What does it mean when a beer "has no finish"?

[InterCooL]

I've just started homebrewing and on occasion, have had a few friends say my beers having "no finish." These have been both kit and kilos and BIAB all grains.

What does that mean and where have I gone wrong in my brewing?

Thanks guys

 

[michaeld16]

Did you ask them what they mean by it?

 

[yum beer]

what I think they are referring to is the taste/flavour you get as you 'finish' each mouth of beer.
If you are not adding hops to your brews then they could be lacking in flavour as you finish each mouthful.
Try a small hop addition to your brews and see if that helps.

As above ask your friends what they mean, they may be describing something else.
My brother gives very detailed critique of my brews, sometimes though I have SFA idea what he's trying to say.

 

[InterCooL]

Full critique re one was: "it got the taste but needs a stronger body, first hits with what you expect but the finish is light"

That was regarding an all grain biab hefewiezen. The hopping was light, but generally that is characteristic of the style. But my friend who said that grew up in Germany so I'm sure he knows what he is on about...

The other one beer review was from a 'kit and kilo' pack... which I dry hopped anyhow. Two different friends just said it didn't have much finish. I have no idea what they meant.

 

[fletcher]

what I think they are referring to is the taste/flavour you get as you 'finish' each mouth of beer.
If you are not adding hops to your brews then they could be lacking in flavour as you finish each mouthful.
Try a small hop addition to your brews and see if that helps.

As above ask your friends what they mean, they may be describing something else.
My brother gives very detailed critique of my brews, sometimes though I have SFA idea what he's trying to say.

amen. all my friends say "oh that's very similar to little creatures" because it's the only craft beer they've had.

EDIT: to the OP, i think 'finish' is a poor word to use for describing a beer, but the way i imagine it is there is 'something' they can taste or feel initially upon sipping but then there is no aftertaste, or if so, it's too subtle to notice. that's the only thing i can think of as to what they mean. no carry-through flavour whether it be hop, malt or yeast driven. hope that makes sense.

 

[manticle]

The flavour left on your tongue after you've swallowed.
Regardless the person offering the critique should be more aware of what they mean than we are.
People also make **** up to sound smart.

 

[Blind Dog]

Whilst I have a suspicion that they don't really have much idea what they're talking about, but it sounds smart, I'd start with asking them to articulate as clearly as possible exactly what they mean.

Do you have your own critical tasting notes from sampling your beers? If so, then compare their comments to your own. If not, then spend a little time making them and then compare. Pretty hard to offer much advice or guidance without sampling the beers in question.

 

[spog]

Try a Steamrail beer,you will then understand the term .

 

[wide eyed and legless]

Doesn't come from Helsinki ?

Try a Steamrail beer,you will then understand the term .

The question was,'Has no finish'. Not, glad when its finished

 

[manticle]

Maybe it's when someone just keeps topping up the pint glass?

 

[Black Devil Dog]

Maybe they mean it's undrinkable and therefore they can't finish it. I've had that.

They were xxxx gold drinkers though, so they were very discerning consumers.

They've never been invited back.

 

[MartinOC]

Beers can sometimes be described as having a "Beginning", "Middle" & "End" (or "Finish").

Sometimes the beginning gives the impression of something that the middle & end don't live-up to, but it depends on the style of beer: eg.

An IPA will be up-front hoppy aroma/flavour & leave a dry, crisp hop-flavour & lingering bitterness. Not a quaffer.

A Weizen will be up-front phenolics, malty in the middle & a slightly tart-wheat/dry finish (no hops anywhere!). Thirst-quenching.

An IRS will be up-front sweet & malty & the finish will be (in a GOOD one!) dry with a looooong, lingering balance between malt & the huge hop-bitterness. Something to be sipped & savoured slowly.

So the answer to your question is: "It depends.....".

 

[Blind Dog]

Try a Steamrail beer,you will then understand the term .

What did the OP do to you to make you hate them so?