What's On Tap
When you’re trying a beer for the first time, your senses have a lot to take in. What does it smell like? What does it look like? What do your taste buds experience with that first sip and beyond? What do you like and dislike?
It’s fun – both for craft beer beginners and long-time enthusiasts – to take tasting notes when you drink new beers to record all of these impressions. This action helps you notice a beer’s unique characteristics and hone your palate.
How you decide to keep your tasting notes mostly comes down to personal preference – there’s no wrong way to do it. Some craft beer drinkers keep a list on their smart phones or in a small notebook. Some jot down notes on napkins or receipts as they go. Some even start craft beer blogs to share their discoveries with others.
Here are a few tips as you get started on taking tasting notes. Keep these five characteristics in mind for each beer you taste, and write down brief notes on each category.
1. Appearance
Bring your glass up to eye level. What color is the beer? Is it clear or cloudy? What kind of head retention does it display? What else is noteworthy about its appearance?
Examples of tasting notes:
Amber, hazy, golden, dark brown, foamy, creamy
2. Aroma
Swirl your glass and breathe deeply, getting a good whiff of the beer before you take your first sip. What does the beer smell like? What hops, malt, yeast or other aromatics jump out at you?
Examples of tasting notes:
Chocolaty, floral, spicy, toasted, funky
3. Flavor
Take a sip of the beer and let it warm in your mouth before you swallow. What are your first taste impressions? How does the flavor compare to the aroma? Are there any dominating flavors? Is it balanced?
Examples of tasting notes:
Sweet, smoky, earthy, full-bodied, hoppy
4. Mouthfeel
Take another drink and sit with the flavors that build on your palate. What texture does it have? What sensations are strongest? Is it carbonated? Acidic? Light- or full-bodied?
Examples of tasting notes:
Crisp, smooth, carbonated, flat, watery
5. Overall Impression
Consider the overall tasting experience, and write down your evaluation. What did you enjoy? What did you not? How would you describe this beer to a friend?
Examples of tasting notes:
Well-balanced, refreshing, overly sour, bold, malty