The craft beer movement is here. Breweries and brew shops have scattered across this great land, gracing us with the cold deliciousness of ales, and lagers, and more – oh my. With distinctive styles to choose from, and a diverse array of flavors, there is sure to be a beer somewhere in the universe that’s a perfect match for you.

If you don’t think you’re a beer person, it’s only because you haven’t found the right one yet. To newcomers, the craft beer world can appear difficult to navigate, and perhaps even feel a bit intimidating. If you’re completely new to beer and don’t even know the difference between an IPA and an APA, worry not. There is hope for you still.

To break the ice and experience all the joy that beer can offer, gather your favorite drinking buddies for a beer tasting party! This event is the perfect occasion to discover new and interesting beers, whether you’re already an avid beer enthusiast or don’t know the first thing about hops.

CREATE A GUEST LIST

Beer tasting is a wonderful thing, for people who like beer. This is not the occasion to invite your one friend who can’t live without Pinot Grigio, or anyone who would think to utter a word about calories. There is no wine in beer country. Or whining.

Remember to keep your guest list manageable, invite enough people that you can entertain and still be able to take part in the fun yourself. More importantly, think about who would be excited to share in a night of beer tasting with you.

Craft beers can get pricey. Determine your budget early and decide how much beer you can comfortably provide. If it’s something you can fund completely on your own, don’t hesitate to consider alternatives. I once attended a beer tasting party where guests were asked to bring $10 each and a dish of their choice to share. I had more beers than I knew what to do with, amazing food, and a great experience.

PICK A THEME

There’s a lot of beer out there, more than you will ever be able to sample in one night (please don’t try). Consider the time of year, the season, or any upcoming holidays to help you come up with a centralized theme for your beer tasting. Otherwise, select an assortment of styles that vary in taste and color, keeping it to no more than ten options.

Examples of Beer Tasting Party Themes:

St. Patrick’s Day Sampler - An introduction to Irish stouts, ales, and lagers

Winter is Coming - All about Christmas Ale, Winter Beer, Mad Elf and whatnot

Summer of Sour - An assortment of sour ales, from the bold, spicy reds to the tart, fresh blondes

BE INFORMATIVE

Once you’ve narrowed down your beer tasting assortment, help your guests by creating categories and descriptions. Just as when you taste wine, it’s important to have an idea of what type you are drinking and what flavors to expect to come through. The sweet and spicy flavors of a light-bodied Belgian Blonde Ale are a stark contrast to the toasted, malty notes in an Amber Lager – see what I mean?

If you are hosting with a group, you can go all out and take turns being the beer sommelier, pouring the taste portions and wowing the crowd with your knowledge and expertise. Or you can just make signs.

KEEP SCORE

It should go without saying that the score card is an essential component to any beer tasting party. It serves as both a reference for future use and a memorable keepsake of the greatest party you’ve ever thrown. Score cards are easy to make and print from home, all that’s needed are columns for the beer name, notes, and a score. If you want to go fancy, Etsy has caught wind of the beer tasting trend, and they have score cards that you can order. Talk about extra.

MAKE IT A POTLUCK

Drunchies are a real thing. We are all at risk, especially after consumption of beer. Don’t succumb to ordering Domino’s or watching as your guests leave one by one, in search of fast food options. As I said before, I attended a beer tasting where every guest brought a dish to share. It was marvelous, how a simple gesture from each person became a feast for all.

Should you want to offer suggestions, or if you’re curious about what foods pair well with what beers, you can check out this list.

With the right group of people, a great selection, a few notes, a handy score card, and plenty to munch on – you’ll be well on your way to having a kick-ass beer tasting party.

What are you waiting for? Go find your beer soulmate, they’re still out there.