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Mastering the Art of Craft Beer Tasting: Your Ultimate Guide to Flavor and Aroma – How to Describe Beer Like a Pro

Sat, 06 Jul 2024 13:45:41 +0000

Mastering the Art of Craft Beer Tasting: Your Ultimate Guide to Flavor and Aroma

Mastering Craft Beer: The Art of Tasting Beer Like a Pro

How to Describe Beer Like a Pro

The craft beer scene has exploded into a vibrant landscape, offering an astounding variety of flavors. From the bold bitterness of West Coast IPAs to the tropical and citrusy explosion of Hazy IPAs, the choices are spectacular.

However, with such a wide array of options, it’s crucial to know how to describe beer effectively. This skill not only enhances your personal enjoyment but also enriches your conversations with fellow beer lovers. Being adept at articulating the nuances of your pint allows you to share experiences, recommendations, and critiques more effectively.

So, grab a beer, and let’s embark on this flavorful adventure, one sip at a time!

Key Takeaways

Identifying and articulating a beer’s appearance, aroma, mouthfeel, and taste is fundamental to understanding its complexity.
Relating beer flavors and aromas to familiar experiences can significantly expand your beer-tasting vocabulary.

The Basics of Beer Tasting

Beer tasting is a journey where every detail counts. Before the beer even touches your lips, the adventure begins with its appearance and aroma. Understanding these elements is key to appreciating the craft beer in front of you.

Appearance

Appearance is where the story starts. A beer’s appearance can reveal much about its style and quality. From the thick white head of a freshly poured pilsner to the dense, almost opaque darkness of a stout, each visual cue hints at the flavors waiting to be discovered.

Aroma

Aroma takes the experience deeper. Before taking a sip, a deep inhale can uncover layers of beer vocabulary, from the citrusy punch of American hops to the subtle, banana-like sweetness suggested by certain yeasts.

Mouthfeel

Mouthfeel is about how the beer feels in your mouth, a precursor to taste that shouldn’t be overlooked. It ranges from the light carbonation and crispness of a classic lager to the velvety, creamy texture of a stout with low carbonation.

Describing Beer Like a Brewer

A craft brewer looking at and tasting his beer.

For those looking to refine their beer description skills, the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) guidelines offer a structured and comprehensive approach. It’s a globally recognized program that sets the standard for evaluating and describing beer, helping both brewers and enthusiasts articulate the complexities of their brews with precision and clarity.

Appearance

The BJCP emphasizes visual evaluation. Note the beer’s color, the behavior and quality of its head, and its clarity. These visual cues are the first hints of the beer’s style and craftsmanship.

Aroma

Shift focus to the symphony of scents. Identify the source of aromas—be it the malt, hops, or the unique characters introduced by fermentation. Pinpointing these scents is akin to deciphering the beer’s DNA.

Mouthfeel

The texture, or mouthfeel, examines the beer’s body and carbonation level, detecting nuances from creamy to astringent textures. This analysis lays the groundwork for taste exploration.

Overall Impression

Finally, assess the beer’s balance and harmony. Reflect on how the elements interplay, crafting a memorable or sometimes challenging drinking experience.

Flavor and Aroma Descriptors

When you enter the beer world, your senses embark on an adventure through a kaleidoscope of flavors and aromas. Understanding how to describe beer—its taste, smell, and the lingering notes it leaves behind—can transform a simple drink into an immersive experience.

Describing Malt Flavors

Malts provide the foundation of beer’s flavor profile. From the light, crisp sweetness of a pilsner to the deep, rich complexity of darker beers, describing malt flavors starts with recognizing a range of descriptors:

Biscuity/Bready: Think of freshly baked bread or the crisp, toasted edges of a biscuit.
Caramelly: Captures the sweet, rich essence of caramel, from light burnt cream to deep molasses.
Toffee-like: Offers a buttery, sweet complexity reminiscent of toffee candy.
Roasted Malts: Evoke coffee and dark chocolate, with a range from mild to intense bitterness.

Describing Hop Flavors

Hops

Hops infuse beer with aromas and flavors, balancing the sweetness of the malt:

Citrusy: Notes of lemon, orange, or grapefruit.
Spicy: Warmth and kick of spices like black pepper or clove.
Floral: Delicate aromas similar to a blooming garden.
Piney/Resinous: Fresh scent of pine needles or aromatic resin.
Earthy: Aromas reminiscent of a newly mown lawn or rich forest floor.

Fermentation: The Wildcard of Flavors

Fermentation introduces unique flavors thanks to yeast:

Fresh-baked Bread: Highlights yeast’s fundamental role.
Fruity Esters: Flavors like apple, pear, and banana.
Spicy Phenols: Clove-like warmth or peppery zest.
Wild Yeast Characters: Flavors like barnyard or horse blanket, indicative of wild or sour beers.
Warm Ethanol: The sensation of alcohol warmth, often found in stronger beers.

Conditioning and Body in Beer Descriptors

Understanding conditioning and body is key to appreciating beer’s overall profile.

Conditioning

Conditioning, related to carbonation, imparts beer with its sparkle and fizz:

Effervescent: Lively and vibrant carbonation.
Soft: Gentle carbonation smoothing out the drinking experience.
Prickly: Sharp carbonation enhancing bitterness and aroma.
Flat: Minimal to no carbonation, often a flaw unless stylistically appropriate.

Body

The body of a beer refers to its weight and fullness on the palate:

Light: Easy and refreshing, often highly drinkable.
Medium: Balanced and more substantial.
Full: Rich and dense, carrying intense flavors.
Watery: Lacking in substance and depth.

Sensory Exercises for Enhancing Beer Descriptions

Home brewing is a wonderful way to broaden your beer tasting knowledge.

Mastering beer description is a skill that improves with practice and exposure.

Broaden Your Beer Horizons

Taste a wide array of beers to enhance your descriptive skills. Explore new styles beyond your go-to favorites.

Focus Tastings

Organize tastings focused on a single aspect of beer, such as hop flavor or malt complexity.

Compare and Contrast

Select two beers that differ in one key aspect and taste them side by side.

Keep a Beer Journal

Document your tasting experiences, noting flavors, aromas, carbonation, and body. This record will become a valuable resource over time.

Sip, Describe, Explore: Your Next Adventure Awaits

Ready to put your newfound beer description skills to the test? Begin with ours. Each New Trail Brewing Co. beer is a homage to the wild, untamed beauty of the outdoors, designed to be the perfect companion on any adventure.

Visit our tasting room or take our beers with you. Whether you’re scaling a peak, winding down a trail, or just enjoying the sunset, our beers are crafted to enhance every moment.

Discover the beer that speaks to your spirit of adventure. Here’s to finding new paths and the ideal beers to journey with you. Raise a glass to your next adventure with New Trail Brewing!

For any questions you may have, get in touch with us!

Frequently Asked Questions

How would you describe the taste of beer?

The taste of beer can range widely, from the bold bitterness of West Coast IPAs to the sweet, malty flavors of ambers and the tartness of sours. It’s a complex blend of hops, malt, yeast, and additional flavors like citrus or spice, depending on the beer style.

How do you write a good beer description?

A good beer description captures the appearance, aroma, taste, and mouthfeel of the beer. Use vivid, specific language that evokes familiar tastes and smells, and mention the beer style and any unique ingredients or brewing techniques.

What describes beer?

Beer is described by its style (IPA, stout, lager, etc.), flavor profile (bitter, sweet, sour, etc.), aroma (citrusy, floral, earthy, etc.), appearance (color, clarity, foam), and mouthfeel (light, medium, full-bodied). These elements combine to give each beer its unique character.

How do you describe the aroma of beer?

The aroma of beer can include a wide range of scents, from hop-derived notes like pine, citrus, and floral to malt-driven aromas like bread, caramel, and chocolate, as well as yeast-contributed fragrances such as banana, clove, or barnyard. Describing beer aroma involves identifying these specific scents.

Recommended Resources for Craft Beer Enthusiasts

To enhance your journey into the world of craft beer, we’ve compiled a list of essential resources that offer valuable information, tips, and community support. Whether you’re a seasoned beer lover or just starting, these links will help deepen your understanding and appreciation of craft beer.

Beer Advocate

A comprehensive resource for beer reviews, ratings, and community discussions.

Beer Advocate

Brewers Association

Offers a wealth of information on craft beer, brewing techniques, and industry news.

Brewers Association

BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program)

Provides guidelines and resources for beer judging and description.

BJCP

CraftBeer.com

A site by the Brewers Association, featuring articles, guides, and resources on craft beer.

CraftBeer.com

American Homebrewers Association

Offers resources and tips for homebrewing and beer appreciation.

American Homebrewers Association

Untappd

A social platform for discovering and sharing beer reviews and ratings.

Untappd

The Brewing Network

A resource for podcasts, videos, and articles on brewing and beer tasting.

The Brewing Network

Zymurgy Magazine

A publication by the American Homebrewers Association with in-depth articles on brewing and beer tasting.

Zymurgy Magazine

By exploring these resources, you’ll find yourself well-equipped to delve deeper into the fascinating world of craft beer, enhancing both your knowledge and your tasting experience. Cheers to your continued adventures in craft beer!

People having fun drinking at their local brewery (stock photo)

Conclusion

Diving into the world of craft beer is more than just a hobby; it’s an enriching journey that engages all your senses. By honing your ability to describe beer, you open up a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into every pint. This skill not only enhances your personal enjoyment but also allows you to communicate your experiences more effectively with fellow beer enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, mastering the art of beer tasting is a rewarding endeavor.

Remember, the beauty of craft beer lies in its diversity and complexity. Each beer tells a story through its appearance, aroma, mouthfeel, and taste. By taking the time to observe and articulate these elements, you gain a greater understanding of what makes each brew unique. This deeper connection transforms each sip into an adventure, making every tasting session a memorable experience.

Furthermore, expanding your beer vocabulary by relating flavors and aromas to familiar experiences enriches your sensory lexicon. This practice not only sharpens your descriptive abilities but also fosters a deeper connection with the beers you enjoy. Keeping a beer journal, participating in focus tastings, and comparing different brews side by side are practical steps that can significantly enhance your tasting skills and broaden your appreciation for the craft.

As you continue your exploration, remember that the journey of beer tasting is ever-evolving. There’s always something new to discover, whether it’s a rare hop variety, an innovative brewing technique, or a unique flavor profile. Embrace this adventure with an open mind and a keen palate, and let each beer you encounter deepen your passion for the craft. Cheers to your ongoing journey in the vibrant world of craft beer!

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MAPS OF BREWERIES

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𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐰 on Draft and Cans at Intermission Beer Company

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 21:15:58 +0000

𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐰! by Intermission Beer Company (photo courtesy of Intermission Beer Co.)

𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐰!

Zapp Brannigan: Brannigan’s Law is like Brannigan’s love: hard and fast.

–Zapp Brannigan

Intermission Beer Company from 10089 Brook Road, Unit A, Glen Allen, VA, United States, Virginia has released Brannigan’s Law! – a Braggot beer; styled like an Irish Red Ale. Braggot is a honey beer (similar to mead) and typically higher in ABV although Brannigan’s Law! comes in at 6.1% ABV. It is also Gluten Reduced which is certainly a plus for many people.

Zapp Brannigan: I don’t pretend to understand Brannigan’s Law. I merely enforce it.

–Zapp Brannigan

Brannigan’s Law! is available both on draft and in 16 oz pounder cans from the brewery. They are located in Glen Allen, VA; just north of Richmond VA. They come in four packs or cases when bought at the brewery. (The brewery does not ship, and its only available at the brewery.) [So as a side note – if you live in the VA area and are able or willing to trade up to Central PA, we here at the blog would be forever grateful. Reach out via the CONTACT page and form to get ahold of us!]

Zapp Brannigan: April thirteenth… point two. We have failed to uphold Brannigan’s Law. However, I did make it with a hot alien babe. And, in the end, is that not what man has dreamt of since first he looked up at the stars? [A few seconds pass.] Kif, I’m asking you a question!

–Zapp Brannigan

Announcement

𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐩 𝐚𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐰!

Braggot (honey beer) brewed in the style of an Irish Red Ale. Deep red hue, full bodied, and as smooth as a velour fog.

Available on tap and in cans to-go at the Brewery (Brook Rd) and Arcade (Lakeridge Pkwy)!

ABV: 6.1% & Gluten Reduced

#intermissionbeer #rvabeer #Brannigans #branniganslaw #futurama #beer #irishred #irishredale #brewery #arcade #braggot #glutenreduced #glenallen #ashland

Intermission Beer Company – Facebook Post

For More Information on Intermission Beer Co.

The following comes via Untappd.

Intermission Beer Company is a micro brewery from Glen Allen, VA. They have 49 unique beers and over 5,000 ratings, with a global average rating of 3.63 as of 4.17.24. Their Untappd description reads: “Justin and Courtney met at TheatreVCU. She was a Stage Management major, he was a Set Design major. Justin started home brewing with a few roommates during his college years. They both worked professionally in theater in Richmond, Williamsburg, Norfolk, and surrounding areas. Justin got back into home brewing after they bought a house in 2007. The house quickly filled with brewing supplies so they built a garage. The garage quickly got filled with brewing supplies as well! Shortly after Virginia Senate Bill 604 was passed in 2012, Justin and Courtney decided to open a brewery and to put their 2 passions together: Beer and the Arts! Thus, Intermission Beer Company was formed!”

You can follow them at these social media pages:

All of Our Nerd Content

Here’s all of our nerd content, served up best in one single place. Enjoy!

I know ya’ll here for the nerd reviews. So check out our other nerd reviews below:

Star Wars:

Futurama

Lord of the Rings:

Magic the Gathering:

New Belgium Teams Up with Magic the Gathering for Vastwood Seer IPA

Zelda:

Rick and Morty:

Beer Review: Peace Among Worlds (Cushwa Brewing Company)

Space Balls:

Beer Review: Moon of Vega (Equilibrium Brewery)

Game of Thrones:

The Simpsons:

Back to the Future:

Beer Review: Back to Reality (Three 3s Brewing Co)

Scrooged:

Beer Review: Scrooge IPA (Iron Hill Brewing)

Groundhog Day:

A Christmas Story:

The Peanuts:

Pro Wrestling:

Soccer:

World Cup:

Phillies:

Matrix:

Matrix Monday

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:

Beer Review: Terpenes in Time (BAREBottle Brewing Co)

HP Lovecraft / Cthulhu:

Beer Review: Azathoth (Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company)

Seinfeld:

The Muppets:

Other:

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

MAPS OF BREWERIES

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

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The Battle of the Breweries (2024): Preliminary Qualifiers

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 13:58:56 +0000

The Preliminary Qualifiers

The Battle of the Breweries – 2024

Lets get this thing started! Its time to RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMMBLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

The 2024 Battle of the Breweries is officially kicking off —– NOW — with the preliminary qualifiers. Each of the four conferences: Bravo, Crystal, Fuggle, and Galaxy, are hosting a single fatal four-way “win and you’re in” match. These are sixteen breweries that we have not been to yet, and will be traveling to and visiting in 2024 (or at the latest – early 2025). The winner of each of the four fatal four-ways will be added as the 32nd seed to their respective conference. (ie. winner of the Bravo fatal four way will become the 32nd seed in the Bravo conference, etc.)

The Battle of the Breweries (2024) is set up with four conferences of 32 (counting the “win and you’re in” brewery) for a total of 128 breweries in the main tournament (140 participating breweries in total). They will compete in single elimination rounds (Best of 32, Best of 16, Best of 8, Final Four, Finals) for each conference, before each conference will send their winner to the “Finals Fatal Four-Way” to determine the winner of this year’s Battle of the Breweries.

Breweries will be competing from Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Arizona, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia.

You can see our previous topics about the tournament for this year here:

We encourage you to go onto social media and share this post, as well as to follow our Facebook, Instagram, and other pages to stay up to date on the tournament. You can vote once per day for each conference’s blocks (once we’re in the main tournament, each conference will have their own distinct article). So to better your favorite (or your own personal) brewery’s chances of winning – we highly recommend sharing and letting all of your friends and family (and even your enemies) know to vote for you.

You can follow along with us on Facebook and Instagram.

The Rules

There’s gotta be some kind of rules to this madness right? This madness of March (and well, this year the end of February as well… and yes… also a bit of April as the tournament goes into that month as well). So… what are the rules involved?

To pull straight from the initial March Madness / Battle of the Breweries post:

So how’s this going to work? Who all is invited? What all breweries are going to be in it? How many breweries? How’s voting going to work? Who decides whose in and whose out? Whats the seeding? Why is Rick such a jerk to Morty? Why is Jurassic Bark the saddest episode of Futurama ever? Why is the sky blue?

Ok…. enough with the questions!

March Madness (2021) – The Battle of the Breweries (2021)

Breweries are selected from breweries that have been visited by The Beer Thrillers staff.

Voting Rules

Each day you will be able to come to the site to make your votes in the polls. It will be set-up by IPS, so it limits you to voting just once per day per vote. You can vote as many times as you want per round, but only once per day.

Rounds will be one week (ending on Sunday nights at 11:59:59 PM EST) and the new week of voting starting up the next day (Monday) when I get the articles posted (usually around 8:30 – 9:30 AM EST).

Voting will typically be a week long, but the scheduling might be a bit in-flux, stay tuned to the follow up Preliminary Qualifiers post, which will spell out the scheduling a bit better. I prefer to have the rounds last Monday – Sunday for ease. The preliminary qualifiers will end on Thursday (February 29th), and the tournament will start on a Friday (March 1st). So most likely the opening round will just have a few extra days of voting.

Schedule of Rounds

Preliminary Qualifiers: February 26th – February 29th
Round of 32: March 1st – March 10th
Round of 16: March 11th – March 17th
Round of 8: March 18th – March 24th
Round of 4: March 25th – March 31st
Conference Finals: April 1st – 7th
Finals Fatal Four-Way: April 8th – April 14th

VOTE HERE

Lets do this! Enough with the fine print, and the rules, and the boring stuff. Lets get to voting! Here you go, here’s where you get to vote for the Preliminary Qualifiers. The fatal four-way “Win And You’re In” match-ups. There are four fatal four-ways, one for each conference. You may only pick one brewery from each fatal four-way.

Good luck to your favorite breweries in the tournament! Share and tell your friends to help your favorite breweries get more votes!

Participating Breweries

This is the list of all 140 breweries that will be participating in the Battle of the Breweries (2024). This list is in no particular order, and is not set for their conferences. We will be rolling D4’s (four sided dice) to determine which of the conferences the breweries will be placed in. Once they are placed in their conferences, they are seeded by overall Untappd rating.

First up Is the Preliminary Breweries

These sixteen breweries will be paired up in groups of four to face off in fatal fourways to determine the final (32nd) seed in each conference. These breweries include:

Bravo Conference:

Pilger Ruh Brewing
Vortex Brewing
Sunset Hill Brewing Company
Brew Gentlemen

Crystal Conference:

Second Sin Brewing
BierHall Brewery
BruDaddy’s Brewing Company
Retriever Brewing

Fuggle Conference:

Gift Horse Brewing Company
Rising River Brewing Company
RAK Brewing
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company

Galaxy Conference:

Great Barn Brewing
Wallenpaupack Brewing
Stone Silo Brewing Company
Lost Tavern Brewing

The Main Tournament Competitors

(Update – Check back later tomorrow when we have the dice rolled to determine which breweries are in which conferences. The seeding will be determined via Untappd ratings.)

The main tournament will have 31 breweries in each conference, plus the brewery that wins the preliminary round for their conference. This list is not in order of seeding or in which conference they will participate in.

Boneshire Brew Works
YAH Brew
Other Half Brewing Company
Adroit Theory
Funk Brewing
Mad Chef Brewing
LoveDraft’s Brewing Company
Collusion Tap Works
Snitz Creek Brewing Company
Voodoo Brewing Company
Lost Rhino Brewing
Big Truck Farm Brewing
Jackass Brewery
Brewery Fire
Juniata Brewing Company
Wolf Brewing
Pizza Boy Brewing Company
Appalachian Brewing Company
Old Ox Brewery
Dewey Beer
Levante Brewing
Strange Roots Brewing Company
Cape May Brewing
Southern Tier Brewing Company
Human Robot Beer
Antifragile Brewing
Warwick Farm Brewing
New Trail Brewing Company
Fourscore Beer Company
AleCraft Brewery
Robin Hood Brewing
Sworn Brewing Company
Fat Bat Brewing Company
RAR Brewing
Black Forest Brewing
Desperate Times Brewery
Troegs Independent Brewing
ZeroDay Brewing
Von C Brewing Company
Hitchhiker Brewing Company
Yellow Bridge Brewing
Victory Brewing Company
Bullfrog Brewery
Bunnyman Brewing
Elder Pine Brewing and Blending
Shy Bear Brewing
Allusion Brewing Company
Mellow Mink Brewing
South County Brewing Company
Black Flag Brewing Company
Chubby Squirrel Brewing Company
Ever Grain Brewing Company
Cushwa Brewing
Pineknotter Brewing
Forbes Trail Brewing
Burley Oak Brewery
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Sly Fox Brewing Company
Harpers Ferry Brewing Company
Valhalla Brewing
Rusty Rail Brewing Company
White Elephant Brewing Company
Tombstone Brewing Company
Hackensack Brewing Company
Acclamation Brewing
Dancing Gnome Brewing
Vanish Farmwoods Brewing
Bright Path Brewing
Capitol City Brewing
Bolero Snort Brewing Company
Breaker Brewing
Sapwood Cellars
Rough Edges Brewing
Little Fish Brewing Company
Schaylor Brewing
Otto’s Brewpub
Attaboy Beer
Brix City Brewing Company
Willow Creek Brewing Company
Ten Eyck Brewing
Imprint Beer
Bog Turtle Brewery
Loakal Branch Brewing
Aslin Beer
Burnish Brewing
Jailbreak Brewing
Susquehanna Brewing Company
Jackie O’s Brewery
Sun King Brewery
Idiom Brewing
Noble Beast Brewing
Lydian Stone Brewing
Liquid Hero Brewing
Covered Bridge Brewhaus
Free Will Brewing
Gunpowder Falls Brewing
Tall Tales Brewing
Mustang Sally Brewing Company
Hemauer Brewing
Ocelot Brewing
Benny Brewing
Our Town Brewery
Gearhouse Brewing
Urban Artifact
Land-Grant Brewing Company
Levity Brewing
Pour Man’s Brewing
Logyard Brewing
Abjuration Brewing
Bespoke Brewing
Canton Brewing Company
Punch Buggy Brewing
Crooked Run Fermentation
Axemann Brewery
Gusto Brewing
Tired Hands Fermentaria
Hell in a Bucket Brewing
Morgantown Brewing Company
Braxton Brewing Company
Wolf’s Ridge Brewing
Ministry of Brewing
Stumbling Monkey Brewing
Liquid Noise Brewing Company
Abolitionist Ale Works

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

MAPS OF BREWERIES

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

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Tap Room Etiquette: A Guide to Enjoying Craft Beer with Respect and Appreciation

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 02:38:39 +0000

The Troegs Brewery taproom.

Tap Room Etiquette: A Guide to Enjoying Craft Beer with Respect and Appreciation

Dogfish Head BRewrey Taproom

The booming craft beer scene has introduced a wave of aficionados and casual drinkers alike to the myriad of flavors, styles, and communities centered around local breweries. Tap rooms, the beating heart of these breweries, are where enthusiasts gather to sample the latest offerings, enjoy the ambiance, and connect with fellow beer lovers. However, just as there are unwritten rules for enjoying a pint at your local pub, there are etiquettes to follow in a tap room to ensure everyone’s experience is enjoyable. Here’s a guide to help you navigate these communal spaces with respect and appreciation.

Know What You Want (Or Be Open to Suggestions)

Tap rooms often feature a rotating selection of beers, each with its own unique profile. Before stepping up to the bar, have an idea of what you’re interested in trying. If you’re new to craft beer or the brewery’s selection, don’t hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations. They’re usually eager to share their knowledge and can guide you towards something you’ll enjoy based on your preferences. However, be mindful of busy times – if the bar is packed, consider trying a flight (a selection of small pours) to sample a variety without holding up the line.

Respect the Space and the Staff

Treehouse Brewing Taproom

Tap rooms are not just bars; they are extensions of the brewery and often a source of pride for the brewers who spend countless hours crafting their beers. Show respect for the space by following any posted rules, being mindful of your volume, and keeping your area tidy. Equally important is respecting the staff. Remember, a friendly attitude goes a long way, and patience is key during busy hours. Tips are also appreciated as a gesture of thanks for their service and expertise.

Be Open to Conversation (But Respect Boundaries)

Tired Hands Fermentoria Taproom

One of the joys of visiting a tap room is the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who share a passion for craft beer. Engaging in conversation with fellow patrons can enrich your experience, offering insights into the local beer scene, personal recommendations, and even new friendships. However, it’s important to be mindful of social cues and respect personal space. Not everyone may be in the mood for conversation, and that’s okay.

Savor, Don’t Guzzle

Craft Beer Bar

Tap rooms are about appreciating the art and science of brewing. Take your time to savor the flavors, aromas, and textures of each beer. This isn’t a race to the bottom of your glass; it’s an opportunity to explore and enjoy the nuances of craft brewing. If you’re sampling a high-ABV beer, consider pacing yourself or splitting a pour with a friend. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the experience responsibly.

Share Your Experience

Stone (Richmond Virginia) Brewery’s Taproom

Many craft breweries rely on word of mouth and social media to grow their audience. If you enjoyed your visit, consider sharing your experience online. Check-in on beer rating apps, leave a positive review, or share a photo on your social media channels. Tagging the brewery can help increase their visibility and attract more patrons. Just remember to ask before taking photos of other guests or staff to respect their privacy.

Leave No Trace

The Troegs Brewery taproom.

Finally, treat the tap room with the same respect you would any other establishment or even a friend’s home. Dispose of your trash properly, return glasses to the designated area if applicable, and straighten up your space before leaving. These small gestures contribute to a positive environment and ensure the tap room remains a welcoming place for everyone.

The craft beer community is renowned for its camaraderie, inclusivity, and shared love for quality brews. By following these tap room etiquette tips, you’ll not only enhance your own experience but also contribute to the positive atmosphere that makes these spaces so special. Cheers to responsible enjoyment and the continued discovery of the wonderful world of craft beer!

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

MAPS OF BREWERIES

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

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Map of New Breweries We Visited in 2023

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 21:55:41 +0000

Map of New Breweries We Visited in 2023

A map of all the breweries we visited in 2023 for the first time.

This is a map of all the “new to us” breweries we visited in 2023. And by this I mean the physical locations. (So some of these will be breweries I’ve been to before, but a new location of theirs, like the Spring House Tavern.)

This list is Ben’s first time visits (mostly visited with Amy, and then later Scarlet).

How to Use The Map

You can zoom in, and click on each of the beer mugs with the paw prints on them to see the breweries. This will call up their address via Google Maps, as well as any other information they have supplied to Google (phone numbers, websites, etc.). You can also save this map to your Google Maps so when you call up Google Maps these locations will be pinned onto your map as an overlay.

Maps of Breweries in the United States of America (USA)

The below is a list of maps of the states, territories, and districts of the United States. As well as a fun map of all the breweries that The Beer Thrillers have been to. I am working on getting these done geographically, starting with Maine. (When the state is underlined and in color, means the map is done and ready to be viewed.)

States

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Territories

American Samoa
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Federated States of Micronesia
Guam
Republic of the Marshall Islands
Republic of Palau
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

Districts

Washington D.C.

Miscellaneous Maps

Fun Maps

Map of All the Breweries that The Beer Thrillers Have Visited (Total)
Map of All the Breweries that The Beer Thrillers Visited (in 2024)
Map of All the Breweries that The Beer Thrillers Visited (in 2023)
Map of All the Breweries that The Beer Thrillers Visited (in 2022)
Map of All the Breweries that The Beer Thrillers Visited (in 2021)
Map of All the Breweries that The Beer Thrillers Visited (in 2020)

Pennsylvania Breweries

Two additional resources we currently have to offer for Pennsylvania Breweries:

If we decide to add any future maps, we will update the page if necessary. If you have any map suggestions for us, please feel free to comment, contact us, or e – mail us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

MAPS OF BREWERIES

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

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Beltway Brewing is Closing at the End of the Month

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 02:23:10 +0000

Beltway Brewing Logo

Beltway Brewing is Closing at the End of January

With their ten year lease due up at the end of the month, it looks like Beltway Brewing will be closing at the end of January (2023). We got to visit them a year ago in January of 2022. We got to stop in during the day and watch part of the Bengals playoff game (which they won). Chatting with the bartender he told us he was also a Bengals fan.

Beltway Brewing opened in 2011 and moved into its current space, with a 30 barrel system, in January of 2013.

Press Release

Beltway Brewing gave out the following press release, announcing the upcoming closure:

It’s time to say goodbye.

When you decide to start a brewery, you always know that one day you’ll brew your last batch, but you never expect it to be the one you just brewed.

Unfortunately for Beltway Brewing, that time has come.

While I could regale you with Monday morning quarterbacking of all the things we should have or could have done differently over the past decade, the reality is that closing our doors is less the result of missed opportunities and more about the macroeconomic factors facing the brewing industry and the commercial real estate market here in Loudoun county.

I am incredibly proud and thankful to my team for their iron-willed fortitude and dedication in facing the many challenges all businesses faced over the past few years. Unfortunately, recent hurdles were greater than our ability to overcome them.

With that said, although our production has now ceased, we will keep our taproom open as long as we can to share what remains of our last brews with all of you.

Through at least January, our taproom will continue to be open during our regular hours.

We are scheduling a “Celebration of a Decade of Beltway Brewing” on Saturday, January 28th.

We want to invite every Beltway fan out to enjoy 2 final special releases of a barrel aged red sour and a barrel aged imperial stout, our 20+ beers on tap, and pick up a case of Beltway’s best brews before they are gone forever.

We look forward to seeing you all over the coming weeks and waxing nostalgic with you over a glass of your favorite brews.

Come thirsty, leave happy, and bring the memories with you from your friends at Beltway Brewing.

~Sten

For More Information

For more information, see DC Beer’s news article here: Beltway Brewing Closing at the End of January.

Brewery News

Interested in finding out about many other brewery openings, new locations, closings, movings, and in general brewery news? You can check out our links below:

(Updated: 2.21.24)

Thank You for Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

MAPS OF BREWERIES

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

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Map of New Breweries We Visited in 2022

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 19:06:55 +0000

A map of the breweries we visited for the first time in 2022

Map of New Breweries We Visited in 2022

This is a map of all the “new to us” breweries we visited in 2022. And by this I mean the physical locations. I’ve obviously been to Boneshire Brew Works (since their very first day of opening), but this was the first time going to their “Taps @ Soma” location. The ZeroDay location is similarly the same, its technically a “new” location for them, thus why it makes the list.

This list is Ben’s first time visits (mostly visited with Amy, and then later Scarlet).

How to Use The Map

Maps of Breweries in the United States of America (USA)

States

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Territories

American Samoa
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Federated States of Micronesia
Guam
Republic of the Marshall Islands
Republic of Palau
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

Districts

Washington D.C.

Miscellaneous Maps

Fun Maps

Map of All the Breweries that The Beer Thrillers Have Visited (Total)
Map of All the Breweries that The Beer Thrillers Visited (in 2024)
Map of All the Breweries that The Beer Thrillers Visited (in 2023)
Map of All the Breweries that The Beer Thrillers Visited (in 2022)
Map of All the Breweries that The Beer Thrillers Visited (in 2021)
Map of All the Breweries that The Beer Thrillers Visited (in 2020)

Pennsylvania Breweries

Two additional resources we currently have to offer for Pennsylvania Breweries:

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

MAPS OF BREWERIES

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

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Rocket Frog Brewing Announces They Will Be Closing December 11th

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 21:00:00 +0000

Rocket Frog Brewing Company, Sterling Virginia

Rocket Frog Brewing Company Announces Closure

Unfortunately, another brewery has announced their closure. This time its Rocket Frog Brewing Company out of Sterling Virginia. They took to their social media an hour ago making the announcement that December 11th will be their last day.

They posted the following on their Instagram and Facebook accounts:

We regret to announce Rocket Frog will close its doors on December 11. We’ve had an epic ride and could not have done it without the support of our fans, staff and family. Through Rocket Frog, we have gained an extended family, which makes closing that much more difficult. We are thankful that we had a great staff and beer to share with all of you.

We plan on having one final bash on December 10 so we can thank all of you and say goodbye as a brewery. We hope to see as many of you as possible before we shut our doors.

In the meantime, our weekly events will go on as scheduled until we close.

Thank you,

The Rocket Frog Team
Rocket Frog Brewing Company – Facebook Post

This blow out final bash on December 10th sounds wonderful. Amy, myself, and Scarlet are going to be making the trek down to Virginia to hang out with them one final time.

Rocket Frog’s Opening

Rocket Frog Brewing Company opened May 19th of 2018 (following a few soft openings). They opened at – and have been located at since – 22560 Glenn Drive Suite 103 in Sterling. An article about their original opening stated:

The brewery is owned by David Hartogs, Jennifer Showell-Hartogs and Richard Hartogs. Russell Carpenter is the head brewer. Rocket Frog will open with five beers on tap: Angry Alice IPA, Minotaur American Golden Ale, Wallops Island American Brown Ale, Double IPA and Dry Saison. The May 19 grand opening starts at 11 a.m. for Launch Pad Members and the brewery will open at noon for the general public. To learn more, go to rocketfrogbeer.com.
Rocket Frog Brewing Company Plans to Open May 19th – Loudoun Now

Our Trip to Rocket Frog

Amy and I got to travel to Rocket Frog back in January on a Bengals play-off gameday. I got out of work early (I was still working Saturdays then), using my top of the EO card and we made the two and a half hour trek down to Virginia hitting some breweries. We stopped in the Sterling Park Business Center to hit two breweries right off the bat. The first of which was Rocket Frog.

You can find our trip here: Trip Down to Sterling Virginia and Beyond to Visit Rocket Frog Brewing Company, Crooked Run Fermentation, Beltway Brewing, Mustang Sally Brewing Company, and Bunnyman Brewing.

We had a really good time. We got to see the Bengals win against the Las Vegas Raiders – their first playoff win in 30 years (they last won in January 1991). We got to Rocket Frog Brewing Company before the game started. We then watched the first half at Crooked Run Fermentation, before driving to Beltway Brewing where we saw a little bit of the third (they didn’t have any TVs on, so we quickly left to get to Mustang Sally’s after a flight), and we finished the game out at Mustang Sally’s where I got to witness the first playoff win since I was 5 and a half years old. Amy and I then celebrated and finished the night out watching the Bills rout the Patriots at Bunnyman Brewing.

It was a really fun day all around. We are hoping to make it to the “End of All Things” Bash with Scarlet. Things will certainly be different this time with a just – older than four week old, but it will still certainly be a fun time. Shame to see things go like this. We really enjoyed our time at Rocket Frog, and its a shame to see them close.

At our first time there, we each got a flight, so I got to sample eight of their beers. They were:

Best Buddy
Kai Gose to Hawaii
Zaba
Rhinewasser
Wallops Island
Barrel Aged Dark Word
Barrel Aged Roscosmos
Barrel Aged Shame and Torment (2021)

Rocket Frog Brewing Company

Rocket Frog Brewing Company (photos in this post are courtesy of their Facebook page)

According to Untappd, the following information is true (as of November 29th, 2022) about Rocket Frog. They are a micro brewery from Sterling, Virginia. They have 117 unique beers with 42,000~ ratings, and a global average rating of 3.82. Their Untappd description reads: Rocket Frog Brewing Company is an independent craft brewery based in Sterling, Virginia, serving the greater Northern Virginia and Washington, DC community. Our passion for quality craft beer runs deep and we demonstrate this with our four to five flagships, seasonal offerings, and a variety of specialty beers throughout the year.

For more information on Rocket Frog Brewing Company, you can check out their pages here:

Brewery News

Interested in finding out about many other brewery openings, new locations, closings, movings, and in general brewery news? You can check out our links below:

Thanks For Reading

As I said earlier in the post, we are hoping to get there for the ‘bash’ on December 10th. Obviously plans can change as thats still 12 days out. Especially with us having Scarlet now. She will be 29 days old at that point, so who knows.

Its a shame to see the brewery closing, it really is. We’ve gotten word that a few other breweries are ending and closing and making end of the year ‘brewery closure’ announcements. We will keep everyone posted. Its not good news and its not news we enjoy sharing on here, but unfortunately its the reality of the business, and we like to keep our readers informed. The brewery opened May 19th of 2018 and will be closing December 11th of 2022. I enjoy writing the “brewery openings” articles far more than I do the “brewery closings” articles, thats for sure.

Cheers All, and hopefully for some better news and articles soon!

-B. Kline

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

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Master the Art of Describing Craft Beer Like a Connoisseur

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 16:08:37 +0000

Master the Art of Describing Craft Beer Like a Connoisseur

Types of Beer Snobs (photo courtesy of Thrillist – Types of Beer Snobs)

The craft beer world has exploded in recent years, evolving into a rich tapestry of flavors, styles, and brewing techniques. From the intense bitterness of West Coast IPAs to the tropical, juicy notes of Hazy IPAs, the spectrum of craft beer offerings is more diverse and exciting than ever.

But with so many options, knowing how to accurately describe what’s in your glass has never been more crucial. This skill enhances not only your personal tasting experience but also your ability to communicate with fellow beer lovers. Being able to articulate the nuances of your favorite brew allows you to share recommendations, debate preferences, and deepen your appreciation for the craft.

So grab a pint, and let’s dive into the world of beer tasting and description, one flavorful sip at a time.

Key Takeaways

Understanding and describing a beer’s appearance, aroma, mouthfeel, and flavor are key to fully appreciating its complexity.
Comparing beer flavors and aromas to everyday experiences can significantly enhance your tasting vocabulary.

The Fundamentals of Beer Tasting

Beer tasting is an immersive experience, where every detail matters. Even before the beer touches your lips, the journey begins with its appearance and aroma. Once it does, the mouthfeel and taste complete the sensory experience, giving you a comprehensive understanding of what the beer offers.

Appearance is your first clue to what lies ahead. The color, clarity, and head of a beer can reveal much about its style and quality. From the pale golden hue of a pilsner to the deep, inky darkness of a stout, each visual element offers hints about the flavors you’re about to explore.

Aroma is where the experience deepens. A good sniff before your first sip can uncover layers of beer character. Whether it’s the citrusy punch of hops in an IPA or the sweet, bready notes of a Belgian ale, the aroma sets the stage for what’s to come.

Mouthfeel describes the sensation of the beer in your mouth—an often overlooked but crucial aspect. From the light, crisp carbonation of a lager to the creamy, velvety texture of a stout, mouthfeel can dramatically affect how a beer is perceived.

Describing Beer Like a Pro Brewer

If you’re serious about honing your beer description skills, look no further than the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) guidelines. This globally recognized standard helps both brewers and enthusiasts describe beer with precision, making it an invaluable resource.

Appearance is the first factor to assess. Consider the beer’s color, the quality of its head, and its clarity. These visual elements are the first indicators of the beer’s style and craftsmanship.

Aroma comes next, where you’ll want to identify the sources of the scents—whether they come from the malt, hops, or yeast. Accurately describing these aromas takes practice but adds a layer of richness to your beer-tasting experience.

Mouthfeel is the texture of the beer—its body and carbonation level. Whether the beer feels creamy, astringent, or somewhere in between, these sensations are key to understanding the full profile of the brew.

Overall Impression is your final assessment, where you consider how all the elements—appearance, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel—come together. This is where you reflect on the beer’s balance, complexity, and memorability.

Unlocking the Language of Beer Flavors and Aromas

Describing the taste and smell of beer requires a rich vocabulary. The more you explore and refine this lexicon, the better you’ll become at articulating the unique characteristics of each brew.

Malt Flavors

Malts with a hop

Malts lay the foundation for beer’s flavor, offering everything from the light sweetness of a pilsner to the deep, roasted notes of a stout. To describe these flavors, start by identifying common malt characteristics like “biscuity” or “caramelly.”

Biscuity/Bready: Like the aroma of freshly baked bread or the toasted edges of a biscuit.
Caramelly: Sweet, with flavors reminiscent of burnt sugar or caramelized sugar.
Toffee-like: Richer and more buttery than caramel, similar to toffee candy.
Roasted Malts: Offering flavors that range from mild coffee notes to intense dark chocolate or charred wood.

Hop Aromas and Flavors

Hops growing on a wooden arbor, full vines.

Hops contribute a wide range of aromas and flavors to beer, from bright citrus to earthy pine. Understanding hop profiles is essential for describing many popular beer styles.

Citrusy: Flavors like lemon, orange, or grapefruit, common in many hop-forward beers.
Spicy: Notes of black pepper, clove, or even juniper.
Floral: Soft, perfume-like aromas reminiscent of blooming flowers.
Piney/Resinous: Crisp, fresh pine needle scents or sticky resin aromas.
Earthy: Scents that evoke fresh earth or the forest floor.

Fermentation: The Flavor Wildcard

Troegs Brewing’s Dreamweaver Wheat – Open Fermentation

Fermentation, driven by yeast, adds a layer of complexity to beer that can range from fruity esters to spicy phenols.

Fruity Esters: Flavors that resemble apple, pear, or banana.
Spicy Phenols: Clove-like or peppery aromas that add warmth to the beer.
Wild Yeast Characters: Unique flavors like barnyard or cheese, often found in sour or wild ales.

Delving into Conditioning and Body

Homebrews Bottle Conditioning

Understanding conditioning and body can elevate your beer description skills to the next level.

Conditioning relates to carbonation, which gives beer its sparkle and fizz. Describing carbonation involves noting how it affects the beer’s texture and taste.

Effervescent: High carbonation that tingles on the tongue.
Soft: Gentle carbonation that smooths out the drinking experience.
Prickly: Sharp carbonation that accentuates bitterness.
Flat: Low carbonation, leading to a smoother, sometimes syrupy mouthfeel.

Body refers to the weight or fullness of the beer on your palate.

Light: Easy-drinking and refreshing.
Medium: Balanced, with a more substantial feel.
Full: Rich and enveloping, often with a creamy texture.

Sharpen Your Beer-Tasting Skills with Sensory Exercises

A flight of beer at your local brewery

Improving your ability to describe beer comes down to practice and exposure. Here are some exercises to help you refine your palate:

Broaden Your Horizons: Try different beer styles to expand your tasting vocabulary.
Focus Tastings: Zero in on one element, like hop flavor or malt complexity, during tastings.
Compare and Contrast: Taste two beers side by side to highlight differences in body, carbonation, or flavor.
Keep a Beer Journal: Document your tasting experiences to track your progress and deepen your understanding.

Raise a Glass to Your Next Adventure

Raise a pint with friends

Now that you’ve honed your beer description skills, why not put them to the test?

Go out and visit your favorite brewery or even visit a brand new brewery and put your skills to the test! Get a style you don’t normally drink and try to pick out the unique and individual flavors as you sip and consume it. Think of what went into the beer, the malts, the hops, the adjuncts, and try to pick them out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How would you describe the taste of beer?
Beer’s taste varies widely, from the bitterness of an IPA to the sweetness of a stout. It’s a complex mix of flavors from hops, malt, yeast, and additional ingredients like fruit or spices.

How do you write a good beer description?
A good beer description covers the appearance, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel. Use vivid, specific language and highlight the beer’s style, ingredients, and brewing techniques.

What describes beer?
Beer is described by its style (e.g., IPA, stout), flavor profile (e.g., bitter, sweet), aroma (e.g., citrusy, floral), appearance (e.g., color, clarity), and mouthfeel (e.g., light, full-bodied).

How do you describe the aroma of beer?
Beer aroma can include scents from hops, like citrus or pine, to malt-driven aromas like bread or caramel, as well as yeast-contributed smells like banana or clove.

Some More Informative Articles

Thank You For Reading

If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

MAPS OF BREWERIES

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #5 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of August 2024.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

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Virginia Road Trip (Quick Recap)

Sat, 27 Nov 2021 16:11:11 +0000

Wheatland Spring Farm and Brewery in Waterford, Virginia

Road Trip Recap

Like I said in yesterday’s Puzzles and Pagans (2021) beer review – we were taking another road trip, this time to Virginia. So here’s the quick recap of where all we went:

Wheatfield Spring Farm and Brewery (Waterford, VA)
Harvest Gap Brewery (Hillsboro, VA)
Adroit Theory (Purcellville, VA)
Ball’s Bluff Battlefield and National Cemetery
Ocelot Brewing Company (Sterling, VA)
Aslin Beer Company (Herndon, VA)

All in all, it was a fantastic trip. Loved each of the breweries for their own different reasons, and will go into that more, when I do the full article on the trip.

We’ve done many other brewery tours and trips, and a lot recently, so be sure to check in the Travelogues section here to see them all.

Thanks for checking out this little quick recap, and stay tuned for when we give the full account! These breweries were a blast!

Also, make sure you check out the still ongoing #freebeer Small Brewery Sunday Giveaway!

Cheers!

-B. Kline

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VA Beer - The Beer Thrillers

Mastering the Art of Craft Beer Tasting: Your Ultimate Guide to Flavor and Aroma – How to Describe Beer Like a Pro

How to Describe Beer Like a Pro

Key Takeaways

The Basics of Beer Tasting

Appearance

Aroma

Mouthfeel

Describing Beer Like a Brewer

Appearance

Aroma

Mouthfeel

Overall Impression

Flavor and Aroma Descriptors

Describing Malt Flavors

Describing Hop Flavors

Fermentation: The Wildcard of Flavors

Conditioning and Body in Beer Descriptors

Conditioning

Body

Sensory Exercises for Enhancing Beer Descriptions

Broaden Your Beer Horizons

Focus Tastings

Compare and Contrast

Keep a Beer Journal

Sip, Describe, Explore: Your Next Adventure Awaits

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Resources for Craft Beer Enthusiasts

Beer Advocate

Brewers Association

BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program)

CraftBeer.com

American Homebrewers Association

Untappd

The Brewing Network

Zymurgy Magazine

Conclusion

More Links and Information

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All of Our Nerd Content

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The Battle of the Breweries (2024): Preliminary Qualifiers

The Battle of the Breweries – 2024

The Rules

Voting Rules

Schedule of Rounds

VOTE HERE

Participating Breweries

First up Is the Preliminary Breweries

Bravo Conference:

Crystal Conference:

Fuggle Conference:

Galaxy Conference:

The Main Tournament Competitors

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Tap Room Etiquette: A Guide to Enjoying Craft Beer with Respect and Appreciation

Tap Room Etiquette: A Guide to Enjoying Craft Beer with Respect and Appreciation

Know What You Want (Or Be Open to Suggestions)

Respect the Space and the Staff

Be Open to Conversation (But Respect Boundaries)

Savor, Don’t Guzzle

Share Your Experience

Leave No Trace

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Map of New Breweries We Visited in 2023

How to Use The Map

Maps of Breweries in the United States of America (USA)

States

Territories

Districts

Miscellaneous Maps

Fun Maps

Pennsylvania Breweries

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Beltway Brewing is Closing at the End of the Month

Beltway Brewing is Closing at the End of January