The Art of Pretentious Beer Talk: A Reflection

Craft beer culture is rich and vibrant, attracting enthusiasts who revel in exploring and discussing every nuance of their favorite brews. However, sometimes in our fervent enthusiasm, we might find ourselves indulging in a bit of pretentious beer talk—expressing opinions that sound sophisticated but may not have the depth we think they do.

During a recent bottle share, I found myself swept up in the moment when a barrel-aged sour was poured. Driven by the desire to impress, I confidently declared my appreciation for “the characteristic brett interacting with the oak tannins to create some beautiful phenolic compounds.” Truthfully, I floundered at the concept of phenolic compounds, unsure of what they actually were. It was as though I had compounded wine jargon with snippets from a brewing podcast, and nobody seemed to notice.

The situation escalated when the group nodded in agreement as if I had revealed a profound insight. Encouraged, I continued my charade, further elaborating on how the beer “expresses local terroir through indigenous microflora.” In that moment, I felt like a pretentious connoisseur, but deep down, I knew I was merely assembling a patchwork of overheard phrases.

Just a few weeks prior, I had attempted to articulate the “mouthfeel complexity” of another beer—and what I really meant was that it had a rich, thick taste. It was a classic case of craft beer mad lib, where we assemble concepts and terminology that could easily confuse even seasoned drinkers.

It leaves me wondering: Are we, as a community, merely echoing the vocabulary of others, hoping to blend in without anyone questioning us? Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation? Let’s embrace the joy of craft beer without feeling the need to overcomplicate it. After all, some of the best conversations blossom from genuine passion rather than pretentious wordplay.