Craft beer tasting is quickly becoming a popular pastime, and with good reason! If you’ve ever been curious about what it takes to become a knowledgeable craft beer taster, then this informal guide is for you. We’ll explore the basics of craft beer tasting, from the types of beers you should sample, to the aromas, colors, and flavors to look out for. So, if you’re looking to become an expert in the craft beer tasting field, then keep reading and take notes!
1. What is Craft Beer?
Craft beer is a new take on beer that is made with traditional methods. It has become increasingly popular over the last few decades, with many breweries now producing their own craft beer. There are numerous different styles of craft beer, some of which include:
- Belgian or Belgian-style ales
- India Pale Ales (IPAs)
- Porters and stouts
- Kölsch and Berliner Weisse beers
Craft beer has features that distinguish it from regular beer. It is usually full-bodied and flavorful, often with complex aromas and tastes. It is also generally higher in alcohol content than regular beer. There are also a range of craft beers that have unique ingredients added, such as fruits, spices and herbs, as well as different types of hops and malt.
Craft beer is generally more expensive than regular beer and has more variation in terms of flavor and aroma. This makes it a great option for those looking to experience new tastes and can make for an interesting and enjoyable beer tasting experience.
2. Benefits of Craft Beer Tasting
Craft beer tasting is a great way to discover new beers and develop your palate. Many beer enthusiasts have discovered that beer tasting offers numerous benefits. Here are some of the top :
- A Variety of Flavors: Craft beer tasting is a fantastic opportunity to expand your palate. You can sample a variety of beers from different breweries, and experience the array of flavors that each beer has to offer.
- Educational: Participating in craft beer tastings is a great way to learn more about beer. There are often experts present to explain how the beer was made and what flavors it contains.
- Networking: Craft beer tastings are great for networking. You can meet other beer enthusiasts and participate in a conversation about beer. It’s also a great way to socialize and make new friends.
Craft beer tasting is an enjoyable activity that will help you to explore new beers and learn about the art and science of brewing. Whether you are a novice beer taster or a seasoned connoisseur, there are many benefits to be gained from craft beer tasting.
3. How to Start Tasting Craft Beer
Step 1: Research Styles
The best way to start tasting craft beer is to become familiar with the different styles available. It’s important to get an understanding of the common elements associated with each style so that you can get a better idea of what to expect from a beer. You can start by looking up different beer styles online and reading up on the key characteristics associated with each.
Step 2: Choose a Beer
Once you know more about the different styles of craft beer, you can begin to narrow down your options and select one or more to try. Consider color, flavor, aroma, and even alcohol content. If you’re unsure what style to pick, you can also try a sampler set from a local brewery or a variety of beers from the same brewery.
Step 3: Taste the Beer
When tasting beer, it’s best to pour it into a glass so that you can really smell and see it. Look at the color, take a whiff of the aroma, and eventually give it a sip. Swirl the beer around your mouth and savor the flavor before swallowing. Be sure to note what you liked and what you didn’t like about the beer.
Step 4: Rate the Beer
After tasting the beer, consider writing down your thoughts and impressions of it. Give it a rating out of 5 (or 10 if you want to get more specific) and make some notes on what you tasted, smelled, and liked. This will help you remember your opinion of the beer, and it can be useful when you’re selecting craft beers for future tastings.
4. Tips for a Successful Craft Beer Tasting Experience
1. Try Different Styles
The key to getting the most out of a craft beer-tasting experience is to try different styles. Consider branching out from the usual lagers and ales and experimenting with unique hybrid styles like imperial stouts, sours, India pale ales (IPA), or even barrel-aged beers. Chances are, you’ll be surprised with what you like and learn what works well with your particular palate.
2. Know the Terminology
It pays off to do a bit of research about the different styles of craft beer before embarking on a tasting journey. Familiarize yourself with terms such as body, aroma, maltiness, hop character, hops and yeast. Doing so will give you an advantage in understanding the nuances between different types of beers.
3. Take Notes
Write (or type) down your tasting notes along the way and names of beers that you particularly liked. This way, you can keep a log of your favorite beverages and look them up the next time you’re out on a tasting adventure.
4. Rely on the Expertise of Others
Consider asking a trusted friend or a craft beer expert for recommendations. They may be able to point you in the right direction when it comes to discovering a unique beer or variety. Or, attend an organized craft beer-tasting event, where experienced tasters can help guide you on an enjoyable journey of learning and tasting.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid in Tasting Craft Beer
When it comes to craft beer tasting, there are several common mistakes that people tend to make. In order to make the most out of your craft beer-tasting experience, here are five of the most common mistakes to avoid:
- Not giving each beer enough time and attention: It’s important to dedicate enough time to each individual beer in order to appreciate all of its nuances. Give yourself enough time to really explore what each beer has to offer.
- Making too many assumptions about a beer: Every beer is different, even if it is brewed from similar ingredients. Don’t let preconceptions cloud your perception of what each beer has to offer.
- Evaluating a beer outside of its ideal environment: Craft beer often has an ideal environment for both serving and consuming. Poorly chosen temperatures or glassware can make an otherwise excellent beer seem lackluster.
- Comparing a beer to its commercial counterparts: Commercial beers have been developed to harsh consistency and flavor standards, whereas craft brewers are often exploring new flavor combinations and techniques that cannot be replicated on a large scale. Rather than comparing a craft beer to an industrial one, concentrate on its unique merits.
- Relying too much on ratings and reviews: While ratings and reviews are extremely helpful when choosing a beer to sample, it’s important not to be bound by them. Everyone’s palate is different, and what you may find delicious may be overlooked by others.
By being mindful of these common mistakes, you’ll be able to make the most out of your craft beer-tasting experience.
6. Summary and Conclusion
Now that you have the basics down, it’s time to enjoy your craft beer experience! Here’s a quick recap of what you should keep in mind:
- Understand the different beer styles and their characteristics
- Choose a good environment to taste your beer
- Start with a light beer and move on to darker beers with richness
- Take your time to analyze and appreciate the flavors
- Let your experience be governed by your senses and own palette
Craft beer tasting is about more than just enjoying the flavors. It’s an adventure that invites you to explore the full range of beer styles and learn how to appreciate their unique nuances. With the help of this informal guide, you now have the tools to start your own craft beer journey.
Finally, remember to always drink responsibly and enjoy the beer in moderation. It’s time to get a tasting!
We hope you now have a better understanding of craft beer tasting and the potential for exploration that comes with it. Remember, each beer has its own particular flavor that can be affected by the serving vessel and the order in which you sample them. We suggest starting with a flight of several beers and taking your time to appreciate each one. Enjoy the journey of craft beer tasting and don’t be afraid to try something new!