Terminology in Beer Reviews

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine beer reviews to see what descriptors are identified and used to describe beers. Also, the domains APPEARANCE, AROMA, FLAVOUR, MOUTHFEEL and OVERALL IMPRESSION are analysed. The theoretical framework stems from the genre of wine reviews, with additional backbone from beer sensory analysis and established beer terminology. Through analysis of 27 beer reviews in three leading beer magazines, the study shows that most typically object descriptors and property descriptors relating to the raw materials are used. In terms of domains, APPEARANCE and MOUTHFEEL have few descriptors, whilst AROMA and FLAVOUR have a higher number of descriptors and more categories. The domain with more process related and human-like descriptions, as well as more elaborate expressions to entice the consumer, is OVERALL IMPRESSION.