Beer Tasting Party: Domestic Beers

Pour yourself a cold one and enjoy a handcrafted American brew by hosting a Beer Tasting. A beverage for all seasons, from the Super Bowl in wintertime to a summer get-together, this party offers 2 different ways to taste and compare beer that has been brewed in the great U.S. of A.

Get the basics on Beer Styles by reading our article, Beer Tasting: Imported Beer, then head back here to give your party an All-American spin.

Almost as good as drinking beer is food made with beer! These saucy recipes are ideal for an indoor party and supreme at an outdoor event. A beer tasting is a great activity for a summer party, outdoor barbeque, or most any occasion.

America's beer brewing culture offers a myriad of choices these days from flavorful craft beer to top-selling favorites. Here are a couple of ways to host your tasting.

Regional Tasting

Celebrate brewers from around the country by offering beer produced from different regions in the U.S.A. Some favorites by state include:

1. California - Russian River Brewing Company

2. Colorado - Great Divide Brewing Company

3. Connecticut - Thomas Hooker Ales & Lagers

4. Indiana - Three Floyds Brewing Co. / Brewery & Pub

5. New Hampshire - Portsmouth Brewery 6. New York - Southern Tier Brewing Company

7. Michigan - Kuhnhenn Brewing Company

8. Minnesota - Surly Beer Company

9. Pennsylvania - Victory Brewing Company

10. Texas - Live Oak Brewery

Craft vs. Corporate Beer Tasting

Put beer companies, large and small, to the test by conducting a blind tasting of beers from both American craft brewers and the nation's brewing giants.

Setting Up Your Beer Tasting

Choose 5 - 8 beers based on the type of tasting you are hosting and set up bottles of beer along the table in any order. Place enough glasses on the table for each guest. Offer pitchers of water and a discard container, so guests can rinse their glasses and then pour the water into the container, or use it as a spittoon. Display tasting notes for the beer and a description of the brewers on note cards to help guests decide which beer suits their taste. For an extensive list of beer tasting notes, check out Beer Advocate and an official tasting score sheet is at Beertown.org!