BEER TASTING PAGE

How to Taste a Beer

Beer tasting is a skill that may be acquired in an hour. With diligence and practice, you might master it in a decade or two.

Beer is an ancient and noble beverage with an enormous range of styles ranging from our well known "American Lager" to the intensely different "Lambic" beers of Belgium. The American Homebrewers Association currently recognizes 70 styles of beers and ales. So many beers, so little time.

To get you started down the path to truly appreciating beer, you'll first need to gather up some materials.

A three ring binder

You'll want to keep a log of the different beers you encounter in your journey.

An absolutely spotless tasting glass

Your tasting glass should be clear, free of scratches, and large enough for you to put your nose inside while you sip. Never wash your beer glassware in a dishwasher with anti-spotting agents. They leave an invisible film that might destroy the beer's head.

A well lit tasting area

Your tasting area should be lit well enough to see the beer's clarity and color. Lay a sheet of white paper on your table to serve as a backdrop. The tasting area should be free of odors of course.

A bottle opener

Not all bottle openers are created equal. Look for the old fashioned "D" style. They usually remove the crown without bending it, enabling you to recap the bottle. (Tip: put a quarter on top of the cap to keep it from bending.)

A clean body

As much as I like a beer after mowing the lawn, I would never attempt to score a beer in a sweaty tee shirt. You should carefully wash your hands and face with a perfume free soap and rinse well. Brush your teeth and tongue and thoroughly rinse. Avoid cologne and after shave lotion. Don't wear lip balm or lipstick which can destroy a beer's head. Avoid spicy and oily food before tasting beer.

The process of tasting a beer involves all five senses. Immerse yourself in the process. Ready? Bring a bottle of your favorite beer to your prepared table and let's begin. Follow "Twelve Step Program".

1. Look at the bottle. If the beer is homebrewed, check for a ring around the neck. This sometimes is an indication of a bottle infection. Is there yeast sediment in the bottom?
2. Feel the bottle. Is the beer at the proper serving temperature? Never try to evaluate an "ice cold" beer. Let it warm to 55°F to allow it to give up its secrets.
3. Listen to the bottle as you open it. Does it open with a vigorous whoosh or a gentle sigh? This will indicate its level of carbonation.
4. Pour the beer gently down the side of the glass as you evaluate its tendency to foam. Level the glass and pour into the center. You are aiming for a half-inch of head. Three ounces is plenty for tasting purposes.
5. Sniff the beer immediately. Many aroma components dissipate very quickly. Take several small sniffs, not one big one. Carbon Dioxide can numb your nose if you inhale too much too deeply. Do you detect the aroma of malt? Does it smell sweet? Is there a hop aroma? If so, note if it is spicy, citrusy, or floral. Are there any peculiar aromas like green apples, banana, wet cardboard, or freshly cut grass? Note these in your book.
6. Sit back and look at the beer again. Is it clear or cloudy? Note its color. Tilt the glass and see if the head is stable. Does it leave "lace" on the side of the glass?
7. Take a good sip and let the beer wash over the inside of your mouth. Taste its glory! Feel for the prickle of carbonation. Detect the sweetness of the malt and the bitterness of the hops. Are they clean and balanced for the style of the beer?
8. Swallow the beer. Don't spit! Feel the texture of the beer as it passes down your throat. Wait for 20 seconds and evaluate the aftertaste. Is it sweet or dry? Does it linger or quickly dissipate?
9. Sniff the beer again. Some aroma components develop after the beer has been opened for a minute or two. Note any changes in your book.
10. Take another taste larger than your first one. Note any subtle changes to your first impression.
11. Take a healthy swallow of water or seltzer to clear your palate. Nibble some neutral bread or unsalted crackers if you find it helpful. Be sure to rinse well.
12. Repeat steps 1 through 11 with another beer!

MAIN BEER PAGE

MAIN BEER PAGE