Tasting the Beer

Showcase a variety of beer importers when selecting the beverages for your tasting. Follow these tips for a well-rounded experience:

Choose 5 beers from 5 different countries. Vary beer styles from light ales to dark lagers.

Set bottles of beer up along the table from light to dark.
Place enough steins or pilsner 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 your beer and a description of the beer styles on note cards to help guests distinguish each brew's unique quality.

1. Pour a small amount of beer into a glass. See these expert pouring tips.
2. Note the beer's head (top foam) retention. A 50% collapse of the head takes away from its appearance.
3. Look at the beer's color and consider its style.
4. Give the beer a good sniff and note the aroma.
5. Taste the beer and judge its drinkability.
6. Discuss the beer's characteristics based on your tasting and its notes.