brett
n. uncountablen. a type of yeast used to make beer and wine. It can add interesting, earthy flavors, but some people think it makes the drink taste spoiled.
n. a common abbreviation for Brettanomyces, a genus of yeast used in brewing and winemaking. It is known for producing distinct sensory characteristics often described as 'funky' or 'barnyard'.
This beer has a strong hint of Brett in the finish.
While some winemakers view Brett as a contaminant, others use it intentionally to add complexity to their red wines.
The presence of Brett in the fermentation process can yield a spectrum of volatile phenols, ranging from pleasant spice to undesirable medicinal notes depending on the strain.
Related to Breton, Brittany, and more distantly Briton.
Short for Brettanomyces.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Last updated May 2, 2026