The Art of Pretentious Beer Talk: Have You Ever Faked It?

As craft beer enthusiasts, we often find ourselves in lively discussions about our latest discoveries, sampling unique brews and marveling at the intricacies of flavors. But what happens when we stray into the realm of pretentiousness? Recently, I was reminded of a time during a bottle share that perfectly encapsulated this.

Picture this: a barrel-aged sour is opened and, without missing a beat, I find myself proclaiming my appreciation for how the “characteristic brett interacts with the oak tannins to create some beautiful phenolic compounds.” The problem? I had no real understanding of phenolic compounds. I was merely blending terms I’d picked up from wine literature and a brewing podcast or two, hoping to sound knowledgeable.

To my surprise, several attendees nodded along, clearly impressed. With a surge of confidence, I added that the beer “expresses local terroir through indigenous microflora.” Really? What was I even saying at that point?

It’s amusing—and slightly alarming—how easy it is to fall into this trap of craft beer jargon. Just last month, I found myself falling prey to the concept of “mouthfeel complexity” when all I really meant to express was that the beer had a pleasantly thick texture. Anyone else found themselves in similar positions?

At times, it feels as though we are all just echoing phrases and terminologies that we’ve picked up from conversations, articles, or podcasts, hoping the person next to us won’t recognize that we’re, in fact, winging it. This leads me to wonder: are we truly understanding what we’re tasting, or just participating in a performance of craft beer dialogue?

Let’s embrace the complexity of craft beers while admitting that not every term adds value to our experiences. After all, at the end of the day, beer is meant to be enjoyed—without the pressure of sounding sophisticated. Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation, trying to impress with your knowledge while secretly feeling lost? Share your stories below!