Beer tasting basics

If you come from the school where people cluster into buses to go wine tasting in the country side, but beers are casually cracked and swigged after a hard day’s work, then we’re here to clear our throats and tap you lightly on the shoulder. Beer, just like chocolate, olive oil and wine can be appreciated with as much finesse. Didn’t think it was possible to appreciate your brew any more than you already do? Check out the beer tasting basics and join the sub culture of craft beer.

5 easy steps for easing your way into beer tasting

What does the beer look like?

First off is assessing the appearance. Pour yourself a glass of any fine craft beer (it’s great to try this exercise with one of our Monthly Mixed Cases) and take note of what colour the beer is. Is it dark, light, reddish, golden brown? How clear is this beer? Perhaps it’s very viscous (thick)? Or rather more translucent? How thick is the foamy bit on top. Well versed beer drinkers call this the head. The facial expression you’re aiming for here is the one you would use to stare into a crystal ball.

What does the beer smell like?

Here’s where things get a little more upper level. It’s all about the aroma now, folks. Put your nose to task and see if you can pick up any familiar aromas, like you would in wine tasting. Look out for different fruits, spices, floral notes or even baked and caramel notes. Once you’ve found the beer bouquet garni, you’re halfway there.

The fun part: what does the beer taste like?

Now it’s all about the flavour. Take a swig of the beer. You’ll enjoy it either way, but see if you can pick up any similar notes to the ones you smelled just before. Do any of those malty characters come across? A slightly, bitter, toasted caramel taste? Can you discern that fruity tropical taste of coconut or banana if it’s an amber weiss?

What does the beer feel like in your mouth?

Mouthfeel, as the aficionados call it, is a little more obscure. Try noticing the carbonation and body of the beer – are there big bubbles, or smaller effervescence? Does it coat the inside of your mouth like an oily substance, or disperse quickly. Imagine the difference between custard and milk. Does the flavour linger or disappear? And more importantly, do you want another sip?

Take note of your overall perception of the beer

What is your impression of this beer on its own and compared to similar beers? Try to see whether all the individual aspects you picked up on merge well together when you clear your mind and simply enjoy the beer. Or does one aspect jump out as overpowering? Make your final judgements and then enjoy it with some snacks.

And there you have it, friends. Equipped with some basic pointers we hope you find a whole new appreciation to the world of craft beer.

Check out our craft beers and if you’re feeling up to it, why not invite some friends over and host a beer tasting party? Like you needed another reason to enjoy craft beer.