Take flight! Have a Beer
Not into wine tasting? How about a beer tasting? Many craft breweries, pubs, and even some restaurants now offer “beer flights”. A beer flight is a tasting experience that allows beer enthusiasts to explore various beer styles, flavours, and aromas in a single sitting.
Origins
Beer flights actually harken back to the beginning of beer brewing, when beer was often consumed in small quantities to quench thirst or as part of a meal. The craft beer movement of the 1970s and 1980s brought beer flights to the forefront as a popular way to sample different types of beer.
The craft beer movement began with the desire to create unique and flavourful beer that was different from the mass-produced lagers and ales that dominated the market. Craft breweries were a local phenomenon often attached to the sustainability movement. Brewmasters began to experiment with different brewing techniques, ingredients, and styles, creating a wide variety of beer, each having unique flavours and characteristics.
To introduce their new beer and allow customers to sample them, craft breweries began offering beer flights. A typical beer flight consists of as few as three or as many as eight small glasses of beer. The number of beers included in a flight varies depending on the establishment. Customers can choose from a selection of beers and the samples are served in a specially designed wooden paddle or tray with small holes to hold the glasses securely.
Flights are often served with tasting notes or descriptions that provide information about each beer’s style, ingredients, and flavour profile. This helps drinkers understand and appreciate the various nuances and characteristics of each beer they are sampling.
Benefits of Beer Flights
Beer flights are now widely available in a variety of settings, providing an opportunity for customers to taste new beers without committing to full-sized servings.
Flights allow you to sample a variety of beer and discover new flavours and styles. This can be particularly beneficial if you are new to craft beer or if you are looking to expand your palate.
Beer flights also allow you to compare and contrast different beer types. By trying several beers side by side, you can pick up on subtle differences in flavour, aroma, and the feel of the beer on your tongue. This can be a great way to develop your beer tasting skills and become more knowledgeable about beer.
Finally, beer flights can be a fun and social way to enjoy beer with friends. By sharing a beer flight, you can try a variety of beers together and discuss or debate their flavours and characteristics. This can be a great way to bond over a shared interest in beer and to learn from each other’s perspectives and tasting experiences.
Creating Your Own Beer Flight
1. Select your beer
To create your beer flight, start by selecting beer in a variety of different styles, such as pale ales, stouts, lagers, or sour beers. This will allow you to compare and contrast and develop your understanding of beer. Be mindful of the alcohol content of each beer you choose, selecting a range of lighter through heavier beers.
Alternatively, you can choose beers from different breweries or regions to compare their unique characteristics.
2. Arrange your glassware
Once you have made your selection, pour a small amount (around 2-3 ounces) of each beer into a separate glass. Be sure to label each glass with the name of the beer and any other relevant information, such as the style or ABV (alcohol content).
3. Taste the beer
Start with the lightest or lowest ABV beer and work your way up to the heaviest or highest ABV beer. Starting with a lower ABV beer will help you pace yourself and avoid becoming too intoxicated.
When tasting your beer flight, it’s important to take your time and savor each beer. Take a sip of each beer and try to pick up on subtle flavours and aromas, and how the beer feels in your mouth. Pay attention to any other characteristics that stand out to you.
4. Take notes
You can use a tasting sheet or notebook to record your observations for each beer you’ve tasted so you can remember the individual beers and compare them later.
Again, start with lighter beer, such as lagers or pilsners, and work your way up to heavier beer like stouts or porters. This will help prevent your palate from becoming overwhelmed by strong flavours.
Beer tasting notes are an easy Google search away and easily created at home.
Whether you’re a seasoned beer drinker or new to the world of craft beer, sampling beer flights will greatly enhance the pub crawl experience or provide a unique twist on adult birthday gatherings.
Cheers!
