Any tips on throwing a BEER TASTING party?

Question

I want to host a beer tasting party for my husband's birthday. I was thinking of doing it "bracket style" and having people sample two beers and choose one to move to the next round. Any ideas on how to make it "blind"? (bottles are so recognizable) Any other suggestions?

Answer 1

If you are trying to create a "winner" out of one of your beers, then I suppose the above tactic works. When I think of beer tasting I think of doing it a little differently, such as:

1. Have everyone bring a 6 pack of their favorite beer or,
2. Have everyone bring a 6 pack of their favorite beer from
a list of designated countries that you have provided for
them ahead of time. That way you won't get everyone
bringing the same thing.
3. Have them keep a note pad to score each beer they taste
in terms of depth, head, richness, carbonation, bouquet,
etc.
4. Tally up the votes at the end of the formal tasting and use
the results as part of the party conversation
5. Also include beer-friendly foods at various stations such
as:

1. Buffalo wings
2. nachos
3. various roasted nuts
4. sliced meats and cheeses
5. dips and chips
6. mini hot dogs in barbecue sauce
7. Summer sausage on skewers with cheddar cheese
cubes
8. Deviled eggs

Be sure and have bottled water, sodas, and coffee on hand as well. For dessert, try:

1. Biscotti
2. Brownies
3. Cookies

Have fun and don't let anyone leave drunk!

Answer 2

I would go into a specialty liquor store to see if you can find some exotic beers. There should be someone there who is a beer fanatic and can help you pick out some really good unusual beers. You definitely want to start with the lightest and work your way up to darker beers. If you want to make it exotic, serve an appetizer from the country the beer is from. For example, serve California rolls with Asahi, or some grilled shrimp with chimichurri sauce with Xingu (a dark beer from Brazil). Get creative. There is a beer that is called Young's Double Chocolate Stout that you can really taste the chocolate in. Try pouring a little over vanilla ice cream; it's actually really good!

The bracket idea is good if you want to have a winner or most popular at the end. Small clear plastic cups are a good way for your guests to see the beers while they taste them. Remember that at a tasting, you should only need a small amount of beer (a couple of sips) for each guest, so one beer should be enough. Stores like Cost Plus will sell just one beer.

Answer 3

Put them in clear cups and write a number on the bottom of the cup.

The best way to do it is to start with the lightest and work your way to the darkest. If you start with the strongest beer first you wont really be able to taste the light beer. Make people rate the beer on color, aroma, head, and tastes. Keep a glass of water near by so people can rinse their pallet.

Good luck and have fun :)

Answer 4

Get the *unusual* brands.. and so what if they know the name?? Just a benefit of having an experimental taste bud.. lol
Unless there is a big prize at the end of all of it.. Just let them have fun with it..

You could give everyone their own plastic glass then you wrap the bottle in a towel and do the pouring.. this way it would cover up so they could not see size or shape of the bottle

WHICH EVER
Sew Just Have Fun

Answer 5

Hide the bottles behind boxes and use small dixie cups. actually i'd use the dixie cups anyway, if you're tasting a large amount of beer, and you want to get the most variety, you'll serve it in smaller portions anyway.

Have fun!

Answer 6

I had an "exotic beer" party once. Got beer from all over...Japan, Australia, Mexican etc. Everyone loved it b/c they got to taste something other than Buds.

Answer 7

provide various snacks from popcorn to pretzels dips instead of bottles try cans for ur beer if your lucky see if u can find somebody locally who brewas their own beer and the best gift for him would b his own stuff to start makin his own beer at home or a keg using a pump of his favorite sports team keg gets empty return for a refill to keep al that beer cold use ur spare bathtub as a big ice bucket or grab a kids plastic wading pool filled with ice enjoy drink responsibly have designated drivers

Answer 8

yes indeed i have one tip. turn it in to a beer drinking party instead. or maybe a beer chugging party. beer shooters party?

Answer 9

lots and lots of different types of beer are always a plus with me. and if you dont want to show the bottles or use them try frosty glass muggs, thier always good for enjoying a good beer!!!!!

Answer 10

dont do it!