Chewy?

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by zyskz, Dec 12, 2025.

  1. zyskz

    zyskz Aspirant (267) Apr 25, 2015 Michigan
    Trader

    When reading beer reviews, the word "chewy" is sometimes used as a description. When I hear chewy, I think of caramel or beef jerky. What does it mean when describing a beer?
     
    #1 zyskz, Dec 12, 2025
    Last edited: Dec 12, 2025
  2. jonphisher

    jonphisher Grand Pooh-Bah (3,850) Aug 9, 2015 New Jersey
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    I sometimes use to describe that sticky tongue coating hop presence if it lingers to the point that it feels thick; but that’s just me.
     
  3. steveh

    steveh Grand Pooh-Bah (4,174) Oct 8, 2003 Illinois
    Society Pooh-Bah

    For me it's a thicker mouthfeel character. Not exactly caramel thickness, but definitely the opposite of watery.
     
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  4. Shanex

    Shanex Grand Pooh-Bah (4,960) Dec 10, 2015 France
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    I’ve never used it in a proper review but by definition it’s what others already pointed out: a rather very thick beer on the tongue. Think of some BBA Stouts or Belgian Quads that could come to mind…
     
  5. MostlyNorwegian

    MostlyNorwegian Pooh-Bah (2,236) Feb 5, 2013 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah

    You are entering the perfect season to discover the range of malt friendly chewy beers. i.e. Stouts, winter warmers, wee heavies, and their fellow higher abv. friends.
     
  6. IMFletcher

    IMFletcher Pooh-Bah (2,854) May 2, 2014 Kentucky
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    When I think of chewy, I think of overhopped NEIPAs that have the consistency of pulpy OJ.

    Mmmmm, chewy NEIPAs...
     
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  7. Resistance88

    Resistance88 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,462) Apr 9, 2015 California
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    When i hear chewy i think of those disgusting overhelming prune extract tasting Barrel Aged Imperial Stouts. That sugary shit that clings to your teeth and stains your glass :nauseated_face:


    Need mineral water to wash your mouth out after a sip:confused:
     
  8. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,375) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
    Society Pooh-Bah

    As has been discussed previously, chewey describes a beer with a lot of body, a thick mouthfeel.

    Cheers!
     
  9. MrOH

    MrOH Grand Pooh-Bah (3,995) Jul 5, 2010 Virginia
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    I always kind of think of it in wine terms. It's not just about having a big body, but also structure. For instance, a big, sweet beer with no balancing roast, hop bitterness, or just too much residual sugar, I would describe as sticky or cloying.
     
  10. elNopalero

    elNopalero Grand Pooh-Bah (5,822) Oct 14, 2009 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    My first thought was to let the wookie win.

    [​IMG]
     
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  11. REVZEB

    REVZEB Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,686) Mar 28, 2013 Illinois
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Thicker but not just viscous, it has texture felt on the palate and into the cheeks
     
  12. ATL6245

    ATL6245 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,984) Aug 16, 2018 Georgia
    Society Pooh-Bah

    If you are truly interested in learning more about reviewing and tasting beers, I suggest two resources that really helped me.

    Randy Mosher's book Tasting Beer:
    https://www.amazon.com/Tasting-Beer...765620866&sprefix=tasting+beer,aps,114&sr=8-1

    And using a tasting sheet like this one from craftbeer.com when doing reviews:
    https://www.craftbeer.com/wp-content/uploads/CB_Food_Course/resources/BeerTastingSheet.pdf

    At least, that's my two cents worth.
     
  13. LesDewitt4beer

    LesDewitt4beer Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,315) Jan 25, 2021 Minnesota
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Yep. Some beers have that quality. I've found a few Scotch Ales that are lightly chewy.:beers:
     
  14. zid

    zid Grand Pooh-Bah (3,132) Feb 15, 2010 New York
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    I've never had a beer that I needed to chew.
     
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  15. MrOH

    MrOH Grand Pooh-Bah (3,995) Jul 5, 2010 Virginia
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    I would also describe a beer that isn't sweet but has a big body and no bitterness as flabby.
     
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  16. steveh

    steveh Grand Pooh-Bah (4,174) Oct 8, 2003 Illinois
    Society Pooh-Bah

    Never been a home brewer, eh? :grin:
     
  17. cttreehousefan

    cttreehousefan Zealot (570) Nov 14, 2025 Connecticut

    Thanks for the suggestion. This reminded me that I have Randy's book and I downloaded the tasting sheet a while back. I'll have to start using these as I evaluate future beers.
     
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  18. rolltide8425

    rolltide8425 Pooh-Bah (2,470) Feb 18, 2011 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    For me it's a beer with a body is so thick and full it almost feels like you could chew it.
     
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  19. VodkaPong87

    VodkaPong87 Pooh-Bah (2,060) Oct 9, 2020 Connecticut
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Thiccc.

    Think Medianoche
     
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