The Art of Pretentious Beer Talk: A Confession

In the craft beer community, there’s a certain language that many enthusiasts adopt—one that often veers into the realm of pretentiousness. I recently found myself participating in a bottle share event, where I couldn’t help but dive headfirst into the intricate details of a barrel-aged sour ale that had been uncorked. As I took a sip, I enthusiastically proclaimed my admiration for how the “characteristic Brett interacted with the oak tannins to create some beautiful phenolic compounds.”

Now, here’s the twist: I had no genuine understanding of what phenolic compounds actually are. My statement was a confused amalgamation of wine jargon mixed with fragmented memories from a brewing podcast I had once listened to. Yet, to my surprise, my audience nodded in agreement as if I had unveiled a profound insight. Emboldened by their response, I even went so far as to mention that the beer was “expressing local terroir through indigenous microflora.”

Reflecting on that moment, I realized I had tumbled down the rabbit hole of craft beer terminology—like a game of mad libs gone awry. Just last month, I found myself referring to a beer’s “mouthfeel complexity,” when in reality, I merely meant to convey that it had a thick texture.

It’s intriguing to think about how often we, as beer aficionados, might inadvertently find ourselves echoing the phrases and expressions of those more seasoned than us, all while hoping we won’t be exposed as lacking true knowledge.

Does this resonate with anyone else in the craft beer world? Are we all, at times, just echoing the thoughts of others, constructing a facade of expertise? It seems that our community is built on a delightful blend of genuine appreciation and occasional pretension. Let’s embrace the intricacies of beer while also recognizing the moments when we might just be putting on a show. Share your own experiences—after all, we’re all here to learn and enjoy together!