First-hand tasting #
Every scored review is based on a beer Sam Brown has personally opened and tasted. Reviews consider aroma, flavor, body, finish, balance, and whether the beer shows common non-alcoholic brewing flaws such as thinness, excessive sweetness, or a wort-like aftertaste. The product and tasting photographs published with reviews are evidence of that first-hand experience.
Scoring #
Promising uses a consistent 100-point scale inspired by Robert Parker's wine scoring system. Scores range from 50 to 100, with 80 indicating a very good beer and 90 indicating an outstanding one. The complete rubric is available on the scoring page.
Research and corrections #
Background details such as brewery history, ingredients, brewing methods, alcohol content, and nutrition are checked against brewery materials and reputable reporting when available. If a factual error is found, Promising corrects it. Questions and correction requests can be sent to [email protected].
Independence and disclosures #
Breweries do not review, approve, or influence scores. Receiving a sample does not guarantee coverage or a favorable review. Promising currently does not use affiliate links; links to brewery websites are provided for reader convenience.