Beer Tasting Party: Domestic Beers

Get the basics on Beer Styles by reading our article, Beer Tasting: Imported Beer, then head back here to give your party an All-American spin.

Two Ways to Host Your Tasting

America’s beer brewing culture offers a myriad of choices these days from flavorful craft beer to top-selling favorites. Here are a couple of ways to host your tasting.

1. Regional Beer Tasting

Celebrate brewers from around the country by offering beer produced from different regions in the U.S.A. Some favorites by state include:

California - Russian River Brewing Company

Colorado – Great Divide Brewing Company

Connecticut – Thomas Hooker Ales & Lagers

Indiana – Three Floyds Brewing Co. / Brewery & Pub

New Hampshire – Portsmouth Brewery

New York – Southern Tier Brewing Company

Michigan - Kuhnhenn Brewing Company

Minnesota – Surly Beer Company

Pennsylvania – Victory Brewing Company

Texas – Live Oak Brewery

2. Craft vs. Corporate Beer Tasting

Put beer companies, large and small, to the test by conducting a blind tasting of beers from both American craft brewers and the nation’s brewing giants.

Port Brewing Company / The Lost Abbey
Russian River Brewing Company
Founders Brewing Company
Bell’s Brewery Inc.
Stone Brewing Company

5 Top-Selling Corporate Brewers

Budweiser (Anheuser-Busch)
Miller
Coors
Pabst
Sam Adams (Boston Beer Company) considered both craft & corporate

Setting Up Your Beer Tasting

• Choose 5 - 8 beers based on the type of tasting you are hosting.

• Set up bottles of beer along the table in any order.

• Place enough glasses on the table for each guest.

• Offer pitchers of water and a discard container, so guests can rinse their glasses and then pour the water into the container, or use it as a spittoon.

• Display tasting notes for the beer and a description of the brewers on note cards to help guests decide which beer suits their taste.

For an extensive list of beer tasting notes, check out Beer Advocate and an official tasting score sheet is at Beertown.org!

Tasting the Beer

1. Pour a small amount of beer into a glass. See these expert pouring tips.

2. Note the beer’s head (top foam) retention. A 50% collapse of the head takes away from its appearance.

3. Look at the beer’s color and consider its style.

4. Give the beer a good sniff and note the aroma.

5. Taste the beer and judge its drinkability.

6. Discuss the beer’s characteristics based on your tasting and its notes.

All-American Atmosphere and Decor

Pull out your patriotic decorations for this party and pay tribute to American brewers! Go for a sophisticated red, white and blue look for your tasting, rather than shiny stars and metallic fabrics.

American Décor Ideas:

"Old Glory" Napkins

• Glass beer mugs

• Plates, napkins, and tablecloths with an Old Glory motif

• Red, white and blue star-shaped candle torches

• Bunting over doorways or along the tables

• Zinc or metal tubs of ice to keep beer cold

• Classic red roses in vases around the party

The Best Beer Recipes

Almost as good as drinking beer is food made with beer! These saucy recipes are ideal for an indoor party and supreme at an outdoor event.

A beer tasting is a great activity for a summer party, outdoor barbeque, or most any occasion, and if you need specific ideas post a question in my Forum.