Hosting a Beer Tasting

Almost four years ago, Joe and I hosted a beer tasting party for our new friends in Denver.  There we were, beer lovers in a truly beer-loving state; we couldn't wait to drop some knowledge on our Colorado friends in hopes that they would get the beer itch - and scratch it with us.

The whole idea of a tasting is to introduce great (and various) beers alongside perfectly paired food in order to bring out the characteristics of each beer.  So many folks hate an IPA because "it's so bitter."  But pair it with some rich spicy food, and the malty backbone and balance of the beer will shine through.  Food makes all the difference in how we discern flavors - and the distinct traits - in different beer styles.

First you have to decide what beers you're going to serve.  This, could take months.  There are so many styles from which to choose.  You have to whittle it down somehow.  Maybe pick only Belgian beers, or only porters and stouts.  Hell, you could just do IPAs - East Coast, West Coast, Double, fruit-infused, dry-hopped, fresh-hopped, single-hopped...do you get my point?

Second is to decide what food goes best with each of your choices.  And make sure that your crowd tastes the appropriate beer with the appropriate food.  A rich chocolate torte does not go well with a grapefruit Shandy.  A light tuna salad is stomach turning with a big imperial porter.  A quick bit of research can help you select the pairings.

Finally, the beers and food you choose have to be accessible.  Don't put out an out-of-production cellared brew that no one else can get...save that for a bottle share.  And don't offer some insanely priced Madagascar delicacy.  Offer beers and foods that anyone can find.  If someone really likes a pairing, they'll want to be able to go out and recreate it for themselves.

The pdf attached here is the tasting notebook I so teacherly handed out to our tasters.  Each style was addressed separately, and we gave specific directions about which food should accompany each beer.  The party was a noteworthy success, and I've been told that most everyone has kept the handout as a reference guide for their beer drinking forays.  I hope you can use it, too!