On a non-stout note, though, I want to point out that the note you made about being more inclined to like the beer of a brewer you know and respect has a double edge to it. Say, for example, I have had five beers from Brewer A and found them all to be wonderful. Then someone hands me beer six from that same brewer and it’s only good; not fabulous and flavourful, but merely an adequate representation of its style. Mightn’t I be more inclined to judge it harshly than if it had come from a brewer known for more ordinary beers? Not because it was in any way a bad beer, but simply because my expectations are high for this one particular brewer?

I’m not saying, of course, that this would necessarily be the case, since like you, I strive daily to be as objective as possibly in my reviews. But I do think it’s worth noting that familiarity can breed both favour and contempt.