BJCP 2021 / 28A
Brett Beer
A drier, fruitier version of its base beer with Brett funk kept in balance.
- Any age
- wild fermentation
- north america
- craft style
- specialty beer
Serve: 45 to 50F, Tulip
The BJCP gives no numbers. Follow the base style the brewer declares.
Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Tropical fruit, stone fruit or citrus when young
- Hay, earth and a little barnyard as it ages
- Funk that stays in the background
- Vague
- Funky
- Better
- Fruity with a little barnyard
- Best
- Moderate pineapple and apricot over faint hay and earth, funk present as a supporting note
Appearance
3 pts- Follows the base style
- Some haze is fine
- Head is often weaker than the base style
- Vague
- Hazy
- Better
- Gold and slightly hazy
- Best
- Color of the base beer, light haze, thin white head that fades soon
Flavor
20 pts- Fruity Brett character, sometimes earthy
- Base malt pushed to the background
- Dry, crisp finish
- Vague
- Funky
- Better
- Fruity Brett over dry malt
- Best
- Moderate tropical fruit and light earth from Brett, thin malt behind it, clean dry finish with no harsh funk
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Lighter than the base style suggests
- Moderate to high carbonation
- Dry
- Vague
- Light
- Better
- Light and fizzy
- Best
- Light body, high carbonation, dry finish that stays smooth rather than watery
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Fruit and funk in proportion
- Dry, lively finish
Drops it
- Harsh or dirty funk
- Thin, watery body
Writing tip
Describe the funk by type. Example: 'Pineapple and apricot with a faint hay note, dry and bright. Funk stays in the background.'
Pour these
- Saison BrettBoulevard BrewingDry saison base with fruity Brett
- SanctificationRussian RiverPale and tart with bright Brett fruit
- Seizoen BrettaLogsdon Farmhouse AlesPeppery saison with gentle funk
Often confused with
- 28B Mixed-Fermentation Sour BeerMixed-Fermentation Sour Beer has real acidity as well as funk
- 25B SaisonSaison has no Brett and a cleaner finish
Fine here
- Estery: Tropical and stone fruit esters belong here
- Musty: A light hay or earth note is part of the style
Ruinous here
- Phenolic: Band-aid or medicinal funk
- Solvent: Nail polish remover
- Sour/Acidic: Sharp vinegar
Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.