Wine tasting parties and wine tasting at vineyards have been well established for a long time. But what about beer tasting? There is not a lot of information available regarding how to plan a beer tasting party. This page will be of assistance and help guide pro's and newbies in the beer tasting world. Beer tastings are wonderful for a get-together with friends. http://www.celebrations.com/article/beer-tasting-party-imported-beer

Wine tasting events, which most adults have attended at some time or another, are fairly regulated “formula” affairs. http://www.microbrewery-mgi.com/articles/beer-tasting-events/index.php Not so beer tasting parties. No one tastes, swirls and spits at a beer tasting party. It’s three ounces of brew down the hatch. http://www.sallybernstein.com/beverages/beer/beer_tasting.htm

Just as the world of wine has progressed and people have become interested in trying new offerings, microbrews have awakened the beer-drinking community. Since the 1980’s, there has been a renewed interest in fine-quality beers and how to hand-craft them.http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/08/0808_oregonbrewing.html There is an increased awareness of beers like porters, pale ales and barley wine.

Domestic microbrews are something to be proud of – very American and full of flavor. The microbreweries are small operations across America, making what is known as crafted or hand-crafted beer. They have adopted the ingredients and techniques of many old-country brewmeisters, and the resulting offerings have received accolades galore. http://www.cheapbeerkits.com/2009/04/beer-tasting-party-how-to-host-one.html

This informative page will help you base your beer tasting party around one central theme – domestic microbrews.

First, it’s time for a little math. Beer tastings suggest three ounces of each beer offered. Based on a 12-ounce beer bottle, if a guest has three ounces each of eight different beers, that’s 24 ounces of beer – the equivalent of two 12-ounce bottles of beer. There’s just one catch – the alcohol content. Bud Light is about 4.2% alcohol by volume (ABV). By contrast, Sam Adam’s Triple Bok is 17.5. http://www.realbeer.com/edu/health/calories2.php It’s not hard to determine that the triple bok has more than four times the ABV content of the Bud. Alcohol percentages in wine do not vary as widely. This exercise is just to point out that it’s wise to check the alcohol content of what you are serving so that your guests will make it through the party!

Here are some specific suggestions for what to serve at your microbrew tasting party. You may have ideas of your own, but if you are new to the expanded beer scene, these might prove helpful!

Beer Number 1 – Lager. Start light. Yes, by definition, many of the beers we are accustomed to are lagers (Bud, Miller), but lager describes a way to make beer, not the brand. Start off with a nice handcrafted lager. It’s far more malty and flavorful than our highly processed major commercial offerings. Est 6% ABV

Beer Number 2 – Hefeweizen. An unfiltered wheat beer, it’s not uncommon to find it on tap in many restaurants these days, so some of your guests may already be familiar with it. Because it is unfiltered, it has a beautiful light pale yellow color, but is not transparent. It is an ale, but with a very high content of wheat which gives the beer a crisp, refreshing taste. Est. 5.0%ABV http://beeradvocate.com/articles/270

Beer Number 3 – Pale Ale. Also gaining significantly popularity and frequently found on tap, pale ale is next on your list. Again, many of your guests may have tried it and loved it, but many have not. It has a very clean taste, and is a bit heavier that a wheat beer. Est. 5.50% ABV.

Beer Number 4 – Amber Ale. Not as heavy as a dark ale. May appear reddish in color. Malty rather than hoppy (refers to the flavor of the hops used in the brewing process). Est. 5.50% ABV http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/128

Beer Number 5 – India Pale Ale (IPA). Even though the golden color, is lighter than an amber ale, the flavor is emphatic. You can taste the hops, and some describe the flavor as a bit bitter, which is a plus in this type of beer. Est. 6.7% ABV. http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/116/

Beer Number 6 – Porter. This is a dark beer, rich in flavor with sweet overtones and a very creamy “head.” Est. 5.6 ABV. http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/28/61

Beer Number 7 – Imperial Stout. This is a dark, strong beer. Stouts are said to have a roasted malt flavor with hints of bourbon. The alcohol content is higher than the 6 previous beers. Est. 9.0% ABV http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/84/

Beer Number 8 – Barley Wine (or Barleywine). This is one of the strongest most complex styles of beer. It is sometimes said that the name comes from the fact that even though it is technically a beer, its alcohol content is closer to that of wine. The alcohol in the beer can definitely be detected when you sip it. Est. 10% ABV http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/870/2874

For each beer, we’ll suggest one or two food items.

Lager: Bruschetta or similar appetizers. http://www.beertown.org/education/pairing.html

Hefeweizen: Light cheese, salad. http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/drinking/beer/beerpairings

Pale Ale: Sausage, all kinds. http://www.tastings.com/beer/beer_and_food.html

Amber Ale: Pizza. http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/drinking/beer/beerpairings

India Pale Ale: Seafood - smoked, boiled, steamed or broiled. http://www.beertravelers.com/lists/pairings.html

Porter: Barbecue. Here’s a nice opportunity for some ribs. http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/drinking/beer/beerpairings

Imperial stout: Chocolate. Imperial stout pairs especially well with dark chocolate. http://www.tastings.com/beer/beer_and_food.html

Barleywine – Stilton (strong cheese) or serve it alone or with a cigar. http://www.beertravelers.com/lists/pairings.html

If you put all of these the food items together, you actually have a great party menu for your guests.

Lemons - It might be a thought to have some sliced lemons handy. Some people prefer their Hefeweizen with a slice of lemon. Present them in a bowl so your guests have a choice.

Glasses – The suggestions for the quantity of each beer you are serving varies quite a bit – from two and a half ounces, to five ounces. Three ounces seems to get the most votes. So, find small glasses that you like that will hold three ounces of beer plus enough room for the head – four ounces total. You will need one for each guest, plus a water glass to “clean the palate” between beers. That is, wash the glass and/or have a sip of water. For this reason, provide rinse buckets. http://www.sallybernstein.com/beverages/beer/beer_tasting.htm

Scoring Sheets – These are optional, but a good beer party activity. There are so many variations, that it might be best just to keep it simple. It’s a party, not a judging contest after all. http://www.northamericanbrewers.org/howtohold.htm Make a list of all the beers you served and their breweries. Also the food you chose to serve with them. Then, simply leave enough room for guests to make notes. They can jot down what they personally liked or didn’t like, for future reference.

Décor – Since this party features crafted beers from microbreweries, and is in honor of the American artisan, you might consider the good old USA for your party colors: red, white and blue. http://www.celebrations.com/article/beer-tasting-party-domestic-beers If you search the Internet, you can find four-ounce beer sampler mugs to go with your Americana theme. Guests may take them home as party favors.