Beer Tasting Notes: How to Keep Them

Keeping beer tasting notes is a valuable practice that allows you to remember and reflect upon your beer tasting experiences. Whether you’re a casual enthusiast or an avid beer connoisseur, documenting your observations and impressions can help you develop a deeper understanding of flavors, preferences, and brewing styles. Here’s a guide on how to effectively keep beer tasting notes:

1. Choose a Method:

• Decide on a method that suits your style and preferences. You can use a physical notebook, a dedicated beer tasting app, or a digital spreadsheet. Find a method that is convenient and easy for you to access and update.

2. Include Key Information:

• Start your tasting notes by recording essential information about the beer, such as the name, brewery, style, ABV (alcohol by volume), and the date of the tasting. These details provide context and reference for future comparisons.

3. Appearance:

• Begin your tasting notes by describing the beer’s appearance. Note the color, clarity, and head characteristics. Is the beer clear, hazy, or cloudy? Does it have a thick, frothy head or a thin, dissipating one? These visual cues offer insights into the beer’s style and quality.

4. Aroma:

• Describe the beer’s aroma by identifying the dominant and subtle scents. Note any hop aromas, malt sweetness, fruitiness, spices, or other distinct fragrances. Use descriptive words to capture the essence of the beer’s aroma.

5. Flavor Profile:

• Analyze the beer’s flavor profile by evaluating its balance, complexity, and individual components. Consider the malt sweetness, hop bitterness, yeast-derived flavors, and any additional flavors or nuances. Pay attention to the intensity, duration, and aftertaste of the flavors.

6. Mouthfeel:

• Evaluate the beer’s mouthfeel by considering its body, carbonation, and overall texture. Is it light-bodied, medium-bodied, or full-bodied? Is the carbonation effervescent, moderate, or low? Note the mouth-coating sensation and the beer’s overall smoothness or crispness.

7. Overall Impression:

• Summarize your overall impression of the beer. Reflect on its balance, complexity, and how well it aligns with the style’s characteristics. Did it meet your expectations? Would you recommend it to others? Include any additional thoughts or observations.

8. Comparative Analysis:

• If you’ve tasted similar beers or multiple variations of the same style, consider including comparative analysis in your notes. Compare the flavors, aromas, and overall quality to identify differences and preferences.

9. Personal Ratings or Scoring:

• Some individuals like to assign a numerical rating or scoring system to their beer tasting notes. This can be a useful reference for tracking preferences over time. However, remember that personal taste is subjective, and a beer’s enjoyment is not solely determined by a numeric score.

10. Store and Review:

• Keep your tasting notes organized and easily accessible. If using a physical notebook, create sections or tabs for different beer styles or breweries. If using a digital method, use folders or tags to categorize your notes. Periodically review and revisit your tasting notes to reflect on past experiences and identify patterns or preferences.

By keeping detailed and organized beer tasting notes, you create a valuable resource for future reference and reflection. Your notes can help you recall specific beers, identify favorite styles or breweries, and track your evolving palate. Embrace the art of documenting your beer tasting experiences, and let your notes be a testament to your beer journey. Cheers to the pleasure of savoring and remembering the flavors of each sip!