What is a Beer Connoisseur?

Connoisseur. It’s a difficult word to pronounce correctly, let alone spell. Is it two “s’s” and one “n?” Is there an “a” in there? And it doesn’t help that it’s a French word – if you’ve ever heard someone try to pronounce monsieur without sounding ridiculous, you know what I’m talking about.

The word’s dictionary definition, however, leaves little room for ambiguity. A connoisseur is “an expert judge in matters of taste.” While this definition works perfectly as a descriptor for the expert judges who rate beers for us every day, it seems a bit one-dimensional when it comes to craft beer fanatics.

Sure, I like making judgments about beer as much as the next Master Cicerone or Grand Master IV BJCP expert, but sometimes I just want to sit back with a hefty brew and ponder life’s complexities. Why are we here? Why did they create a sequel to Full House? Most importantly, what is a beer connoisseur?

When you hear the word, what image does your mind conjure? Is it just a word, or is it more of a way of life? We posed this question to industry professionals, craft beer enthusiasts and ourselves.

Read on fellow connoisseurs, and discover for yourselves.

Katy Tilley (DESTIHL Brewery Ambassador) –
“For me, it equates to a sense of adventure – collecting sensory experiences through flavor profiles like Indiana Jones collects priceless artifacts. The excitement of a satisfying brew, falling into off-flavors – these experiences belong in the museum of your mind! Being a beer connoisseur requires an open mind and a discerning palate. It is a never-ending search for delicious beer antiquities.”

Sean Coughlin (expert judge at BeerConnoisseur.com) – “Being a beer connoisseur is more than being a beer enthusiast. While both may be consumed by all things beer all the time, the connoisseur will be able to make the distinction between a great beer and a world-class beer that you should plan a vacation around. This capability comes through sensory development, palate awareness, and being a student of all things beer: history, current and future trends are all important. A true connoisseur will appreciate a well-brewed macro American Light Lager for what it is and can validate its worthiness as much as a well-made Imperial Stout aged in Woodford Reserve barrels. A connoisseur does not discriminate or let their personal feelings get in the way. Being cognizant of the immense complexity of beer and journeying on a never-ending quest for more knowledge is a key component of connoisseurship. However, sharing this knowledge and passion of beer with others is the essential component. Cheers to all the beer connoisseurs who celebrate world-class beer (be it imperial stout or American lager), share their insights with others, and raise the bar across the beer industry.”

Ale Sharpton (beer blogger and craft beer personality) – “A beer connoisseur learns to discover how different beers complement various types of cuisine and recognize how beautifully complex a beer can be – along with the various flavors it can emulate.

Also, a beer connoisseur recognizes the importance and functionality of glassware, the proper temperatures at which to store beer, and conversely, the clues to when a beer is off due to numerous factors such as temperature, light, infection and storage.

Lastly, a beer connoisseur respects those who brew beer, the packing team, marketing team as well as the writers who promote the craft!”

Photo Credit: Hannibal Matthews

Joel Armato (National Sales Operations Manager at New Holland Brewing Co.) – A beer connoisseur places value in quality, flavor and experience. They know there are lesser options, yet they choose more. That choice alone opens door upon door of adventure and friendship.

Behind one door lies the ingredients and process that go into every glass of beer they drink. Behind another are the hard-working people and personalities that make enjoying beer so rewarding. A beer connoisseur knows that the first sip is for themselves and all those that follow should echo out to the people around them to spread the good word of good beer. Spreading the word and sharing beer is essential to perpetuate this thing that we all love so much, which is the quality, flavor, and experience that drew us in in the first place.

John C. Tull (expert judge at BeerConnoisseur.com) – “A beer connoisseur is someone who picks up a glass of beer and smells it before they drink it. It is someone who looks at the color, texture and head to compare that with the qualities they experience in their mouth. It is someone who strikes up a conversation with a complete stranger to help guide them to a beer they might enjoy based on a few questions and a long list of beers on the menu. A beer connoisseur gets excited to discover new flavors and aromas in unique combinations in an endless and enjoyable quest for the perfect beer.”

Hugh Sisson (founder of Heavy Seas Beer) – “In my opinion, a true beer connoisseur is someone who has a genuine enthusiasm for the product, takes the time and makes the effort to learn about different styles, comes to understand what they personally like (and don’t like – this is subjective after all), and then doesn’t become a judgmental jerk trying to impress everyone with how much knowledge they have. In other words, a positively-focused, educated enthusiast – not a pedantic beer Nazi!”
 

Greg Papp (brewmaster at Tallgrass Brewing Co.) – “As a professional brewer, being a beer connoisseur takes on a lot of different meanings. It’s much more than being a Cicerone, having a vast collection in your basement, being able to describe the difference between Saaz and Simcoe hops or spending your vacation traveling the world in search of amazing beer. All of those are wonderful, but it goes further than that. 
 
It’s about having a vast knowledge of the science and business of brewing, a respect for the industry, a respect for the past and the ability to look toward the future. It’s about paying your dues, learning from your mistakes and being a professional. It’s a never-ending addiction that keeps all senses on alert 24/7 and an underlying devotion to the past, present, and future of our craft.”

Jim Dykstra (Editor of The Beer Connoisseur) – “A beer connoisseur is a sensory thrill seeker who understands that beer is a means to communion with others, or oneself. They are discerning yet non-judgmental of others’ choices, and hoard only to share with others when the time is right. They understand styles, etiquette and hierarchies but don’t get hung up on them, and know when it’s time to sip or guzzle. To ascend to true connoisseur-dom, one must seek out a three-ounce crystal snifter, to be stowed in a velvet pouch tucked safely under the belly, and must wield it with a reverence afforded to the holiest of artifacts.”

Jeffrey Stuffings (founder of Jester King Brewery) – “Someone who appreciates the history, techniques, philosophy and nuance behind beer, but ultimately realizes that it’s just a conduit to great conversation and human interaction.”

Jester King founder Jeffrey Stuffings stirs the mash (Photo Credit: Wes Morrison).

Nick Burgoyne (lead wood cellar brewer at Sweetwater Brewing Co.) – “A beer connoisseur is someone who goes to buy beer and gets two things: something they’ve never tried before and something they already know is good.”

Rick Franckhauser (expert judge at BeerConnoisseur.com) – “One who perceives and understands the differences between good beer and great beer and can explain why.”

Andy Parker (Chief “Barrel Herder” at Avery Brewing Co.) – “​When I think of a person that I consider a beer connoisseur, I don’t think of someone who has rated 10,000 beers or tried a beer from every country in Africa or stands in line all night to get the newest $100​ bottle​ ​​​release. I think of people who put thought into what they’re tasting, but​ ​don’t necessarily need to use extravagant, flowery adjectives to describe it. Most of the best tasters I know can accurately describe a beer in 10 words or less. They can nail the flavors of a beer so well in those 10 words that I don’t even need to try it​!​ I already understand what’s going to happen if I put it in my flavor hole. Then I try it anyway, because beer is good for you.

A beer connoisseur is aware that there’s no ‘Greatest Beer in the World.’ After a while, beer​ ​fits into three categories for experienced tasters: top-tier, decent and drainpour. Arguing over the best IPA or sour beer is just silly. There are dozens or even hundreds of IPAs in that top tier, and anyone declaring that a single beer is miles ahead of the rest is only telling you that they think very highly of their own opinion. I can be equally happy with a Westvleteren 12 for a food pairing or a Coors Original on a hot summer day. They’re both impeccably well-made beers, so at the right time and place they’re both top-tier.

A beer connoisseur spends time learning to appreciate a technically solid beer even if it might not be something​ ​they necessarily prefer. While some subjectivity is bound to seep in, a competitive beer judge does​ ​​their​​​ best to stay as objective as possible. A little training in technical off-flavors definitely helps, but isn’t necessarily required as long as the potential beer connoisseur is aware of this simple fact – you’re never going to know everything about tasting beer. There will always be flavors that your palate is simply unable to taste and there will always be flavors you prefer or try to avoid. No matter how highly you’re trained, your palate will never be perfect every time. The best tasters are always ready to say that they could be wrong about a particular beer or that their opinion could change.”

Photo Credit: Avery Brewing Co.

James “Nick” Nock (head brewer at Sweetwater Brewing Co.) – “Being a beer connoisseur means you are able to go out and drink 15 different beers, then get a 16^th beer, find out that it sucks, and then quickly ask for a 17^th beer.”

Joe Formanek (expert judge at BeerConnoisseur.com) –

“For me, a beer connoisseur is someone who can appreciate the entire world of beer – and the differences, similarities and variations of the different styles found therein. A beer connoisseur has an understanding of the styles and what makes them different, and has the ability to articulate the differences. This isn’t saying that the connoisseur actually likes all of the styles. The connoisseur will undoubtedly have certain styles that he prefers over others, but at least there is that understanding to differentiate between styles.

A beer connoisseur is not judgmental regarding beers that others might prefer, and appreciates that peoples’ palates are different. This is in diametric opposition to a beer snob, who has a narrow appreciation of different beers and styles and tends to fervently make their opinions known regarding what they feel is “the best beer out there,” which is typically their favorite beer at that time. Snobs also have little appreciation of other peoples’ palates and preferences.”

Jon Wojtowicz (Beer Liberation Specialist at Short’s Brewing Co.) – “A beer connoisseur should be a welcoming ambassador to beer, happily taking those who know little about beer “under their wing” to be enthusiastically educated and shown the endless possibilities that exist in beer, literally making it the beverage for everyone. A beer connoisseur should be a passionate educator who never uses their knowledge for exclusion, but rather, they are always looking for the future craft beer drinkers of the world to share in the excitement of one of the most integral beverages responsible for shaping human civilization.”

​Nelson Crowle (expert judge at BeerConnoisseur.com) – A beer connoisseur has a very broad knowledge of many beer styles, appreciates quality, and is trained to pick up on all of the nuances that go into making a beer: the beer style, the malts used, the hops used, the yeasts used, the brewing technique, etc.

Now that we have the “formal” definition out of the way – Being a connoisseur means doing research (yep, that means drinking beer) as much as possible – always learning, always expanding your knowledge base. Be nerdy and take notes, or don’t. Be open-minded. Try everything to find your favorite styles, and you’ll determine what beer to order with different foods. Share your experiences – be an evangelist (but try to not be a beer snob) and help others by sharing your knowledge.

Don’t expect everyone to have as much enthusiasm as you do. You’ll encounter people who are perfectly content to drink near-tasteless fizzy yellow water. You can try to get them to sample other beers, but if they’re happy, then don’t worry about it; enjoy those tasteful, hoppy, malty, bitter, fruity, sour or spicy beers yourself! Your reputation as a connoisseur will grow and your friends will start coming to you for recommendations. Stay upbeat and excited about the beer – your enthusiasm will be contagious!

Beer connoisseurs can start at any level of knowledge – so if you’re not one yet, start now!  Sample as many types and styles of beer as you can. Try homebrewing. It’s amazing how much you can learn about beer by making it. When you go to a brewpub, get the flight instead of a pint. Talk with the brewer, get a tour of the brewery. Hobnob with fellow beer connoisseurs, learn, and share your knowledge and experience. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Josh Weikert (expert judge at BeerConnoisseur.com) –
“Certainly not being a beer snob (at least, it shouldn’t be). It means that you make an effort to appreciate what you’re drinking and not be a passive observer in your own drinking life. Beer doesn’t exist to get you drunk; it’s a culinary experience, and being a beer connoisseur simply means that you’re aware of what you’re tasting.”
 

As you can see, there are some differences of opinion on the matter. Most of the answers have been colored by whatever role the respondent has in the world of craft beer – be it judge, brewmaster, journalist or PR rep.

However, one common thread that spins through all of the responses is the ability and desire to discern quality in everything they do that’s beer-related. They are always searching for the newest, tastiest craft beer. They are always digging deeper, discovering that craft beer can be a viable hobby, career and lifelong pursuit. Most of all, they are all chasing their passion.

So keep on searching for the best beer you can. Go out to your nearest bottle shop, brewpub, brewery or bar and strike up a conversation. Chances are you’ll learn something – about beer, about the person you’re talking to, or even about yourself. The world of beer is vast, and sometimes all it takes is the will to explore.