I think it's just that as we grow older we become more aware of signs of quality and hard work.
I never liked Pink Floyd when I was younger, but that's because I was too young to appreciate all the things that make it great!
At that age, you're mainly influenced by the media and what other people say is good. It's only when you grow up that you start to define yourself with your own tastes and styles.
It's all just a learning process and everytime you learn something new, it opens the door for even more things like you've mentioned.
The interesting one is alchohol, in that with Alchopops now around, surely more people will like it at a younger age?