How to enjoy a craft beer?
There are so many different types of craft beers that it can be difficult to know where to start. Do you prefer an IPA or a stout? A Belgian ale or a sour beer? If you’re new to the world of craft beer, tasting can be a little intimidating. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here’s Everything You Need to Know to Enjoy Craft Beer Like a Pro
The eye test
Before you even take a sip, it’s important to assess the appearance of your beer. Is it clear or cloudy? Light or dark? Hold your glass up to a light source and take a good look. Color can give you some clues about the type of flavors you can expect
Then take a quick sniff of the beer. You may notice fruity aromas, or perhaps hop notes. Again, this will give you an indication of the type of flavors you are going to taste
The taste test
Now let’s move on to the most important part: the tasting itself! Take a small sip of your beer and let it pass over your tongue. See if you can detect any sweet, sour, bitter or salty flavors. Also pay attention to the mouthfeel: is it thick or thin? Creamy or sparkling?
Finally, exhale through your nose while swallowing. This will help intensify the flavors and allow you to catch any subtle nuances you might have missed
Evaluate your reaction
Craft beer is a matter of personal preference as Jeremy from PepouzeBoissons.fr, so there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to what you should think of a particular beer. Let yourself be guided by what suits you best! However, if you want to dig deeper into understanding the flavors you taste, here are some terms you might find helpful
- Malta : beers containing a lot of malt tend to be sweet; those containing less malt are generally drier
- Hoppy : describes bitterness; IPAs are generally very hoppy while porters are sweeter
- Fruity : can refer to both actual fruit flavors and esters (flavor compounds) that mimic fruit
- Acid : Sour and tangy beers, like sour ales, often have a sour flavor.
- Rich in taste : Flavorful beers made with roasted malt often have notes of coffee or chocolate.
Conclusion & Opinion
Now that you know how to enjoy craft beer like a pro, it’s time to get out there and start exploring! With so many different styles and flavors, there is sure to be something that perfectly suits your taste buds. Cheers !