Beer Is What I Love

Hosting a beer tasting

You’re probably familiar with a wine tasting. It’s a great way for adults to spend an afternoon, whether with friends or their spouse. But have you ever thought about hosting a beer tasting party?

There are beers on the market today for every taste. Some are subtle. Some are rich. Some are even fruity. With so much variety, and with so many exotic brews available, a beer tasting party can be every bit as much fun as a wine-centered tasting.

Of course, that word “fun” is a key. If you want to host your own beer-tasting party, make sure that your guests will enjoy themselves. This means that you should take care to invite the right mix of friends and family members. There’s no reason to invite someone who doesn’t drink alcohol. And you should only invite guests who feel comfortable with each other.

Make sure, too, to provide plenty of food and music. This is supposed to be a party, remember.

And finally, take great care in selecting the beers that you and your guests will be tasting. Most people select anywhere from six to 12 beers to taste during a party. It’s best to serve these beers in smaller 3-ounce glasses. This gives everyone just enough of a taste of each beer, but doesn’t give so much of the drinks that people either fill up or become intoxicated.

When selecting your beers, try to include a mix of different varieties. Don’t serve only dark, heavy beers for instance. Include some lighter beers or some homemade fruit-flavored beers. Try local beers – most regions boast some homemade brews these days – and international varieties.

And be sure to have your refrigerator stocked with bottles of each sample you and your guests have tasted. It’s no fun for guests to find a beer they really enjoy and then not be able to drink more of it once the tasting is over.

Of course, as with any party during which alcohol is served, it’s your job as host to make sure that no one drives home while intoxicated. A drunk-driving accident can cast a serious pall over your beer-tasting party. So don’t let it happen.

If properly planned and presented, and beer-tasting party can be a great way to spend a Friday or Saturday night. If you’re ready to do something different, and give your guests something to talk about for weeks afterward, start planning your beer-tasting party now.