San Juan Brewing

As with wine-tasting, the art of beer-tasting has been studied and analyzed to produce some basic tips and concepts. However, that doesn’t mean you have to follow any of them, since the purpose of beer-drinking is enjoyment, and if any of the tips below conflict with your pleasure, drop them. On the other hand, you may find that they lead you to a new understanding of your beer tastes, and perhaps even a new favorite brew.1. Be aware of the bias of appearance.You might be surprised to find what an affect appearance has on your tasting enjoyment. People often taste their beer differently when they can’t see it, as shown by blind taste tests. The conflict between bottle- and can-drinkers is also largely aesthetic, since cans contain a plastic lining that prevents the metal from affecting the taste.2. Avoid conflicting aromas.While it may be pleasurable, smoking before or during tasting will hide the flavor of the beer (and also dull your senses). Perfumes and colognes can also get in the way of the beer’s natural flavors.3. Prepare for each new beer with a palate cleanser.To prevent the beer you just drank from blending with the flavor of the next one, eat something like French bread or unsalted crackers between drinks. The light texture and flavor will set your tastebuds back to square one. You can even use water.4. Pour at the right speed.You must find a medium point between pouring too gently (which hides aromas) and pouring too hard (which drives away carbonation). A 2-finger head is the rule of thumbfor new beers, start pouring slowly and adapt as needed.5. Enjoy.We mentioned it above, but it bears repeating. Not only should beer always be a pleasurable experience, but the taste will actually be improved when you’re in a good mood. For this reason, always bring a few friends along whenever tasting new beers.