The craft beer world has exploded. According to a survey by the Brewers Association, over 47% of craft beer fans actively engage in online beer communities at least once a week. That is almost half of all fans who bring their passion to the taproom to the web. To those readers who want to engage other beer lovers on the internet, it can be more than just a question of posting tasting notes or recommendations of a brewery. Discussions will be more relaxed in terms of experience, taste, and culture of craft beer itself. Discussion of new releases, sharing of tales of the taproom visit, and all these spaces provide a possibility to find people who are passionate about the scene. With that said, the following are eight online communities that you may want to consider in case you are interested in being a more interactive and socially oriented beer lover.

How to Pick the Right One for You

Begin with Untappd if you seek an informal setting. Use Reddit or BeerAdvocate for a genuine community discussion. There is no need to stick with only one site. Most beer aficionados tend to be present in several forums, each catering to various requirements. Do not forget about the massive fan base that beer has; one-third of the earth’s population consumes beer. All you need is to log into your favorite chat site, such as CallMeChat, and meet another beer lover there. One of CallMeChat’s features is anonymous one-on-one communication. Any topic is suitable, and anonymity fosters honesty and openness.

1. Reddit (r/Craftbeer & r/Homebrewing)

Reddit is a treasure trove. The r/Craftbeer has approximately one million members, where local breweries and unusual tasting can be displayed. It’s an amiable, quick space. In the meantime, r/Homebrewing boasts more than 500,000 members, who post recipes and provide troubleshooting about fermentation. There will be some brutally honest feedback there. It is ideal for both amateurs and experts. You can get half a hundred solutions to a failed brew in an hour. The number of new beers to break into is endless, just by the number of posts daily.

2. Untappd

Untappd boasts more than 11 million registered users and is probably the largest craft beer platform in the world. You log in all the beer you taste, rate it, leave brief comments,s and check on what your friends in your circle are drinking. It is going to be a record that will document the things that you liked and those that you didn’t like, which will make it easy for you to remember memorable things and those that were not. You will also get an opportunity to check out the local breweries and beer events. The process will eventually become a habit, with badges, your flavor profile, and meeting people with whom your preferences are very similar.

3. BeerAdvocate

Consider BeerAdvocate the granddaddy of them all. Founded in 1996, it’s one of the oldest and largest online communities of beer geeks. The forums are highly structured, covering everything from regional beer talk to serious trading. With over 68,000 active members from 182 countries, the depth of knowledge is staggering. If you want a serious, no-nonsense discussion about barrel-aged stouts, this is your place. The reviews are legendary and incredibly detailed.

4. HomebrewTalk

Interested in making your own beer? You should check out HomebrewTalk. It is one of the biggest forums for home brewing on the web. Many recipes have been tested and proved successful by members. There are answers for everything from all-grain brewing to dealing with off-flavors. The forum has a very helpful and supportive community. You can learn how to make your own equipment there.

5. Beer World (Discord)

For real-time chat, you need Discord. “Beer market” is a thriving server with nearly 10,000 members. It brings together people from different countries and experience levels. Conversations move fast here. It’s less about long reviews and more about instant reactions and camaraderie. You can hop into a voice channel and discuss a fresh pour with someone across the ocean. It’s the closest thing to hanging out at a virtual bar.

6. Craft Beer Professionals (Facebook)

Facebook groups are frequently neglected, but one of them is an excellent one: Craft Beer Professionals. It was started in 2017, and it links individuals who operate within the industry. Insider news is exchanged among brewers, distributors, and marketers. It’s a highly collaborative space. You have a glimpse of what is really going on in the market. This is the crucial group you should you wish to connect with the individuals who brew your favorite beer.

7. The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) Community

The AHA represents over 46,000 homebrewers across the United States. Their online community includes forums, a recipe database, and access to club locators so you can find local brewing clubs in your area. Membership also includes the excellent Zymurgy magazine. This one costs a small annual fee. Worth every dollar if you’re serious about brewing your own.

8. The Craft Beer Collective (Facebook)

Based out of Australia, the Beer Cartel Craft Beer Collective has grown into a massive resource. It helps people go from newbie to aficionado. Members post about new releases and local events constantly. The community is incredibly active with daily posts. It’s a great example of a regional group that feels globally relevant. The passion here is infectious.

Discover, Share, Repeat: Online Hubs for Beer Fans 

There is nothing like drinking a great beer alone, and it is even better when you share it with other people who enjoy it as well. Craft beer communities for smarter survival are broad, dynamic, and accessible from anywhere in the world. Discussions and reviews can be more thorough on platforms such as BeerAdvocate and more immediate and constant on channels on Discord. These areas enable one to easily interact with other fans, share suggestions, and remain informed of what people are actually listening to at this very moment. Select a community that suits you, get involved, and begin to interact. The following great beer discussion is just a click away. Cheers!