The Perils of Pretentious Beer Talk: Confessions of a Craft Beer Enthusiast

As aficionados of craft beer, we often find ourselves in spirited discussions about our latest tasting experiences and favorite brews. Yet, amidst the eloquent descriptions and complex flavor profiles, there’s an unspoken truth: many of us are occasionally guilty of feigning depth in our knowledge.

Last weekend, during a lively bottle share, an intriguing barrel-aged sour caught everyone’s attention. I felt compelled to contribute to the conversation and confidently claimed to “truly appreciate the characteristic Brettanomyces interacting with the oak tannins to create some beautiful phenolic compounds.” The reality? I had a vague understanding of some of those terms, and “phenolic compounds” was a concept I could barely define. In truth, I was likely merging wine jargon with snippets I’d recalled from a brewing podcast, trying to sound insightful.

What astonished me most was the collective nod of approval I received from the group. Encouraged by their reaction, I doubled down and added that the beer “expressed local terroir through indigenous microflora.” The irony of it all? I was wrapped in a fascinating tapestry of craft beer terms that amounted to little more than verbal embellishment.

In a previous gathering, I even ventured to describe a beer’s “mouthfeel complexity,” all while meaning to convey that it simply tasted thick. It struck me then — I was engaging in what could only be described as a craft beer version of Mad Libs.

Many of us find ourselves echoing phrases we’ve picked up from industry experts or fellow enthusiasts, hoping to avoid scrutiny. Have you ever experienced that moment of, “Did I really just say that?” If so, you’re not alone. It seems the craft beer community thrives on not just tasting the brews, but also on the colorful language surrounding them.

Next time you find yourself in a craft beer conversation, remember: authenticity outweighs pretense, and a genuine appreciation for the drink can be expressed just as well in simple terms. Cheers to enjoying our brews, however we choose to describe them!