Guide To Tasting And Evaluating Beer part 2

Selection of Beers
A casual tasting will usually include a variety of styles with the beers tasted in "spectral" order, lightest to darkest, comparing beers of like type and character. A professional tasting evaluates one style of beer with up to ten different examples within that style.

Pouring the Beer
Approximately two fingers of foam at the finish of the pour is desired. Pour the beer gently into a tilted glass to determine the amount of carbonation then continue slowly or rapidly. Finish pouring with a straightening of the glass.

Recommended Temperatures
Pale Lagers 45 - 50°F.
Amber & Dark Lagers 50 - 55°F.
Pale Ales 50 - 55°F.
Dark Ales & Stouts 55 - 60°F.

Glassware
Sure, there's a marketing component to beer glassware, but one only needs to look beyond the branding to discover that something bigger is taking place. As soon as the beer hits the glass, its color, aroma and taste is altered, your eye candy receptors tune in, and your anticipation is tweaked. Hidden nuances, become more pronounced, colors shimmer, and the enjoyment of the beer simply becomes a better, more complete, experience.
Studies show that the shape of glassware will impact head development and retention. Why is this important? The foam created by pouring a beer acts as a net for many of the volatiles in a beer. What's a volatile? Compounds that evaporate from beer to create its aroma, such as hop oils, all kinds of yeast fermentation byproducts like alcohol, fusels and fruity esters, spices or other additions. So a glass that promotes a healthy foam head may enhance the trapping of certain volatiles. And as varying levels of head retention and presentation are desired with different styles of beers, different styles of glassware should be used accordingly. Presentation marries science.

Flute Glass

Enhances and showcases carbonation. Releases volatiles quickly for a more intense upfront aroma.
Bock, Czech Pilsner, Euro Strong Lager, Gueuze, Lambic…



Goblet or Chalice

Designed to maintain head. Wide-mouthed for deep sips.
Belgian IPA, Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Dubbel, Quadrupel, Tripel…




Mug or Stein

Easy to drink out of. Holds plenty of volume.
Amber, Blonde & Brown Ales, Porter, Stout, IPA…




Pilsner Glass

Showcases color, clarity and carbonation. Promotes head retention. Enhances volatiles.
Czech Pilsner & Lagers




Pint Glass

Most English, Scottish, Irish and American Ales & Lagers. Preferred glassware of Pubs especially for beers on tap.




Snifter

Captures and enhances volatiles.
Belgian Ales, Quadrupel, Old Ales, Gueuze, Lambic, Imperial Stouts and Barley Wines




Tulip

Captures and enhances volatiles, while it induces and supports large foamy heads.
Strong Belgian Ales, Quadrupel, Gueuze, Lambic…




Weizen Glass

Specifically produced to take on volume and head, while locking in the banana-like and phenol aromas associated with the style.
Wheat Beers



Oversized Wine Glass

Allows for headspace, while the open bowl creates an amazing nose.
See Snifter for beer types

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