If you know and love beer, you probably know and love Ratebeer.
What you maybe didn’t know is that Ratebeer’s executive director, Joe Tucker, lives right here in Sonoma County.
What started as a part-time labor of love for Tucker in 2000 has morphed into a full-time job and a website that is visited by 1.3 million people per month.
When I recently met up with Tucker, it was easy to see his passion for the craft beer industry. His knowledge is exceptional. It is incredibly interesting to sit back and listen to him break down the tasting profile and watch him dive in to the specifics of each and every beer.
“It’s easy to get interested in beer. People are passionate about it. It is such a great community,” Tucker said. “Reviewing beer is educational. It is something that you learn by doing. Lots of things you can learn in books but this is not one of them,” Tucker said.
Tucker told me he plans to open a craft beer museum on the East Coast in October, but says not to fear, Northern California will be well represented, especially since it is home to one of Ratebeer’s best beers in the world, Pliny the Younger.

Here are other beers recently named best in the world by the site:

1. Westvleteren 12 from Belgium
2. Dark Lord Russian Imperial Stout, Three Floyds Brewing
3. Pliny the Younger, Russian River Brewing
4. Kentucky Brunch, Toppling Goliath Brewing
5. Mornin’ Delight, Toppling Goliath Brewing