The Art of Craft Beer Tasting – A Guide to Different Types, Styles and Flavour Combinations

If you’re looking to take your beer-drinking game to the next level, then craft beer tasting is an art that you need to master. With so many options of different types, styles and flavours, figuring it all out can seem a bit daunting at first – but fear not!

In this guide, we’ll walk through some key things to keep in mind when taking that first sip, as well as introduce you to some distinct categories and varieties for every kind of craft beer aficionado. So sit back (responsibly), crack open your favourite brew and let’s explore the wonderful world of craft beer tasting!

Understanding the basics

Before we dive into the different types and styles of beer, it’s important to understand the basics of beer. Beer is made up of four main ingredients: water, malted barley, hops, and yeast. Water is the foundation of beer and affects the overall flavour. Malted barley is responsible for the colour and sweetness of the beer. Hops are added to balance the sweetness of the malted barley and provide bitterness. Yeast is responsible for fermenting the sugars in the beer, which produces alcohol.

The different types of beer

When it comes to beer, there are many different types to choose from. Each type of beer has its own unique flavour profile and brewing process. Here are the five main types of beer:

  1. Ales

Ales are fermented at warmer temperatures and are known for their fruity, complex flavours. They are brewed with a type of yeast that floats on top of the beer during fermentation, which gives them their signature flavour. Ales come in many different styles, including pale ale, amber ale, and brown ale.

  1. Lagers

Lagers are fermented at cooler temperatures and are known for their clean, crisp taste. They are brewed with a type of yeast that sinks to the bottom of the beer during fermentation. Lagers are the most widely consumed beer in the world and come in many different styles, including pilsner, bock, and Oktoberfest.

  1. Stouts and Porters

Stouts and porters are dark beers with a roasted flavour. They are made with roasted malts, which give them their dark colour and rich flavour. Stouts are typically brewed with a higher alcohol content than porters and are known for their bold, complex flavour.

  1. Sour Beers

Sour beers are tart and acidic, and are brewed with a type of yeast that produces lactic acid during fermentation. They are often aged in oak barrels, which gives them a unique flavour profile. Sour beers come in many different styles, including lambic, gueuze, and Flanders red ale.

  1. IPAs

IPAs, or India Pale Ales, are known for their hoppy, bitter taste. They were originally brewed in England and were shipped to India during colonial times. The high alcohol content and hoppy flavour helped to preserve the beer during the long voyage. IPAs come in many different styles, including American IPA, English IPA, and double IPA.

No matter what type of beer you prefer, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you prefer a crisp lager or a bold IPA, there is a beer out there for everyone.

Craft Beer Tasting

Craft Beer Tasting

The beer styles

In the beer world, there are countless styles to try, each with its own distinct taste and preparation techniques.

  • Belgian Beer Styles

Belgian beers are known for their complex flavours and aromas. They are brewed using a wide range of ingredients, including fruits, spices, and herbs. Belgian beers come in many different styles, including witbier, saison, dubbel, tripel, and quadrupel. These beers are often highly carbonated and have a fruity or spicy flavour.

  • German Beer Styles

German beers are known for their crisp, clean taste and are brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot, or German Purity Law. This law states that beer can only be made with four ingredients: water, hops, malted barley, and yeast. German beers come in many different styles, including pilsner, hefeweizen, dunkel, and bock. These beers are often highly carbonated and have a malty, grainy flavour.

  • American Beer Styles

American beers are known for their bold flavours and aromas. They are brewed using a wide range of ingredients, including hops, fruits, and spices. American beers come in many different styles, including pale ale, IPA, amber ale, and porter. These beers are often highly carbonated and have a hoppy, fruity or malty flavour.

  • British Beer Styles

British beers are known for their balance of malt and hops, and are often less carbonated than other beer styles. They come in many different styles, including bitter, mild, brown ale, and stout. British beers often have a smooth, creamy texture and a malty, nutty or chocolatey flavour.

The art of tasting

When tasting craft beer, there are a few things to keep in mind.

  • First, it’s important to use the right glassware. Different styles of beer require different glasses to enhance their flavour and aroma.
  • Temperature and serving are also important factors to consider. Most craft beer should be served between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Finally, pouring techniques can affect the overall taste of the beer. Pouring too aggressively can cause excessive foam, while pouring too slowly can result in a flat beer.

The different flavour combinations

Pairing beer with food can enhance the flavour of both the beer and the food. When pairing beer and food, it’s important to balance flavours. Here are some examples of flavour pairings:

  • A citrusy IPA pairs well with spicy foods such as Mexican or Thai dishes.
  • A sweet Belgian tripel pairs well with rich, creamy dishes such as mac and cheese or risotto.
  • A malty brown ale pairs well with grilled meats such as steak or burgers.
  • A sour beer pairs well with tangy foods such as pickles or sauerkraut.
  • A smoky porter pairs well with barbecue dishes such as ribs or pulled pork.

Understanding flavour combinations is key to enjoying the full range of tastes and aromas that beer has to offer. Balancing flavours, matching beer with food, and experimenting with flavour pairings are all important aspects of beer tasting.

The art of tasting craft beer is an interesting and satisfying journey through a world of flavour and complexity. By understanding more about its various types, styles and flavours, you can begin to explore the many varieties of craft beer that are out there to be discovered.

So grab yourself a pint or two and discover why craft beer is one of life’s great pleasures. Cheers to the art of tasting craft beer!