How to Host the Best Beer Tasting Party

Post-roundup, I like to provide one final “capstone” beer, as a reward for everyone’s efforts. This is also a great time to serve heavy hors d’oeuvres or a sit-down meal, to let everyone process the alcohol they’ve been consuming and soak up some of that ABV. Now that protecting palates isn’t a concern, you can order out for those wings ‒ or show off your culinary skills, especially if you can serve dishes that were made using some of the beers everyone just tasted.

Be prepared to accept the universal praise and admiration of all in attendance, declaring that you’ve put on the best beer tasting party they’ve ever experienced.

Wrapping Up

On a very serious but necessary note, it is imperative that you approach this kind of event with a responsible attitude. From planning, to invitations, to the execution itself, remind yourself that this is a beer tasting event, not a beer drinking event. Water and food will help keep things under control, but you should also be actively monitoring pour sizes and consumption rates. Back-loading activities to give everyone time to work off their buzz is a good idea, but also be prepared to provide guests with car service numbers, arrange a ride-share pickup or (if it’s evening) provide a bed for the night. Make sure that everyone knows they’re welcome to stay, and don’t allow anyone to leave if they appear even mildly intoxicated.

Beer tasting parties are a fantastic way to make learning about beer fun and engaging, and once your last guest has departed or bedded down, there’s one more thing you need to do. Remember that spare can/bottle you held back, one from each beer offered? Now is the time to pop open your favorite beer from the day and enjoy the satisfaction of a party well planned!