Introduction
Organising a beer tasting evening is much more than just a simple gathering with friends. It is a genuine sensory adventure and a convivial experience that allows you to discover the subtleties of this ancient beverage. Whether you are a fan of craft beers, Trappist ales, or flavoured brews, good organisation is essential for the magic to happen. Ready to tantalise your guests' taste buds? Here’s how to create an unforgettable event, from choosing the beers to setting the musical atmosphere, including the ideal glassware and perfect food pairings.
Preparing the tasting evening
1. Define the concept and theme of the tasting
A tasting can be general (a world tour of beers, for example) or more specialised: French IPAs, abbey ales, Belgian lambics, or even a vertical tasting of beers from the same brewery over several years. The theme will influence the choice of beers, the atmosphere, and even the culinary accompaniments. It is also possible to organise a blind tasting, where guests must guess the styles or dominant aromas. Alternatively, you could hold a competition evening with votes to elect the best brew of the night.
2. Choose the date and establish the schedule
You should plan the date well in advance so that all guests can arrange their schedules. A Friday or Saturday evening is ideal to avoid guests having to get up early the next day. In terms of timing, it is better to avoid starting too late. Plan for an early evening start around 7 or 8 PM, with the first half-hour dedicated to welcoming guests and providing explanations. After that, allow approximately 10 to 15 minutes per beer sampled (6 to 8 beers being a good average). Add in some breaks, a few games, discussions... and you have an event lasting 3 to 4 hours without any boredom.
3. Select the ideal venue for the event
A cosy lounge, a garden in summer, a vaulted cellar, or even a hired room for the occasion: what matters is that the venue is suitable for the number of participants and the desired atmosphere. It should allow for a good layout of tables to facilitate interaction and tasting. Ensure there is sufficient lighting to observe the colour of the beers, but also a dim atmosphere to maintain a relaxed vibe. An outdoor space is a bonus, especially if some wish to take breaks in the fresh air between drinks.
4. Compile the guest list and send out invitations
A tasting evening is well-suited to a small group: between 6 and 12 people is ideal. Once the guest list is confirmed, prepare thoughtful invitations, whether by message, email, or printed card. Don’t forget to include: the date, time, location, theme of the tasting, and any specific instructions.
5. Consider the ambiance : music, lighting, and decoration
A well-thought-out atmosphere makes all the difference. A chill playlist in the background, soft lighting, a few fairy lights, and you're all set! Remember to decorate according to the theme: personalised coasters, brewery posters, barrels as coffee tables… The lighting should be sufficient to appreciate the colour of the beers, but not too harsh. The music, on the other hand, should remain discreet to encourage conversation and focus on the aromas.
Selecting the beers to taste
Vary the styles : blonde, brown, IPA, stout, etc.
A successful tasting involves a lovely diversity of beer styles. Start with light beers like a wheat beer or a blonde, then build up with an amber, a well-hopped IPA, a porter, and finally a stout or a stronger Trappist.
Don't limit yourself to a single origin. A Belgian wheat beer, an American IPA, a Quebec saison, a lambic gueuze… each region has its gems. The idea is to explore varied styles : sour, bitter, fruity, spicy, smoky. This will allow everyone to discover their preferences while learning to identify flavours.
And if you want to impress, include a flavoured beer (red fruits, citrus, coffee…) or a beer aged in oak barrels. These original touches will add an unexpected dimension to the tasting.
Choosing between brewery, microbrewery, or craft beers
The origin of the beers is just as important as their style. Craft breweries or microbreweries often offer original beers, created with passion and attention to detail. They are generally more creative than industrial beers, both in terms of recipes and fermentation processes. Supporting local or regional beers can also be a great opportunity to highlight the expertise of brewers near you.
The importance of serving temperature
The serving temperature greatly influences the perception of aromas. A beer served too cold will have its flavours numbed, while a beer that is too warm may taste thick or aggressive. Here are some useful guidelines :
- Light blonde beers : between 5 and 7 °C
- Amber beers or IPAs : between 8 and 10 °C
- Brown beers, Trappist or stouts : between 10 and 13 °C
- Flavoured beers or lambics : between 6 and 9 °C
It is advisable to take the bottles out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving or to chill them in an ice bucket with a water-ice mixture.
Preparing the necessary equipment
Glasses suited to each style of beer
The choice of glass is essential for a successful tasting. Each type of beer reveals its aromas better in a specific container. Here are some recommendations:
- Tulip glasses : ideal for strong Belgian beers (Trappist, Abbey).
- Straight glasses : perfect for lagers, pilsners, and light beers.
- Balloon glasses : suitable for complex beers, such as IPAs or stouts.
- Pints : for amber beers, German beers.
- Tulip glasses : for sour beers or lambics.
Provide one glass per type of beer or an effective rinse between each tasting. The glass should be clean, free of soap residue, and slightly damp to better accommodate the foam.
Descriptive sheets and tasting notebooks
To make the experience more interactive and educational, distribute tasting sheets. They allow everyone to note the perceived characteristics: appearance, aroma, taste, bitterness, texture, overall score… You can print them out or create them by hand with a few simple columns.
Coolers, ice buckets and bottle openers
To keep the beers at the right temperature, especially in summer, provide several coolers filled with ice or ice buckets placed around the table. The bottle opener is the essential tool of the evening. Ensure you have several, especially if you are serving simultaneously.
Provide water and spittoons
Even though beer is the star of the evening, do not overlook the importance of water. Each guest should have a glass of water within reach to stay hydrated between tastings. This also helps to "cleanse" the palate and avoid palate fatigue.
Spittoons may seem a bit extreme, but in the context of a serious tasting (especially if you have planned numerous beers or strong styles), they allow you to taste without necessarily drinking everything. Place one or two on the table; it will be at each person's discretion.
Organisation of the Tasting Table
The layout of the table plays a central role in the tasting experience. Ideally, a round or oval table is best, as it encourages interaction. If you have a large group, opt for several small tables with a balanced distribution. Arrange the beers in the centre or on a nearby buffet, organised in the order of service planned. Add a descriptive sheet or a tasting journey card at each stage.
A well-thought-out table invites sharing, stimulates discussions, and facilitates the smooth running of the tasting.
Consider the Culinary Pairing
Cheeses and Charcuterie : The Essentials
For the cheeses, vary the delights: fresh goat cheese, matured camembert, fruity comté, strong blue… Each type of cheese pairs with a particular beer. A light white beer with goat cheese, an IPA with aged cheddar, a stout with blue… it’s pure bliss for the taste buds.
On the charcuterie side, think of cured ham, chorizo, herbed sausage, or rillettes. Brown or amber beers pair perfectly with smoky and savoury flavours. You can even plan for gourmet mini-sandwiches made from local produce. Arrange the accompaniments on wooden boards with a knife, fresh bread, and a few small skewers for serving. Simple and effective!
Dried fruits, nuts and tapas
In addition to the classics, add some bowls of dried fruits (raisins, figs, dates), nuts (pecans, cashews, roasted almonds), and cold tapas: marinated olives, artichokes, grilled peppers, or hummus. These little bites do not overwhelm the stomach but add a touch of indulgence and create a lovely balance with the beers.
IPAs pair well with the sweet-salty aspect of dried fruits, while sour beers (lambics, gueuze) provide a nice contrast with roasted nuts.
Bread, pretzels, crackers and nibbles
Savory nibbles such as rosemary crackers, small tapenade toasts, or pretzels are ideal for accompanying beer without overshadowing the aromas. Serve them in small bowls placed along the table.
Bread, especially when fresh and of good quality (such as country bread, nut bread, wholemeal bread), is a great ally for resting the palate between tastings. It also allows for a better appreciation of more intense flavours, particularly with brown or stout beers.
And if you enjoy cooking, why not prepare some homemade bites ? Mini cheese burgers, savoury beer muffins, or handmade oven-baked crisps can make quite an impression!
Conducting the tasting professionally
The order of tasting : from the lightest to the strongest
As with wine, the order of tasting affects the perception of aromas. One always starts with the lightest beers in taste (white, blonde) and progresses to the more powerful ones (brown, Trappist, stout). This helps to preserve the palate and better appreciate the subtleties of each style. Conversely, starting with a heavily hopped IPA or a robust stout can throw the rest off balance.
Ideal quantity per glass and rhythm to maintain
During a tasting evening, the goal is not to finish each glass but to savour each sip. A quantity of 10 to 15 cl per beer is more than sufficient to analyse the appearance, aromas, and texture. This also allows for tasting several beers without quickly reaching saturation.
The rhythm is equally important. Allow at least 10 to 15 minutes between each tasting. This provides time to discuss, note impressions, rinse the palate, and prepare for the next one. Too much consecutive tasting tires the palate and makes analysis more confusing.
A tip : set up a small signal (bell, music, animation) to mark the beginning of each new tasting. This adds rhythm to the evening and prevents discussions from overshadowing the tasting.
Explain the styles and share anecdotes
Every beer has a story to tell. Take a few minutes to introduce each style or brewery: geographical origin, production process, special ingredients, brewer anecdotes… This allows guests to immerse themselves in the world of each beer. These little stories make the tasting more lively, human, and help to enhance everyone's interest.
Interactions and fun activities
To maintain energy throughout the evening, propose a few simple and fun activities:
- Beer quiz : prepare questions about styles, producing countries, ingredients…
- Olfactory blind test : have participants guess common aromas (coffee, citrus, spices) using vials or ingredients.
- Recognition contest : blind tasting with identification of the style or brand.
- Vote for the best beer : each participant rates their favourites, and you elect the star of the evening.
These little games break the ice, create interaction, and bring a dose of laughter and friendly competition.
Conclusion
Organising a beer tasting evening is much more than just a gathering of friends : it’s a moment of sharing, learning, gustatory pleasure, and conviviality. By paying attention to every detail, you will transform a classic evening into an unforgettable experience.
Whether you are a novice or a knowledgeable enthusiast, the magic happens as soon as you take the time to taste, exchange, and savour the moment. So, are you ready to tantalise the taste buds of your guests?
FAQ
How many beers should be prepared for a tasting ?
Generally, 6 to 8 different beers are sufficient. Plan for about 10 to 15 cl per person and per beer to avoid overwhelming them.
What is the ideal duration of a tasting evening ?
Allow around 3 to 4 hours, including explanations, breaks, activities, and discussions.
Can a tasting be organised with non-alcoholic beers ?
Yes, there are now many high-quality non-alcoholic beers available. This is perfect for an inclusive tasting or for daytime events.
What glass should be used for each type of beer ?
A tulip glass for strong beers, a straight glass for lagers, a balloon glass for IPAs, and a tankard for amber beers. The important thing is that the glass is clean and suitable for the beer.
How can one effectively note the beers tasted ?
Use a sheet or a notebook. Note the appearance, aromas, texture, finish, and give an overall rating. Add your personal impressions to enrich the experience.
