HOW TO TASTE BEER

LOOK

First things first! Pour your beer into a clear glass, pause and take a good look at it. Raise the beer in front of you but don't hold it up to direct light. Pay attention to the colour, clarity, foam and consistency.

SWIRL

Gently swirl the beer in the glass to unlock its aromas, stimulate carbonation and test head retention.

Smell

Take two quick sniffs through your nose and then one long one. Try breathing with your mouth open and closed and take note of what you sense.

TASTE

Take a small sip but don’t swallow right away. Instead, allow the beer to linger in your mouth which will allow the beer’s characteristics and flavours to shine through. Fruity, smoky, smooth? What do you experience.

Mouthfeel

How does the beer feel in your mouth? It could be light and airy or it might be heavy and viscous? Is it very bubbly? The mouthfeel will be different depending on the style of beer, brewing methods and ingredient quality.

Evaluate

Take notes! Beer tasting is an individual experience. The more tasting you do it, the better you’ll get at understanding your own preferences.