How to Sample Beer?

This is something we put together at a new beer club back home in Hampton, SC

But here is my category how I rank my beers based on my scores

Excellent (25 - 30): World-class example of style

Good (20 - 24): Exemplifies style well, requires minor fine-tuning

Not bad (15 - 19): Generally within style parameters, some minor flaws

Average (10 - 14): Misses the mark on style and/or minor flaws

Fair (5 - 9): Off flavors, aromas or major style deficiencies

Problematic (0 - 4): Major off flavors and aromas dominate

How to sample:

Step 1: Pour into clean glass. Pour right down the center and get a nice head- this releases aromas of the beer.

Step 2: First rate the beer on Apperance. Does the beer like something you would want to drink? Does it have a full, heathly head or dies it look weak and water? Hold the beer glass up to the light- is the beer the right color for the style? Can you see any floaties or particles that do not belong?

Step 3: Rate the beer on aroma next. Take a nice whiff-what do you smell? Hop notes such as citrus or a grassy smell? Components of the grainbill such as carmel or biscuit? Coffee and chocolate notes in a rich stout? Make sure the beer is the correct temperature- most beer should be served in the 40F area, and as the beer warms slightly, more aromas will be released.

Step 4: Take a sip of the beer. Note the mouthfeel- is the beer crisp and well-carbonated? Flat? Is it thick and chewy, or this and watered down? Any unusual sensations, like oily slickness? Note any residue and the beer leaves on your tongue or palate.

Step 5:: Here’s the big one- rate the flavor of the beer. Take notes on the entire flavor experience- the beer first touching your mouth, what the predominant flavors are, and any aftertaste left when you swallow Is the beer’s flavor appropriate for the style? Any off-flavors? Does the beer seem skunked or sour at all? As beer ages, it can oxidize and develop off-flavors such as wet cardboard, vinegar, or sherry. Most importantly, do you like the taste? A ber might exactly to style, but it is a style you don’t care for! Note which flavors you like and which you don’t- this will help you select beers you will enjoy down the line.

Step 6: Finally, rate the overall impression of the beer. Was it brewed and served appropriately for the style? Did the experience of the beer change between first sip and last? What did you like about the beer, and what you didn’t like? Were there small mistakes that could be overlooked, or was the beer a train wreck you wouldn’t recommend to a man dying of thirst?