@jws On ovens or on fads?
Hard to say for IPAs, whether it's just the stores I go to or a long-term thing, but it does seem like every brewery has an IPA or similar, and there's a general trend towards using hops: double IPAs, for example. Had a lager last night that I could've mistaken for an IPA at first — the bitterness was identical.
I've always enjoyed IPAs so it's never been a problem for me, but I would like to see more innovative porters and stouts, but perhaps the motivation isn't as great because it's often the beer to end a session with (cf session IPAs).
As for whisky, the only faddish thing about it is the trend towards NAS bottlings, which I have very mixed feelings about; I often wonder how much of it is motivated by marketing, as opposed to actual quality considerations. I say it's a fad because some distilleries just can't bottle enough age-statement whiskies to keep up with demand, whatever the price, so when they expand and get some padding, things might change again.
I like having choice in drinks. I've never bought the same bottle twice for drinking at home. But I don't really dislike any styles of any alcohol — it's good as long as the quality's there — so it's not an issue.
And those are all the words I have for now :P
// @JeremyCherfas @thedan84 @kdfrawg