The way that you taste a beer, like that of Frankenmuth Brewery or any other Michigan breweries, can have a significant impact on the opinion that you form about the brew after drinking it. While we at Frankenmuth are by no means beer snobs, you might be surprised by how much a proper taste test can make you feel about a beer. Read on to learn an easy-to-use technique that may have you proclaiming your love for another Frankenmuth Beer that you’re not used too.

1. Consider The Order Of Tasting / Flavor Neutralizers

The order in which you taste beers can all but destroy your opinion of latter beers. Gain a little knowledge about the beers you will be tasting and save bitter and more hoppy tasting brews for later on in the testing process. These beers in particular can have a lingering effect that will clash with the overall flavor notes of other brews. In addition, have some water handy, as well as pretzels, which make for perfect flavor neutralizers.

2. How To Pour The Beer

While the task of pouring a beer seems simple, the art of the perfect pour should be considered before each taste hits your lips. Let the beer glide down the side of the glass. This ensures a large head (i.e. white foam) won’t be deep and envelop the beer. Brew enthusiasts insist on the level of the head being the depth of two fingers put together.

3. Smell The Smells

Similarly to taste-testing wine, beers often have a varying sense of aroma and Frankenmuth beers are no different. The smell of a beer is like a window inside the heart of the brew as it will often give hints towards which ingredients lay inside. For example, the scent of a Frankenmuth Hefeweizen points towards the use of clove while the Batch 69 IPA indicates a specific style of hop used in the brewing process.

4. Judging A Book By Its Cover

Knowledgeable beer experts can pick out a beer style based on it’s appearance. There are several different indicators as to how a beer will taste by its look. Dark beers like the Red Sky Ale tend to skew on the side of a more robust and heavy mouthfeel whereas golden lagers like the American Blonde Ale will be light and refreshing. While it is easy to judge a book by its cover, you might find out that the payoff is in finally drinking the beer.

5. Drink It… Finally

While picking out a style of beer by its appearance is fine and all, trying all different types of beer is essential to finding your own beer happy place. So now, take a sip of beer. What are you initial impressions? What stands out? Take notes if you feel so inclined because that first sip can maybe one of the most honest moments you have with that beer.

6. Second Thoughts

Consider the texture of the beer while it is in your mouth while assessing the fluidity of the brew and its make up. Is the beer thick and coffee-like or thin and fluid? What’s your personal preference? Take notes on what you like and what you don’t like.

Some of the most interesting flavor notes of a beer can be unveiled after swallowing the beer. When dealing with a bad beer often there is nothing but a odd, bitter taste left behind. Good beers will provide a backend that will make all the difference in the world if you want to keep drinking it in taste testing.

Now that you know the basics of tasting beers from Michigan breweries, feel free to visit Frankenmuth Brewery, order a sampler tray and we will be happy to help you with your first taste testing. Whether offering up knowledge behind the beers or suggesting other beers you might like, our staff is ready and waiting to talk beer with you.