How to Host a Craft Beer Tasting Party
- Sep 7
- 3 min read
Hosting a craft beer-tasting party is the perfect way to gather friends, explore unique flavours, and celebrate the art of brewing. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just starting your journey into craft brews, creating an enjoyable and memorable event doesn’t have to be complicated. At PIG BEER, we know how important it is to share the craft beer experience, so here’s our guide to hosting the ultimate tasting party.
Step 1: Choose a Theme
The first step is deciding on a theme for your tasting. This helps set the tone and focus for your party. Some popular ideas include:
Regional Brews: Sample craft beers from a specific area, like New Forest-inspired ales (don’t forget a bottle or two from PIG BEER!).
Seasonal Selection: Celebrate the season with autumn stouts, summer ales, or winter warmers.
Beer Styles: Focus on one type, such as IPAs, lagers, or porters, and compare different interpretations of the style.
Having a theme creates a cohesive experience and makes it easier to plan your beer lineup.
Step 2: Curate Your Beer Selection
Once you’ve picked a theme, choose 4–6 beers for your tasting. This provides enough variety without overwhelming the palate. Aim for a mix of flavours, strengths, and styles, even within your theme, to keep things interesting.
For a balanced lineup, consider including:
A light, crisp lager (like our New Forest Lager)
A hoppy IPA
A malty amber ale
A rich stout or porter
A fruity or experimental brew
If you’re hosting in the New Forest, make a stop at PIG BEER to pick up your favourites.
Step 3: Set the Scene
Create an inviting atmosphere that reflects the craft beer vibe. Keep it casual but thoughtful:
Glassware: Provide small tasting glasses for everyone to sample each beer without committing to a full pint.
Serving Order: Arrange the beers from lightest to heaviest in flavour and intensity, ensuring a smooth tasting journey.
Beer Mats or Cards: Provide a place for guests to jot down their thoughts about each beer.
Step 4: Pair with Snacks
No beer tasting is complete without snacks! Choose foods that complement the flavours of the beers.
Light lagers pair well with salty snacks like pretzels or crisps.
IPAs (such as our Cloud9 brew) are great with spicy foods or tangy cheeses.
Stouts and porters shine when paired with chocolate or roasted nuts.
Create a simple charcuterie board with a mix of meats, cheeses, fruits, and crackers for variety.
Step 5: Add a Fun Element
To keep things interactive, incorporate a few fun activities:
Blind Tastings: Pour the beers into unmarked glasses and have guests guess the style or brewery.
Beer Trivia: Test your friends’ beer knowledge with a few lighthearted questions.
Rate the Beers: Encourage everyone to rate the beers and vote for their favourite at the end.
Step 6: Educate and Share Stories
Part of the charm of craft beer is the story behind each brew. Share a bit about where the beers came from, the breweries that made them, and what makes them unique. If you’re serving PIG BEER, let your guests know about our farm origins and the inspiration behind each of our beers.
Step 7: Finish with a Toast
End the night with a toast to good company, great beer, and the memories you’ve created. If you have any leftover bottles, consider letting guests take home their favourites as a party favour.
Final Tips for Success
Keep It Small: Aim for 8–10 guests to ensure everyone gets a chance to participate.
Pace Yourself: Provide water and encourage breaks between tastings to cleanse the palate.
Have Fun: It’s all about enjoying the experience and discovering new flavours.
Hosting a craft beer tasting party is a fantastic way to bring people together and share your love for craft beer. With a bit of planning and the right selection of brews, you’ll create an unforgettable evening that your guests will be raving about.
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