a long-time user worried about changes to your beer-rating rituals, breathe easy—at least for now.

ZX Ventures hinted at exciting developments, including expanding RateBeer’s reach into “new areas.” One pilot program already underway is an affiliate marketplace in Australia, which could pave the way for similar ventures in other regions. Additionally, users can look forward to further upgrades to the platform’s user experience—a likely nod to improved functionality and design.

RateBeer’s Journey to Now

Since ZX’s initial investment in 2016, RateBeer has undergone several changes. Co-founder Joe Tucker noted that the funding allowed the platform to modernize its infrastructure, including a revamped website, updated code, and even the development of an in-house mobile app. These upgrades were necessary for RateBeer to stay competitive in an increasingly crowded beer-review space.

Tucker, who will remain with the company as its global community manager, shared that this additional investment will help expand RateBeer’s footprint—starting with an e-commerce platform in Australia. “It’s something we want to fully develop there,” he said, “and it will certainly have application elsewhere.”

Day-to-day operations will now be overseen by Douglas Mitchell, freeing Tucker to focus on community engagement—something he says he’s passionate about.

A Divisive Move

Not everyone is raising a glass to this acquisition. When ZX Ventures initially bought into RateBeer, backlash erupted from some users and even prominent craft brewers like Dogfish Head and Karl Strauss. Concerns about the site’s independence and unbiased ratings led some breweries to request their beers be removed from the platform entirely.

Joe Tucker addressed these criticisms, acknowledging that the controversy cost RateBeer “a few” users. However, he countered that the site gained about ten times more users in the same period, setting records for new ratings and beer additions. “We’ve created this culture that’s still flourishing,” he said.

As for the tensions this acquisition has sparked, Tucker said he welcomes the dialogue. “It shows how passionate people are,” he noted, adding that the criticism offers valuable insight into what users care about most.

What’s Next for RateBeer?

With ZX Ventures at the helm, it’s clear that RateBeer is setting its sights on growth. Whether that means new tools for beer lovers, expanded global access, or further integration into the e-commerce space, one thing is certain: RateBeer is evolving. And while the partnership with Anheuser-Busch InBev may make some craft beer purists uneasy, it also brings resources and opportunities that could benefit the platform’s millions of users worldwide.

For now, Tucker assures the RateBeer faithful that the core mission remains the same: providing independent, consumer-driven information about beers and breweries.

The Bigger Picture

This news comes on the heels of RateBeer’s annual release of its “Top 100 Brewers” list. This year, Vermont’s Hill Farmstead Brewery claimed the top spot, followed by heavy hitters like Russian River Brewing and Trillium Brewing. The list’s prestige underscores RateBeer’s continued influence in the craft beer world, even as it transitions under new ownership.

As this story unfolds, it raises questions about the intersection of craft beer’s fiercely independent spirit and the growing presence of big beer in the industry. For local breweries, avid beer enthusiasts, and curious newcomers alike, it’s a trend worth watching.

What Do You Think?

How do you feel about RateBeer’s acquisition by ZX Ventures? Does it change your perception of the platform or its reviews? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!

Stay tuned to The Beer Thrillers for more updates and insights into the craft beer world. Whether it’s brewery news, beer reviews, or industry analysis, we’ve got you covered. Cheers!