Belgian Stout Beer Style

What would be the difference between a "type" and a "style?" Also how would we prevent the same fuzziness that exists now?

 

So then it seems you've still got the problem, when does an ingredient become key? If I have an oatmeal stout that has lots of strong really nice coffee and coffee flavors in it so it is very different than the regular oatmeal stout, does that make it a coffee stout or an oatmeal stout? Both are important in their own way.

 

So, suppose there were 4,000 different styles, how would the brewer/retailer communicate with their customers as to what a general expectation for flavor profile might be? Now suppose there were 40,000 styles, wouldn't things get pretty complicated? Now push it a step further, suppose there were 400,000 styles, how would you choose a beer to buy? (And how much of your time might be spent making decision in the store while looking through all those choices?)

 

Like most it's brewers discretion, is it a PA or an IPA? What's the difference?

 

Sometimes, if only because there are always fuzzy boundaries.

 

I've got no problem with one brewer putting out a PA that another brewer would label an IPA. What I want is descriptive information on the label.

 

What would be the difference between a "type" and a "style?" Also how would we prevent the same fuzziness that exists now?[/QUOTE]
I was suggesting that 'Type' be used instead of 'Sub-category' such as a NEIPA is a 'Type' of IPA, but in retrospect it's all semantics. But semantics be damned, maybe the word should be Sub-style like someone mentioned above, and that word definitely lets people know that it is different from 'Style' because the 'sub-' part is used.

 

But it is currently identfied by style without 4,000 of them, and some consumers still don't know what certain styles represent. Imagine the confusion created for most consumers with 4,000 different styles to choose from.

 

I submit there's already confusion enough.

 

Yes, they are arbitrary. They are constructed by one of two non-governing bodies, one of which is specifically for the purposes of judging amateur competitions.This ain't the premier league.

I'd say they have already 'worked it out'.
And an overhaul very seriously undermines the very premise of established styles. Don't like/agree with the latest nomenclature? OK, let's change the whole damn thing!

 

Traditionally. Really. Only one of these versions of IPA has anything approaching tradition related to it. The other two are no more than 10 years and 5 years old respectively.
So when did you start drinking, that these things have 'tradition' for you?

 

I would say I have a problem with that, unless it’s a really hoppy pale or a really light IPA. But I agree that the description they put on the label is just as if not more important.

 

What are accepted as different styles of beer use different types of malts, hops, and yeast. That is what makes styles different from each other.

I'm not proposing that all existing styles be given a complete overhaul. I'm just saying that if BA were to design a more precise method of classifying styles, that might require a complete overhaul.

No need to be condescending. The original English IPA of the 1800s and the modern New England style IPA of today are very different beers from each other. The malts are different, the hops are different, the yeast strains are often different, the methods of hopping and dry-hopping are different...if these aren't important criteria for defining what constitutes a beer style than please tell me what it is.

 

Nope. Simply...nope. When applied to US craft beer culture,maybe. When applied to european beer cultures, sorry, but it becomes wrong on so many levels. The style on the label derives not (only) from quantifiable parameters such as yeast,malts and hops. It comes from a complex interplay of traditions, costumer expectations, history....... My favorite example, take a dark, very roasty tasting, strong lager. Now, is it a "Baltic Porter" or a "dark Doppelbock"?...

 

I should think that depends on the language they speak in the bar where I'm sitting. I'll go along with whatever they say.

 

Wouldn't we first have to design more precise human beings.

 

Far from 'accepted'. Far far far from accepted.
Styles are a very modern construct, and some people are not yet convinced that they are really necessary. Just pay attention to the beer in your glass and don't worry about making lists.