For the craft beer enthusiast, having an app to locate beers and breweries to check out, to keep track of beers tried and to rate them, and to record tasting notes is an essential part of the toolkit. Over the years there have been a small handful of beer tracking apps that have risen above the others in terms of popularity and effectiveness in helping their users find and rate their beers. Here’s a quick overview of the histories and unique offerings of some of these key beer tracking apps:
- Rate Beer: With a history dating back to the early days of the internet’s impact on craft beer culture, Rate Beer has established itself as a critical resource for beer ratings and reviews. It provides beer enthusiasts with detailed insights into beer quality, flavor profiles, and community ratings. The app’s database is vast, reflecting the global beer community’s diverse tastes and preferences.
- Any Beer ABV: Focused on the technical aspect of beer consumption, namely the alcohol by volume (ABV) content, Any Beer ABV serves a niche but essential role in the beer tracking app ecosystem. It appeals to users who are mindful of the strength of their beers, whether they are seeking something light for a social drink or a strong ale to savor. The app’s extensive database is a testament to the diversity of beer available globally and the importance of informed drinking choices.
- BJCP Styles: Based on the standards set by the Beer Judge Certification Program, the BJCP Styles app is an educational tool aimed at those interested in the finer details of beer styles and brewing excellence. It offers users a deep dive into the characteristics that define different beer styles, from aroma and flavor to appearance and mouthfeel. This app is particularly valuable for homebrewers and those studying for beer judging certifications.
- Taphunter: Established to serve both beer enthusiasts and venue operators, Taphunter has carved out a niche by focusing on the connection between beer lovers and the venues that serve their favorite brews. It started with the aim to simplify the discovery of craft beer and local events, making it easier for users to find beer tastings, tap takeovers, and more. With features like live tap lists and notifications for new beer arrivals, Taphunter offers a comprehensive tool for exploring the craft beer scene.
- Untappd: Launched in 2010, Untappd quickly rose to prominence as the go-to social networking app for beer drinkers. By allowing users to check in and rate beers, share their locations with friends, and discover nearby breweries and beer bars, Untappd has fostered a large and active community of beer enthusiasts. The app’s gamified approach, with badges for different beer-related achievements, adds an element of fun and discovery to the beer drinking experience. Untapped has been used as the sole beer tracking app by the Beer Explorers since 2014 and is our go-to app not only to track our own beer, but also to find ratings of beers and breweries for use in our Top Breweries guide.
Each of these apps reflects a different facet of the beer enthusiast’s world, from social sharing and discovery to education and convenience. They collectively offer a comprehensive suite of tools for exploring, enjoying, and appreciating beer in all its forms. While we think Untapped takes the cake as the top app for craft beer lovers to use to find and track their beer, we encourage you to look into each of the above apps and see which one you like the best.
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