noun
Uncommon
brett
breht
Brett (noun) means Short for Brettanomyces, a type of yeast that can add funky, barnyard-like flavors to beer and wine. Example: “Some sour beers are deliberately fermented with brett.”
noun
1
Short for Brettanomyces, a type of yeast that can add funky, barnyard-like flavors to beer and wine.
"Some sour beers are deliberately fermented with brett."
"The brewer added a little brett to give the beer a funky taste."
"Too much brett can make a wine smell like a farmyard."
How to use brett
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIn brewing and winemaking circles, a shorthand for the yeast Brettanomyces, prized or feared for the earthy flavors it creates.
When to use it
Mostly used within brewing and wine-tasting communities rather than everyday English.
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Word forms
- Plural
- bretts
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Some sour beers are deliberately fermented with _____.
Etymology
Shortened from the scientific genus name Brettanomyces, itself from Greek roots roughly meaning "British fungus".
Synonyms
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brettanomyces
wild yeast
Rhymes for brett
See all rhymes for brett →Frequently asked questions
What does “brett” mean?
The word “brett” means short for Brettanomyces, a type of yeast that can add funky, barnyard-like flavors to beer and wine. In plain terms, in brewing and winemaking circles, a shorthand for the yeast Brettanomyces, prized or feared for the earthy flavors it creates.
How do you pronounce “brett”?
“Brett” is pronounced breht (/bɹɛt/ in IPA).
How do you use “brett” in a sentence?
Here is “brett” used in a sentence: “Some sour beers are deliberately fermented with brett.”
What part of speech is “brett”?
“Brett” is a noun.
Where does the word “brett” come from?
The word “brett” comes from Greek. Shortened from the scientific genus name Brettanomyces, itself from Greek roots roughly meaning "British fungus".
Is “brett” a common word?
“Brett” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between Brett and Saccharomyces yeast?
'Brett' (Brettanomyces) is a wild yeast that produces funky, barnyard-like flavours, while Saccharomyces is the standard brewing and baking yeast used for clean fermentation. Brewers and winemakers use Brett deliberately for character, or work to avoid it as a fault.
Is Brett considered a fault in wine?
It depends on the style and the maker's intention. In some wines and beers, Brettanomyces (Brett) is prized for adding complexity and funky, barnyard notes, while in others it is regarded as a spoilage fault.
What flavors does Brett add to beer?
Brettanomyces, or 'Brett,' is known for funky, barnyard-like aromas and flavours, often described as earthy, leathery, or horsey. These characteristics are sought after in certain styles rather than treated as a flaw.
What kinds of drinks is Brett found in?
Brettanomyces, or 'Brett,' is associated with beer and wine, where it can add funky, barnyard-like flavours. It features especially in sour and farmhouse-style beers, either as a deliberate character or an unwanted fault.
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