Hey there, beer lovers! Robert Kline here, your guide to all things craft and creativity. With the world turned upside down lately, we’ve all had to find new ways to enjoy old pleasures. For many of us, that includes exploring the incredible world of craft beer from the comfort of home.
That’s why I’m excited to share my tips on creating the perfect virtual beer tasting flight! It’s a fantastic way to connect with friends, expand your palate, and support your local breweries, all in one delicious experience.
Choosing Your Beers: Where Art Meets Science
Picking the right beers for your tasting flight is crucial. Just like a well-curated art exhibit, you want a selection that’s both pleasing and thought-provoking.
While there are no hard and fast rules, there are a few guidelines that can enhance the tasting experience:
1. Light to Dark:
This classic approach, often seen in breweries, involves progressing from lighter-bodied beers to darker, more robust ones. Starting with a crisp Pilsner and working your way to a rich Stout ensures the flavors unfold gradually without being overwhelmed.
2. Alcohol By Volume (ABV):
Similar to the light-to-dark method, this approach involves gradually increasing the ABV of your beers throughout the tasting. Starting with a low-ABV session ale and ending with a high-ABV imperial stout allows you to appreciate the nuances of each beer without being overwhelmed by alcohol.
3. Bitterness:
Bitterness, measured in International Bitterness Units (IBUs), can linger on the palate and impact the taste of subsequent beers. Starting with lower IBU beers and moving towards more bitter options is generally recommended. However, keep in mind that IBU is not the only factor influencing perceived bitterness; other ingredients can play a role as well.
“When I’m planning a tasting flight,” says Sarah, a certified cicerone (beer expert), “I like to consider the overall balance of flavors. It’s like composing a symphony—you want each beer to have its moment to shine.”
Flight Plans: Crafting Your Tasting Experience
Now that you understand the basics, let’s get creative with some flight themes:
1. Brewery Flight:
This is a great option if you want to explore the range of a specific brewery. Choose a selection of their flagship beers or a mix of styles that pique your interest.
2. Style Comparison:
Are you a hop head or a stout enthusiast? Compare and contrast different breweries’ interpretations of your favorite style. You might be surprised by the variations you discover!
3. Country or Tradition of Origin:
Take a journey through the world of beer by focusing on a specific country or brewing tradition. From German lagers to Belgian ales, the possibilities are endless!
4. Seasonal Specialties:
Embrace the flavors of the season with a flight dedicated to springtime brews, pumpkin ales, or winter warmers.
5. Similar Styles, Side-by-Side:
Challenge your palate by comparing beers that share flavor profiles but hail from different brewing traditions. Can you discern the subtle differences between a Blonde Ale and a Pilsner?
6. Vertical Tasting:
For the true beer aficionado, a vertical tasting involves comparing the same beer across different vintages. This is a fascinating way to experience how a beer evolves over time.
Sharing the Experience: Let’s Get Social!
A virtual beer tasting is more fun when shared with friends. Use video conferencing platforms to connect with fellow beer enthusiasts, share your thoughts on each beer, and compare notes.
Remember to document your experience on social media! Post pictures of your tasting setup, share your tasting notes, and tag your favorite breweries. Use hashtags like #virtualbeertasting and #lockdownbeertasting to connect with other beer lovers.
Cheers to Creativity and Craft!
Creating the perfect virtual beer tasting flight is an art form in itself. Don’t be afraid to experiment, be adventurous with your choices, and most importantly, have fun with it!
For more tips on hosting a virtual beer tasting, download the Robert Kline Art Virtual Lockdown Beer Tasting Guide.
Now go forth, my fellow beer lovers, and create your own masterpiece of a tasting flight! I can’t wait to hear about your experiences. Cheers!