Introducing the Contributing Factor Rating System
Contributing Factors – Why
Every great beer has contributing factors
When I started reviewing beers on The 6th Floor in 2018, I realized I didn’t want to assign arbitrary stars or scores. As a homebrewer, I appreciate the work that goes into every pint, and as someone exploring breweries throughout San Luis Obispo County, I wanted a rating system that reflected what really matters to me as a beer drinker.
The question I kept coming back to wasn’t, ‘Is this a 92-point beer?’
It was much simpler:
Would I order another?
That single question became the foundation for the Contributing Factor Rating System.
If you’ve followed my beer adventures for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed something.
I love craft beer.
Not just drinking it—I love learning about it, brewing it, talking about it, and exploring the incredible breweries we have right here in San Luis Obispo County.
Over the past several months I’ve started visiting more local breweries, filming 30-Second Beer Reviews, and documenting my experiences here The 6th Floor and reviews here at Contributing Factor Brewing under 30 Second Beer Reviews. Along the way, I kept running into the same question.
How do I rate a beer?
There are already plenty of rating systems.
Five stars.
100-point scales.
Untappd & Beer Advocate scores.
While those systems certainly have their place, I wanted something that felt more personal—something that reflected how I actually decide whether a beer is worth recommending.
That’s how the Contributing Factor Rating System was born.
Every Great Beer Has Contributing Factors
A great beer isn’t great because of one thing.
It’s the combination of everything working together.
The appearance.
The aroma.
The flavor.
And perhaps the most important question of all…
Would I order another?
Those are the four Contributing Factors that every beer I review will be judged by.
The Four Contributing Factors
🍺 Presentation
Before you ever take a sip, a beer tells a story.
Is it inviting?
Does it have good head retention?
Does it look like the style it’s supposed to represent?
First impressions matter.
👃 Character
The aroma is your invitation.
Fresh citrus hops.
Rich roasted malt.
Belgian esters.
Classic pine.
A beer’s character should make you excited for that first sip.
👅 Flavor
This is where everything comes together.
Is the beer balanced?
Does it stay true to its style?
Does the malt support the hops?
Is there complexity?
Most importantly…
Does it taste great?
🔁 Return Factor
This is what separates a good beer from a memorable one.
When the bartender walks by and asks,
“Would you like another?”
What’s your answer?
If it’s an immediate “Yes,” the beer earns its fourth Contributing Factor.
It’s intentionally the hardest factor to earn because it’s the one that matters most.
The Rating Scale
🍺 One Contributing Factor
There was something to like, but the beer didn’t quite come together.
🍺🍺 Two Contributing Factors
A solid beer that has plenty going for it.
🍺🍺🍺 Three Contributing Factors
A beer I’d confidently recommend if you’re visiting the brewery.
🍺🍺🍺🍺 Four Contributing Factors
The complete package.
A beer I’d gladly order again and recommend without hesitation.
Why This System?
Because beer isn’t just about technical perfection.
It’s about the experience.
Some award-winning beers simply aren’t beers I’d order twice.
Other beers become favorites because everything works together, making you want one more pint before you leave.
That’s what the Return Factor is all about.
Supporting Local Craft Beer
This isn’t about tearing breweries down.
Craft beer is built by passionate people who spend countless hours creating something they’re proud of. My goal isn’t to find flaws—it’s to celebrate what makes each brewery unique while helping readers discover beers they’ll enjoy.
Living here in San Luis Obispo County, we’re fortunate to have an outstanding craft beer community. From Paso Robles to Atascadero, San Luis Obispo to Grover Beach, every brewery has its own personality, brewing philosophy, and stories to tell.
My hope is that these reviews encourage you to visit somewhere new, try a beer you might have overlooked, and continue supporting our local breweries.
Looking Ahead
Going forward, beer reviews will be under Contributing Factor Reviews, using a 30-Second Beer Review format from The 6th Floor using the Contributing Factor Rating System.
Simple.
Consistent.
Honest.
Because every great beer has contributing factors.
Now it’s time to find the ones that earn all four.
Cheers!
— Stephen