Later, when I started actually writing about beer, I decided logically (to me) to use words and phrases people could relate to things they already knew, like berry fruit, for example, or the scent of a walk in the autumn woods (still a favourite, from an early description of a local best bitter). For the mass consumer writing I do, I still believe that’s the best road to travel.

As for beer styles, well, beyond certain elemental ones — American pale ale, Bohemian pilsner, dry stout, etc. — most have been rendered pretty much meaningless, IMO. I mean, “American-Belgo style dark ale”? What the hell is that when it’s at home? And don’t get me started on quadrupel!

What all the above means beyond an early morning rant, I’m not sure. Bottom line: I believe that anything which encourages people to think about what they drink and eat is positive; anything that promotes mindless consumption, or uncritical imbibing — meaning drinking a beer because it’s a beer rather than because it’s a good beer — is a bad thing.