Beer Tasting Party: Imported Beer

By Jeanne Benedict
Beer Stein
What could be better than a frosty stein filled with imported beer at a get-together with great friends? For a cool cocktail party, host an Imported Beer Tasting Party and introduce guests to German lagers, ales from Belgium, or a Czech Pilsner. Taste the nuances that differentiate one country’s brew from another’s while feasting on hearty regional cuisine.

Read all about a Domestic Beer Tasting with patriotic décor for a variation on this party.

Beer Styles

HopsHow Beer is Brewed

1. The brewing process for lager and ale begins with a grain, such as barley, which is “malted,” meaning that it “sprouts” in moisture and is then dried.

2. Hot water is combined with the malt and other grains to produce a mash.

3. The mash is boiled and hops (pictured) are added. Hops are flowers that give beer its predominate flavor.

4. Ingredients such as fruit, spices, or honey are sometimes added during the boiling process to offset the bitter malt taste and give the brew its character.

5. The mixture cools and is transferred into a fermenter. Brewer’s yeast is added and the brew ferments into beer.

Beer is a fermented beverage brewed in vats or casks. The two main categories that define most beer are lager and ale. The distinction between the categories is based on how the beer is brewed and how the yeast ferments.

Lager – Ferments at a lower temperature than ale and the yeast settles on the bottom of the brewing vessel. A longer brewing process than ale produces fewer by-products and results in a smooth, mild flavor. Types of lager include:

  • Pilsner
  • Dopplebocks
  • Oktoberfests

Ale – Ferments at a higher temperature than lager, making the process quicker (about a week or less), and the yeast rises to the top of the brew. The by-product of ale’s yeast is called “esters” which produce aromas of fruit and flowers. Types of ale include:

  • Porters
  • Stouts

Bavarian Beer Garden Atmosphere and Decor

Beer Garden at Oktoberfest

Create the atmosphere of a Bavarian Biergarten (beer garden) for your party. Germany is famous for its open-air gardens where patrons sit on picnic tables and enjoy their beer in huge steins.

Tablescape

Add European charm to your party tables with this centerpiece:

  • Place a small window box in the center of the table
  • Add colorful pots of flowers into the box such as geraniums
  • Use napkins or linens that match your flower colors

Setting Up Your Beer Tasting Station

Showcase a variety of beer importers when selecting the beverages for your tasting. Follow these tips for a well-rounded experience:

From Lagers to Ales
  • Choose 5 beers from 5 different countries. Vary beer styles from light ales to dark lagers.
  • Set bottles of beer up along the table from light to dark.
  • Place enough steins or pilsner 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 your beer and a description of the beer styles on note cards to help guests distinguish each brew’s unique quality.

Tasting the Beer

Beer Tasting Suggestions

Belgium – Orval Trappist Ale

England – Fuller's London Porter

Ireland – Guinness Extra Stout (Original)

Czech Republic – Premium Lager Kláster Svetlý Special 14%

Germany – Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock

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

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.

Brats, Bangers and Mash!

Bavarian Food
Serve hearty regional cuisine by preparing my recipes and using the food suggestions below.

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.

 

 

Bavarian Pretzel Bar

Kick-off your beerfest with a Bavarian soft pretzel bar!

  • Buy soft pretzels from the freezer section of the grocery store
  • Heat pretzels according to package directions
  • Serve pretzels in baskets with cloth napkins to keep them warm (similar to bread)
  • Offer a variety of mustards, ranch dip, and spreadable cheese in small bowls for guests to dip their pretzels.

International Sausage Station

Set up your buffet with sausage varieties specific to different countries. Check online resources to find the following food items and more:

  • British Bangers
  • German Bratwurst & Knackwurst
  • Polish Kielbasa
  • Swiss Cervalet
  • Hot Dog Rolls
  • Toppings: sauerkraut, grilled onions, mustard, ketchup, relish

Potato Ways of the World

Irish Apple Mash

3 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon salt
2 large Red Delicious apples, peeled, diced
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons sugar
5 tablespoons butter, softened

Place potatoes and salt in large stockpot and cover with water. Bring water to boil over medium-high and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain potatoes in a colander.

Meanwhile, place apples, water, and sugar in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender, about 10 minutes.

Transfer potatoes into a large bowl and mash until smooth. Add apples and butter and beat until combined. Spoon into a large bowl and serve warm.

Makes about 8 servings

German Potato Salad

3 lbs. red potatoes, washed, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons grainy brown mustard
1/4 cup minced green onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Place potatoes in large stockpot and cover with water and 1 tablespoon salt. Bring water to boil over medium-high and cook until tender, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together oil, vinegar, mustard, green onion, dill, salt and pepper until combined.

Drain potatoes and place in a large bowl. Pour oil and vinegar mixture over hot potatoes and toss until potatoes are completely coated. Serve warm.

Makes about 8 servings

Czech Potato Salad

3 lbs. Yukon gold potatoes, peeled, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon brown mustard
3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1/3 cup chopped dill pickles
1/3 cup cooked peas
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Place potatoes in large stockpot and cover with water and 1 tablespoon salt. Bring water to boil over medium-high and cook until tender, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, mix together mayonnaise and mustard until combined.

Drain potatoes and place in a large bowl. Cool completely.

Toss potatoes with mayonnaise mixture, eggs, pickles, and peas until combined. Serve cool.

Makes about 8 servings



 

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