Hey there, beer lovers! Robert Kline here, your friendly neighborhood art aficionado, but today, we’re trading paintbrushes for pints! With the world turned upside down, we’re all looking for ways to connect and what better way than over a shared love of craft beer? That’s right, we’re diving deep into the world of virtual beer tastings – a safe and exciting way to explore the vast universe of brews from the comfort of your own home.
Whether you’re a seasoned hop-head or just dipping your toes into the world of craft brews, I’m here to guide you through crafting an unforgettable virtual tasting experience. So, gather your friends, fire up those webcams, and get ready for a journey of flavor!
Crafting Your Virtual Tasting Flight: Choosing the Right Beers
Picking the right beers for your virtual tasting is like selecting colors for your artistic masterpiece – it requires a bit of science, a dash of artistry, and a whole lot of personal preference!
Remember, the goal is to have fun and explore! There are no hard and fast rules, but here are a few approaches to get those creative juices flowing:
1. Light to Dark: A Classic Approach
This is a tried-and-true method often seen in breweries. Start with a light, crisp beer like a Pilsner, gradually moving towards darker, more robust styles like Amber Ales, Brown Ales, Porters, and finally, the mighty Stout. This progression allows your palate to acclimate and appreciate the nuances of each beer. Plus, it makes for some pretty awesome Instagram-worthy photos!
2. ABV Ascending: A Gradual Ascent
Similar to the light-to-dark approach, this method focuses on gradually increasing the alcohol content as you progress through the tasting. Begin with a lower ABV beer, like a refreshing English Ale, and culminate with a potent Imperial Russian Stout or a complex Belgian Quad. Remember to pace yourself – you’ll be enjoying a whole flight, not just a single beer!
3. Bitterness Unveiled: Taming the IBU
Bitterness, measured in International Bitterness Units (IBUs), can significantly impact your tasting experience. Starting with a high IBU beer can overwhelm your palate, making it difficult to fully appreciate the subsequent brews. A good rule of thumb is to start with cleaner, crisper beers and gradually introduce those hoppy, more bitter varieties. Keep in mind, though, that perceived bitterness can vary – a Russian Imperial IPA might surprise you with its sweetness despite having a high IBU!
Curating Your Beer Tasting Lineup: Some Flavorful Ideas
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore some fun and exciting themes for your virtual beer tasting:
1. Brewery Showcase: A Virtual Tour
Choose a local brewery and showcase their finest offerings. Most craft breweries have diverse selections, spanning various styles and flavors. Reach out to them in advance – they might even have recommendations or special tasting packs available!
2. Style Showdown: A Battle of the Brews
Are you a die-hard IPA fan or a Stout aficionado? Pick a specific style and compare offerings from different breweries. How do they differ in aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel? This is a fantastic way to deepen your understanding and appreciation for your favorite beer styles.
3. Around the World in 80…Beers: A Global Adventure
Embark on a global beer expedition by focusing on different brewing traditions. Explore the crisp lagers of Germany, the malty ales of England, or the fruity, spicy brews of Belgium. Each tradition boasts a rich history and unique approach to crafting beer – get ready for an eye-opening experience!
4. Seasonal Sensations: Tapping into the Time of Year
Embrace the flavors of the season! Springtime calls for refreshing Irish Ales, hoppy IPAs, and crisp Pilsners, while fall brings forth hearty Pumpkin Ales, spicy Winter Warmers, and rich Imperial Stouts. Check what’s in season and build your tasting around these limited-time offerings.
5. Style Sleuths: Testing Your Beer IQ
Think you can tell a Blonde Ale from a Pilsner or a Dunkel from a Brown Ale? Put your beer knowledge to the test by selecting beers with similar flavor profiles but different origins or brewing techniques. This theme challenges your palate and deepens your understanding of subtle nuances between seemingly similar styles.
6. Vertical Tasting: A Journey Through Time
This is for the true beer connoisseur! A vertical tasting involves sampling the same beer across different years or batches. This allows you to experience how a specific beer ages, evolves, and develops over time. While this requires some planning and access to aged beers, it’s an incredibly rewarding and educational experience.
Ready to Get Your Virtual Beer Tasting Started?
Hosting a virtual beer tasting is a fantastic way to connect with friends, explore new flavors, and expand your beer knowledge – all from the comfort of your couch! Remember, the most important ingredient is to have fun, be creative, and enjoy the experience.
For more tips on organizing your virtual beer tasting, check out my blog post on Conducting a Beer Tasting During the Coronavirus Lockdown and download our Virtual Lockdown Beer Tasting Guide for detailed information on serving, evaluating, and appreciating your beers.
Don’t forget to share your tasting adventures with me! Post your tasting notes, photos, and favorite discoveries on social media and be sure to tag Robert Kline Art! Cheers to good beer and even better company!