Word
brett
Phoneticsbrett
/ˈbɹɛt/
Definition
n. a type of yeast used to make certain beers; it is also known for changing the flavor of wine.
n. An informal term for Brettanomyces, a yeast genus used intentionally in some beer styles but often considered a spoilage agent in winemaking.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“This beer has a strong hint of Brett in the finish.”
contextual
“While some winemakers view Brett as a contaminant, others use it intentionally to add complexity to their red wines.”
complex
“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.”
Usage
Usually treated as an uncountable noun in both brewing and wine contexts.
Teaching tip
This is a highly specialized term used by enthusiasts and professionals; most learners will only encounter it in the context of craft beer or wine tasting.
Etymology
Related to Breton, Brittany, and more distantly Briton.
Short for Brettanomyces.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/brett