Have You Ever Spouted Beer Speak Without Understanding It?

Last weekend, I attended a bottle share that quickly turned into a masterclass in craft beer jargon. As the host uncapped a barrel-aged sour, I felt compelled to join the conversation. I proclaimed my appreciation for the way “the characteristic brett interacts with the oak tannins to create a beautiful array of phenolic compounds.” The moment the words left my mouth, I realized I had no genuine understanding of what “phenolic compounds” really meant. It seems I had unconsciously mixed wine terminology with a few snippets I remembered from a brewing podcast.

To my surprise, the crowd responded with nods of approval as if my commentary held profound insight. Encouraged, I went on to mention how the beer “expresses local terroir through indigenous microflora.” In reality, I was still reeling from my own confusion.

Just last month, I found myself referencing a beer’s “mouthfeel complexity,” when what I really meant was that it simply tasted thick. I couldn’t help but feel a bit ridiculous, as if I were just playing a game of craft beer Mad Libs.

It raises an interesting question: are we, the craft beer enthusiasts, simply echoing phrases we’ve heard, hoping to blend in without being called out? Do you ever feel the same way? Join the conversation and share your own experiences navigating the colorful, yet often confusing, world of beer talk!