The Language of Craft Beer: Navigating Pretentious Terminology

Craft beer enthusiasts often find themselves at social gatherings, raising glasses and sharing their latest tasting experiences. But amidst the enjoyment and camaraderie, the conversation can sometimes take a pretentious turn that leaves many scratching their heads.

A recent gathering at a bottle share highlighted this phenomenon perfectly. As different brews were opened and sampled, one particular barrel-aged sour seemed to ignite an impromptu discussion filled with complex jargon. Someone in the group enthusiastically remarked about how they “truly appreciated the characteristic brett interacting with the oak tannins to create some beautiful phenolic compounds.”

Now, while that sounds insightful, it raised an important question: how many of us truly understand what we are saying? In this instance, it was clear that the speaker may have mixed a smattering of wine terminology with a vague recollection from a brewing podcast, leaving most of the audience nodding along without a clue.

The situation grew even more amusing as the conversation escalated. The same individual further elaborated on the beer’s ability to “express local terroir through indigenous microflora.” It was a prime example of creative vocabulary, but was anyone really comprehending the depth of that statement?

Reflecting on past experiences, I’ve found myself in similar predicaments. Last month, for instance, I described a beer’s “mouthfeel complexity,” when all I meant to convey was its thickness. Such moments often feel like we’re crafting elaborate phrases that serve more as a display of knowledge rather than genuine description.

The truth is, many of us might be unintentionally engaging in what I like to call “craft beer mad libs.” We often echo the cleverly phrased critiques we’ve heard elsewhere, hoping no one will question our expertise. But does this resonate with anyone else?

As we continue to savor the world of craft beer, let’s strive for authenticity. There’s beauty in simplicity, and not every tasting note needs to sound like it belongs in a textbook. After all, at the heart of craft beer is our shared passion for flavor, community, and enjoyment. So next time you’re enjoying a brew, remember: it’s okay to just say it tastes good without embellishing it with the latest buzzwords. Cheers!