Beer, Wine and Spirits Stack Exchange
Beer, Wine and Spirits Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [terminology]

For questions about words, phrases and definitions that are specific to alcoholic beverages.

24 questions
21
votes
2 answers

What is 'skunking'?

In some of the questions on this site, I've seen the word 'skunking' thrown around. What does it mean? I'm assuming it's a process that causes beer to go bad, and if so, what causes this process?
Tom Medley
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18
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4 answers

Why is it a Ginger "Beer" and not a Ginger "Cider"?

It seems that Ginger Beer has no barley, no hops, no wort, no malted anything; so why is it a "beer"? Seems like it is closer to a cider.
rickhg12hs
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16
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3 answers

What's the difference between normal beer and trappist?

What's the difference between normal beer and trappist? Is there any difference in flavour or brewing style?
Lucas Kauffman
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16
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2 answers

What is a draft beer?

What constitutes a draft beer, and how different is it? I see this term plastered on beer cans, but I have no idea what it means, or how it affects the beer's taste.
IBG
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14
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3 answers

What does "all malt" mean?

Pork Slap beer indicates that it's "all malt" in the way that implies an official distinction. What does "all malt" indicate, assuming there's a standard requirement to use the term accurately.
Jaydles
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12
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3 answers

What does "fl. oz" mean?

I have seen the expression "fl. oz" accompanied by a number in a lot of labels of beers. For instance, I have seen "9.4 fl. oz", "12 fl. oz", "11.2 fl. oz"... What do these numbers mean?
Charo
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12
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1 answer

How can canned beer be draft without the widget? (Japan-specific)

Here in Japan, draft beer is called nama (生) beer, or so my boss said. Referencing my previous question, one answer said that draft beer is "pushed using gas, or drawn via a partial vacuum". I get the concept of the widget being used to facilitate…
IBG
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9
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3 answers

What's the difference between an "export" beer and a regular beer from the same brewer?

In the UK at least, a great many beers are marketed with a regular version and a fancier (more expensive) 'export' version. For example: Carlsberg and Carlsberg 'Export'. Is there any reason why the imported beer might be reasonably different (such…
Tom Medley
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9
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1 answer

Why is it called "porter"?

Stouts are stout, Pale Ales use pale malt, but where did the name porter come from?
phoebus
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8
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3 answers

What is the traditional vocabulary to describe the characteristics of beer?

I know there are certain words experts use when they talk about wine. Categories of taste, colour etc. This is of course a matter of creativity and subjectivity, like describing a beer as “chocolaty” or “nutty” despite there being no chocolate or…
Philipp
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7
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3 answers

What characteristics does Becks have, and what are similar beers?

I haven't been drinking for years. And over the last month, I've been trying a small variety of beers, but they all had a taste I can't put my finger on that I didn't like. I was starting to wonder if I had lost my taste for beer. However, I was…
Blake G
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7
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1 answer

Difference between Dark Lager and Black Lager

Is there a difference between Black Lager and Dark Lager, or is it just the name? Since the recipes for Dark/Black Lagers seem to be quite varied, it is hard to tell if there are any majorly different components.
unclemeat
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6
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1 answer

Ordering a Drink in Non-Traditional Glassware

I find drinks that are traditionally served in stemmed glasses are difficult to carry (I'm a wheelchair user). What terminology would I use if I wanted to order a drink like a martini or Manhattan served in a rocks glass (but without the ice)?
Levi Hackwith
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5
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1 answer

What does "Common" refer to in a "California common ale"?

So... California common ale, aka California common beer, originated in California. And I can guess that some people were reluctant to call it Steam Beer, as it was also known, since that name is trademarked. But why is it called "common"? What is…
Elias Zamaria
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5
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1 answer

Would Japanese happoshu or third-category beer be considered beer in other countries?

In Japan, beer is classified in three types for taxation purposes: beer (66.6% of more of malt), happoshu ( under 66.6% malt and no added liqueur), third-type beer (contain some added liquerur) Would happoshu be considered beer in other countries?
Dionisio Franca
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