"Complex" is a Useless Beer Descriptor

I've thrown around the term 'complex', I liken it to layered or multifaceted. While alone it doesn't say much, I usually try to tease out the distinct notes that result in this descriptor. It can be difficult at times. I think it can be used as a descriptor insomuch as it's saying the flavor/aroma is more than one-dimensional. I would try to avoid using it alone.

 

He's right, you know.

 

I didn't disagree that a dog's nose is more sensitive than a human's, but thanks for the lesson in how a dog can use its keen sense of smell. I hear they are even hiring them to work on police forces these days!

As far as whether or not someone can "pick out" 7 distinct smells in a beer, you seem to be missing the point. For the beer in question, there is no charred toast or molasses or coffee in Founders Imperial Stout. That doesn't change the fact that when I smell the beer the aroma I perceive reminds me of those things. My reviews are intended to be a sharing of my personal experience with the beer, not a scientific breakdown of the actual aromatic chemical compositions that are in the beer.

You don't have to be sorry. People are often amused by things they don't understand.

As far as it being in my head... maybe so. After all, that's where my perception comes from, and that's what I detail in my reviews--perception.

 

I tend to say things like "theres alot going on here" instead of saying "complex"

 

Complex is a valid term and this guy's opinion is not going to stop me from using it.
There are two ends of the spectrum:

Bud light with lime: Tastes like lime. Takes characteristics of the one (artificial) flavor they have added. This is ONE-DIMENSIONAL

BA Vanilla Bean Dark Lord: Takes characteristics of the barrel, the bourbon used in said barrel, the vanilla beans, the base beer, how long it's been aged, etc. Many notes can be picked out of this beer. This beer is COMPLEX.

Beers have a varying level of complexity, from one-dimensional to complex, depending on how many notes can be picked out of the taste and aroma. YES, it's mostly subjective, but that's what this website is based on, opinions.

It's not that complicated, and I don't see how this is even an argument.

 

This is just so masturbatory I don't know what to think.

 

I think you might be mistaken about dogs working on police forces. Maybe some day in the future?? That would be nice.
And I was under the impression that beer was made with charred toast. Damn I guess I am wrong again.
And yes I do love an excellent nose on a beer, especially how it changes as the beer warms. I get that and have gotten it for decades. I just think that you and a good chunk of the wine enthusiasts I read are full of it and a wee bit stuffy and pretentious...I bet you are amused by that statement...but I would not expect yo to understand that

 

The great thing about opinions is that everyone is entitled to them.

 

I'd rather read a descriptive account of a person's enjoyment of a beer than read what some loser thinks about that person's descriptive account. At least the person writing a review is sharing an opinion about beer. A beer that they actually (presumably) drank. The loser is just sharing an opinion about an opinion. One for which they have no basis for evaluation whatsoever.

 

So what should people that like to review beers write in their reviews that would avoid ridicule? What do you find acceptable in a review?

Personally I don't write beer reviews, but I completely understand why people that write reviews do.

And I'd much rather read a review like Lambic's (whether I agreed with the descriptors or not) than a review such as "thick, dark, pours like motor oil, roasty, world class, seek it out"

 

Lots of words, yet poor attempt at making a point. The sensitivity of a dog's nose is not a good exemplification of how an individual senses a particular flavor or aroma and what personal experiences that sensation brings to mind.

Personally, I think the term "complex" is useful when used properly, but agree that the backlash from many is a result of its annoying over-use by lazy writer/reviewers.

 

There are many things that get under my skin. A description of a beer as complex isn't one of them. Besides, whenever you read a review, read an opinion or listen to anything anybody says, you need to consider the source before you consider the content.

Is saying a beer is complex any worse than Budweiser calling its product the "King of Beers". I think not.

 

There's complexity in beer, just like there's complexity in wine and liquor. But not every beer, wine, or booze is complex. If you have a good palate and sense memory and can pick out discrete flavors, "complex" is a perfectly accurate term to use.

 

I had a pint of Thwaites Original Bitter today; what is often decried by some drinkers as "brown boring bitter"
It's 3.6% ABV but it was beautifully kept , at its peak. There were so many different flavours playing together, a sweet smack of pure malt than some hop, a hint of bitterness , some esters....... being low gravity there were no strong flavours to dominate and mask the nuances.I could,as an analogy, hear every instrument in the orchestra.It was in my view a complex beer. I've had less complex beers at twice the strength and over.

 

Complex is lost on me, I drink what I like and what tastes good, I'm not writing an essay on it or nit picking.

 

Unless we are all cicerones (which I am not) can we just let people use the terminology they want when reviewing beers.

I will confess to using the word “complex” when I can’t seem to find a more descriptive word to use. Hopefully, that does not make me a bad person.

 

"Complex" is a Useless Beer Descriptor...about as much as "Useless" is a useless word descriptor?

 

Agreed.

For example--had a Stone Go To IPA today with lunch. Delicious with a nice hop bite. Not a lot on the back end. I doubt many would describe as complex. Really like it.

Followed with a fresh Zombie Dust. Aromatic, bright, citrus, flowering esters and a light but good malt backbone that is subdued. A nose that just impresses me every time. Juicy. Something I can get three or four times a year and just can't wait--I think complex here is fair and accurate.

Makes sense to me.

 

There are definitely beers that are 'Complex', but if you are writing a review of a beer it doesn't convey any real information about what kind of beer it is. It's like if I asked you what a flower looks like and you said "Colorful". Yeah, but what color? If your goal is to tell me what a beer tastes like, 'Complex' isn't useful, you have to tell me in what way it is complex.

 

Sorry some of us aren't very descriptive Excuse me! But, we are learning from the best.