How To Throw a Beer-Tasting Party

Invite friends who drink beer. Buy your sampling beers using a seasonal theme, or pick an array of types, like imported beers versus domestic.

Designate drivers for guests and make your home available for sleepovers. Confiscate keys if you are concerned about someone’s sobriety.

Display bottles with labels exposed. Enlighten guests with your knowledge of beers or beer history as they evaluate what to try.

Give guests sheets of paper and pencils for scoring beer by taste, texture, and finish. If the party is a success, discussion of beer debates afterwards may be unfocused.

Set out three-ounce sample glasses for tasting and lager beer glasses for those who want more of one kind. It’s a party – don’t try to force anything on them.

Provide snacks such as crackers, mild cheeses, fresh fruits, and pate to clear the pallet between beer tasting.