The craft beer scene has really exploded in recent years. The landscape is no longer dominated by a handful of brewery giants, and budding enthusiasts are more willing to try new concoctions from relatively unknown brewmasters. The sheer abundance of craft beer can be intimidating, though, particularly for those still developing a palate of their own. 

You may not be able to start appreciating the variety of beers overnight, but with some help, you'll be able to detect the differences between pilsners and Hefeweizens with ease.

The Basics of Beer Tasting 

The best way to get into craft beer is to break tasting into a few simple steps. The four criteria used by the Beer Judge Certification Program include appearance, aroma, mouthfeel, and overall impression, and the following tips will give you a sense for how they arrive at their conclusions. 

Observe

The first thing you should do after pouring your beer is to observe its appearance. Is it light and clear or does it have a thick, cloudy look? Did the head (foam) come out thick or thin? Take a note of these features and its overall consistency before moving on.  

Swirl & Smell

Next, you should agitate the beer with a few gentle swirls. Doing so will stimulate carbonation and release more of its aroma, allowing you to detect any slight nuances within. Breathe in quickly a couple of times before taking a stronger whiff. 

Explore the Taste

When taking your first sip, avoid the temptation to swallow right away. Allow the beer to glide over your taste buds, and don't forget to take the consistency into consideration. What flavors are dominant? Is it sweet, bitter, salty, or acidic? Letting your beer warm slightly will keep the cold from masking its true flavors, so your third or fourth sip could provide a few more flavor revelations.

Now that you have the basics down, it's time to start doing some judging of your own. Get together with friends, impart your newfound expertise, and let the flavors carry you away.

Wondering where to start with craft beer? Pritzl's Trading Post of Nekoosa, WI, has been providing locals with everything from groceries to hunting supplies since 1976, and you'll find exactly what you need in their new craft beer section. Head to their website for information on weekly specials and, and give them a call today at (715) 325-2281 to learn more.