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

Teamsters working nationwide at Anheuser-Busch have voted by an overwhelming 99 percent to authorize a strike.

The resounding vote allows the Teamsters National Negotiating Committee to call a strike if Anheuser-Busch fails to come to terms on a strong new contract. The union is seeking an agreement that improves wages, protects jobs, and secures health care and retirement benefits for 5,000 Teamsters across the company’s 12 U.S. breweries. The current agreement expires Feb. 29, 2024.

Anheuser-Busch is one of the largest brewing companies in not just the United States, but also in the world. Employing one of the largest production work forces for beverage companies, short of just Coca-Cola and Pepsi.

Teamsters stand firm in our fight for the best contract at Anheuser-Busch, and this powerful strike vote proves it. Our members’ labor, talent, and sacrifice are what put Anheuser-Busch products on the shelf, and we are committed to getting a contract that rewards and recognizes their hard work. If Anheuser-Busch’s executives can’t get their act together to negotiate an agreement that respects workers, we will see them out on the streets

Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien

Under pressure from the Teamsters, the company reached tentative agreements to end tiered health care and restore retiree health benefits last month. However, Anheuser-Busch has delayed negotiating on important job security issues since mid-November, despite repeated requests by the union. The global beermaker pulled in $58 billion in 2022. The company also recently announced $1 billion in stock buybacks to wealthy investors as it simultaneously ignores the need to protect good jobs.

Anheuser-Busch can’t kick this can down the road much longer. The Teamsters don’t want to be forced onto the picket line at any employer, but we are fully prepared to walk if Anheuser-Busch doesn’t get serious about negotiating a record contract that also protects good union jobs. It is the workers — the dedicated and tireless members of the Teamsters — who make this company a success and who have earned to share in that success.

Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference

There are no dates currently set for negotiations. Anheuser-Busch Teamsters recently rallied in New Hampshire, California, and Florida. More actions will take place soon across the country.

If this company wasn’t willing to come to a fair agreement with the Teamsters, we would strike. My Teamster brothers and sisters have a lot of fight in us and, by all means, we will stand united.

Josh Blanton, an Anheuser-Bush worker with Teamsters Local 947 in Jacksonville, Florida

Anheuser-Busch is obviously best known for its Budweiser line of beers (Budweiser, Bud Lite, etc), as well as the Clydesdale Horses seen in their annual commercials during the Super Bowl.

Teamsters

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

Anheuser-Busch Articles

• Top 50 Overall Brewing Companies (2023)
• Budweiser Renews World Cup Sponsorship With FIFA for World Cup 2026
• Book Review: Family Reigns (Billy Busch)

Anheuser-Busch

The following comes via Untappd. Anheuser-Busch is a Subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev. They are a macro brewery from St. Louis, MO United States. They have 492 unique beers, and over 2.8 Million ratings, with a global average rating of 2.66 (as of 12.18.23).

Their Untappd description reads: The leading American brewer, bringing people together for more than 160 years.

You can find them at the following social media pages:

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

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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!