Craft beers that have just gone off the deep end with the amount of hops.

I like PAs and IPAs, and I like a really hoppy beer. It's just that sometimes I can't find specialty beers that aren't ridiculously hoppy when I go to a restaurant/pub/store unless I opt for a dark beer like a stout or a porter.

I think crafters going overboard on the hops alienates a lot of people from trying different beers, convinces people that all beers have to be bitter, helps them cover up for lack of subtlety in flavors.

"Hey Alice, did you remember to add the orange peel?"

"I dunno, smurf it. Just dump another 5lb bag of hops in there and call it good."

"Okay!"

I think the most bitter a person can taste is somewhere like 55-65 IBUs (International Bitterness Units), and I know there have to be tons of craft beers that are way above that. That's all well and good. It's like those insane hot sauces. Lots of people like them and should be able to enjoy them.

I just think crafters are leaving a lot on the table when it comes to variety and flavor, and should also focus on some other aspects of their brews. I know the bitterness chases Pumpkin away from most of my beers she tries. There's a potential market gone. Bad business in the least.

/rant