The Funny Side of Craft Beer: Talking the Talk Without Knowing the Walk

Craft beer enthusiasts often find themselves in passionate discussions, particularly during gatherings like bottle shares. While it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of tasting unique brews, some of us might occasionally slip into a realm of pretentious-sounding jargon that we don’t fully grasp.

Picture this: at a recent bottle share, a friend opened a bottle of barrel-aged sour, and before I even had a chance to process my thoughts, I found myself declaring how much I “appreciated the characteristic brett interacting with the oak tannins to create beautiful phenolic compounds.” If I’m being honest, I had no clue what phenolic compounds really were. It felt like I had unwittingly mashed up wine lingo with a snippet from a brewing podcast I’d half-listened to in the past.

To my surprise, everyone around me nodded enthusiastically as if I had just delivered a profound statement. Encouraged by their reactions, I inadvertently added that the beer was “expressing local terroir through indigenous microflora.”

Then there was that time last month when I confidently described a beer’s “mouthfeel complexity.” What I really meant was that it tasted thick, but who doesn’t love to sound a bit more sophisticated?

It struck me that I was essentially playing craft beer mad libs. Often, it seems like we’re all just echoing phrases we’ve heard before in hopes that no one will challenge our expertise. Does it resonate with anyone else?

Navigating the world of craft beer can feel intimidating, especially when the lexicon can sometimes overshadow the joy of simply enjoying a great brew. So, the next time you find yourself among friends sharing a bottle, remember: there’s no need to speak in riddles or jargon. Let’s focus on the experience and the flavors, rather than worrying about sounding knowledgeable. After all, the best part of craft beer is sharing it with others, regardless of how we express our appreciation!