If you are considering tasting craft beer for the first time, this guide can help. Here is everything to know for beginners about how to taste craft beer.
Did you know that beer is one of the oldest drinks in the world? There is even evidence to suggest that people have been crafting beer since 7,000 BC. Today, thanks to modern manufacturing technology, beer is better than ever and craft beer is especially full of flavor.
You may think you know how to taste craft beer. Seems obvious, right?, You will find that if you want to experience all the unique notes, you need to pay a bit more attention. For example, you should consider the smell of craft beer as well as the beer’s temperature to truly appreciate its flavors.
Keep reading to learn more about your craft beer options and how to enjoy them to the fullest.
Consider the Beer’s Aroma
Many people think that the only drinks you should be sniffing are whiskey and wine, but that isn’t true at all. Craft beer is full of unique aromatic hints that you wouldn’t be able to catch if you simply started chugging. By taking a moment to smell the beer, you will find little details that make that particular kind of beer special.
You should sniff the beer before you ever take a sip. Since smell and taste are two very closely related senses, you will be able to get an indication of what the beer will taste like with your nose before the drink even hits your taste buds. This can make drinking the beer a much smoother and more enjoyable experience.
Keep in mind that smelling the beer and detecting its different aromas can be difficult for the untrained nose. That’s because some of the smells in these beers are so delicate you have to take a moment and contemplate the smell before you can register the fainter notes. The good thing is that you can train your nose to do this.
It will take a bit of time and effort, but it is possible. A good place to start is to try and identify some of the overarching aromas. For example, if you detect some citrus smells in your beer, continue to sniff and see if you can pick out any specific citrus fruits.
The same goes for beers that have more of a green flavor. Do you smell pine needles, oregano, grass, or something else? Or does your beer have more floral notes?
Whatever the case, it’s important not to rush. Take your time as you sniff your craft beer and try to fine-tune your sense of smell.
Tasting the Beer
Once you’re done sniffing, it’s time to taste the beer. After holding your craft beer glassware for a few minutes, you likely have already picked out some of the overarching aromas that the beer has to offer and you may already have an idea of what the beer might taste like. Tasting the beer will allow you to blend the information of taste with your sense of smell.
That way, you will be able to explore every corner of flavor that a particular craft beer has to offer. But there is a science behind beer tasting and, indeed, there is an incorrect way to do it. The last thing you want to do with your fine glass of craft beer is gulp it down.
Instead, you will want to take your time as you did when smelling the beer. By slowing down and taking a moment to contemplate the beer’s flavors, you will be able to distinguish more of the beer’s notes. The first thing to think about is your first impression of the beer.
Was it tart or did it have some underlying sweet notes? Was it bright or did it have more of an earthy flavor? Your initial impressions can tell you a lot about a glass of beer, but not everything.
That’s why sipping the beer is so important. After you have gathered your initial thoughts, it’s time to take another sip. When you take your second sip, you will have the chance to think about the flavors of the malts and hops.
These flavors are deeper than the beer’s initial flavors, so you will need to think more about them in order to really understand them. Then, there is the finish.
The finish is the beer’s aftertaste. Does the beer’s taste go away or does it linger?
More Tips for Tasting Craft Beer
When tasting craft beer, you will want to make sure that the beer is in its best condition. There’s no point in tasting beer that has been sitting in the sun for an hour or a glass of beer that has been lost its carbonation. Instead, for the best experience and to judge the beer fairly, you will want to make sure it is fresh and at the right temperature.
Many people think that an ice-cold beer is always best, but this is not always true. Some beers may taste better at room temperature while others may taste better cold. If you are serious about beer-tasting, you should also avoid eating when tasting craft beer.
That’s because the flavor of certain foods can interact with the beer and alter its flavor. Of course, if you are trying to pick out the nuances of your beer, this wouldn’t be ideal. You should also cleanse your palate with water when tasting different types of beer.
How to Taste Craft Beer
Tasting craft beer doesn’t have to be a challenge as long as you take your time. Tasting beer is an art and you will only get better at it with more experience.
To learn more about craft beer, visit us in Omaha or call (402) 344-0200.