RateBeer Goes Online

In 2000, Bill Buchanan founded RateBeer as an online forum where beer drinkers could exchange information and publish ratings and reviews. Beer writer Josh Oakes joined during the site’s first year, and web consultant Joe Tucker joined in 2001 before later assuming ownership and leading its development. RateBeer grew into one of the major international beer-rating communities of the early internet era. Its database accumulated millions of reviews and supported beer discovery, brewery rankings, awards, and discussion among drinkers around the world. After nearly twenty-five years online, RateBeer ceased operations on February 1, 2025.