Misleading Beer Style Names

"Milk" stout.

There is no milk... in this stout. Nor is it white. If I bought milk and it were black, I would ask for a refund.

And before you hit reply, I do know WHY it is called a milk stout.

 

Excellent, well written and thought out post, and points beyond argument, as they are all observably true.

My point was a simple one, and you brought it home better than I, and that is that these style designations serve every purpose but making a purchase easier for the consumer. And if by chance it does make that purchase easier, it isn't because that was the plan, as you so completely point out. For every person whose purchase is made easier, there are others, I'm guessing, who don't buy a product that has a name that confuses them, or buys a product that they think is one thing, due to its name, and insufficient knowledge on their part, but turns out to be another (a Hefeweisse lover purchasing a Berliner Weisse is an obvious example).

I understand that there is no answer, but my devil's advocacy and facetious tone did lead to a wonderful response from you, and to more knowledge for everyone, so I guess it did accomplish.

 

What's the deal with Russian imperial stouts? They're not made in Russia. Why is farm house ale called farm house ale? It's not made in a farm house(don't get technical). Why is it called Flanders red ale when it sometimes looks brown? I mean come on, Ned Flanders doesn't drink beer. And Rogue Dead Guy? Do we have elitist zombies making beer now?...........Please note the sarcasm and satire.

 

That's funny, because you have posted on this thread twenty-one times, and in all that verbiage you have not suggested a better choice for a name. Are you afraid of what will happen when the slings and arrows of pedantic indignation are turned upon you?

 

Imperial Pale Ale (especially when calling it an IPA, Troegs) - just seems like a term for a DIPA that fails to deliver hop flavor/aroma.

Got no problem with black ipa as ipa is just a term for hop forward beer and if you know how beers are turned black, have some idea what to expect - a hoppy porter apparantly.

But White IPA is just dumb to me - I have no idea what to expect - an over hopped wit, or a hoppy beer with any combination of coriander, orange peel, and belgian yeast?

 

As long as we all understand each other, what does it matter what we call things (inefficiency aside)?

 

Indeed, and my old ale was bottled but days ago! Criminal I say.