The Art of Craft Beer: How to Taste Like a Pro

Learn how to taste craft beer like a pro! Explore beer flavor profiles, aromas, and techniques to enhance your craft beer appreciation.
December 16, 2024
The Art of Craft Beer: How to Taste Like a Pro

Craft beer is an experience, a symphony of flavors, aromas, and textures that reflect the creativity of master brewers. Whether you're a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or new to the world of hops and malts, learning how to taste craft beer can elevate your appreciation and help you discover new favorites. This beer tasting guide will walk you through the techniques and tips used by professionals, making your next pint an unforgettable experience.

Setting the Stage for Craft Beer Tasting

Craft beer tasting begins long before your first sip. The environment, glassware, and preparation all play a role in enhancing the experience.

  • Choose the Right Glassware: Proper glassware for beer tasting is essential. The shape of the glass can amplify craft beer aromas, showcase the beer's color and clarity, and help maintain its temperature. For instance, a tulip glass is ideal for capturing the complex aromas of barrel-aged beers, while a pint glass works well for IPAs.
  • Cleanse Your Palate: To fully appreciate the beer flavor profiles, avoid consuming strong-flavored foods or drinks beforehand. Neutral foods like crackers or bread can help reset your taste buds between sips.
  • Control the Setting: A quiet, well-lit space free from overpowering scents is perfect for tasting. This allows you to focus on the craft beer styles and their unique characteristics.

Observing the Beer

Before taking that first sip, take a moment to visually examine the beer. Appearance can reveal a lot about the brewing process and ingredients.

  • Color and Clarity: Craft beer styles range from pale straw in lagers to deep amber in ales and the jet-black hue of stouts. Haziness, often seen in NEIPAs (New England IPAs), can indicate unfiltered beers rich in flavor.
  • Head and Retention: The foam, or head, provides clues about the beer's carbonation and freshness. A thick, creamy head is typical of Belgian ales, while a light froth suits session beers.
  • Seasonal Craft Beers: Seasonal options like pumpkin ales or winter warmers often feature colors and textures that mirror the time of year. These small visual details set the tone for the entire tasting experience.

Engaging the Sense of Smell

Craft beer aromas are as complex and layered as fine wine. Swirling the beer gently in its glass helps release the volatile compounds that carry its scents.

  • Malt and Hop Aromas: Malty beers might smell of caramel, chocolate, or roasted nuts, while hop-forward styles like IPAs offer citrus, pine, or tropical fruit notes. Sour beers and wild ales often introduce funky, tangy aromas, adding an unexpected twist.
  • Fermentation Notes: Yeast plays a big role in shaping aroma. For instance, wheat beers often have hints of clove and banana, while barrel-aged beers can introduce vanilla, oak, and even bourbon undertones.
  • Pairing Craft Beer with Food: Understanding these aromas can help you pair beers with complementary foods. A rich porter, for example, pairs beautifully with dark chocolate desserts, while a citrusy IPA cuts through the richness of fried foods.

Tasting the Beer

The main event in craft beer tasting is the sip itself. This is where all elements—aroma, flavor, and texture—come together.

  • First Impressions: Take a moderate sip and let the beer coat your tongue. Note the primary flavors: sweetness from malts, bitterness from hops, and any sour or salty notes. Each beer has a balance unique to its style.
  • Mid-Palate Complexity: As the beer warms on your palate, flavors may evolve. Barrel-aged beers, for example, may reveal layers of oak, vanilla, and spices. Seasonal craft beers often introduce warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
  • Finish and Aftertaste: The finish is where subtle details shine. Is it crisp and clean, like a lager, or does it linger with bitterness, as seen in robust IPAs? Paying attention to the aftertaste provides insight into the beer's complexity and balance.

Evaluating Mouthfeel

Mouthfeel refers to the texture and body of the beer, which can range from light and effervescent to creamy and full-bodied.

  • Carbonation Levels: High carbonation adds a lively texture, perfect for lighter beers like pilsners, while lower carbonation suits rich stouts and porters.
  • Body and Texture: A beer's body is categorized as light, medium, or full. A light-bodied wheat beer feels refreshing, while the creamy texture of a milk stout provides a decadent drinking experience.
  • Beer Tasting Techniques: Taking small sips and allowing the beer to linger in your mouth can help you better assess its texture and how it complements the flavor profile.

Elevate Your Experience

Craft beer appreciation is a journey that grows richer with each tasting. From sour beers and wild ales to hoppy IPAs and barrel-aged brews, every style offers a unique story. Use this beer tasting guide to deepen your understanding and enhance your experience, especially when exploring the diverse menu of thoughtfully selected beers at Story Tavern.

We Invite You to Story Tavern and The Ciderworks @ Story Tavern

Discover the perfect pairing of craft beer, cider, and cuisine at Story Tavern and The Ciderworks @ Story Tavern in downtown Burbank. Whether you’re savoring our curated selection of craft beers or exploring the handcrafted ciders from our in-house Ciderworks, every visit promises a dynamic and flavorful experience. Pair your drink with dishes from our thoughtfully designed menu, featuring everything from savory street tacos to indulgent chocolate desserts—each crafted to complement your beverage of choice.

Conveniently located at 150 S San Fernando Blvd., we’re more than just a tavern or cider house; we’re a community where great food, exceptional drinks, and good company come together. Join us for your next outing and discover why we’re a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Your table—and your next great pairing—awaits!

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