
Beer Names, Wild Fermentation, and the Strangest Lager Yet
From Beverage Chronicles by Beverage Chronicles
May 18, 2026 · 15 min
About this episode
The episode discusses the evolution of beer names, the significance of Belgian lambic, and a unique promotional beer by Columbia Sportswear.
Breweries are simplifying beer style names to attract casual drinkers while trying to avoid losing the identity and uniqueness that built craft beer culture. Beer historian Rachel Benkowski explores the history and cultural importance of Belgian lambic, a spontaneously fermented beer deeply tied to place, patience, and tradition. A new study compared health outcomes among beer, wine, and spirits drinkers, while Columbia Sportswear grabbed headlines with a bizarre “bear scat infused” promotional beer.
People in this episode
Guest: Rachel Benkowski
Topics covered
- beer style names
- craft beer culture
- wild fermentation
- health outcomes
- Belgian lambic
- promotional beer
Keywords
- beer names
- wild fermentation
- craft beer
- Belgian lambic
- health outcomes
- Columbia Sportswear
- promotional beer
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Columbia Sportswear
Products: bear scat infused beer
Books & works: Belgian lambic
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