Wine enthusiasts may be surprised to learn that they can successfully use their wine tasting skills to become more confident beer tasters. But with some guidance from Mirella Amato, Master Cicerone® and WSET’s Senior Business Development Manager for Beer we are closing the gap between wine and beer tasting.
In case you missed part one of this series, click here to learn more about the similarities and differences between wine and beer tasting.
In part two of the series, we are exploring the Systematic Approach to Tasting for wine and beer, and sharing more practical tasting tips.
Similarities in the Systematic Approach to Tasting for beer and wine
WSET’s patented Systematic Approach to Tasting® (SAT) teaches students to taste in a logical, systematic, and professional manner during their WSET course. The SAT for our Level 2 Award in Beer clearly explains how to analyse appearance, aromas, and flavours.
Both beer and wine tasting involve a systematic approach to evaluate the beverage's characteristics. Here are some similarities:
- Appearance: In both beer and wine tasting, the first step is to assess the appearance. This includes evaluating the clarity, colour, and the amount of foam in the beer, and the colour and viscosity (legs) in wine.
- Aroma: Both processes involve nosing the beverage to identify various aromas. This step helps in recognizing the ingredients and any fermentation characteristics.
- Palate: Tasting involves taking a small sip and letting it coat the mouth. Tasters evaluate the body, sweetness, acidity (in wine), bitterness (in beer), as well as aromas and other observations. For beer, we also assess the level of carbonation.
- Finish: The finish refers to the aftertaste and how long the flavours linger on the palate. Both beer and wine tasters note the length and quality of the finish.
- Balance: Assessing the balance of flavours is crucial in both beer and wine tasting. A well-balanced beverage will have harmonious flavours without any one component overpowering the others.
Practical tips for tasting
A key point of difference in beer tasting when compared to wine tasting is that in beer tasting it is typical to swallow the beer. At beer competitions or judging events, you're not going to find a spittoon on the table. That's partially because beer is a lower alcohol product but also because when beer is swallowed, you get a different perception of the bitterness and the finish of that beer.
While beer and wine tasting share some similarities, each has its nuances. Here are some key tips to enhance your sensory experience with both.
Cleanse your palate
Avoid heavy foods or strong flavours (e.g., coffee or garlic) beforehand. Neutral snacks like crackers or bread can help reset your palate between tastings.
Use the right glass
Beer: we recommend using a tulip pint to concentrate aromas and enhance the experience.
Wine: Choose a glass with a wide bowl and narrower rim to help capture and direct aromas.
In professional tasting settings, the ISO glass will be perfect for both beer and wine.
Observe the appearance
Beer: Look at the colour, clarity, and foam (head). These can indicate style, freshness, specific ingredients (like roasted malts) or brewing techniques (like dry hopping).
Wine: Examine the colour and clarity; the depth of colour can give clues about the grape variety, age, and potential flavour profile.
Assess the aroma
Swirl the glass gently to release aromas.
Beer: Sniff for hop character (floral, fruity, herbaceous), malt character (caramel, bread, chocolate), fermentation character (spices, barnyard), and other characteristics (from fruit additions or oak-derived aroma, among others).
Wine: See if you can detect fruit, floral, spice, earthy, and oak-derived aromas. The complexity often reveals wine style and origin.
Take a small sip
Allow the liquid to coat your palate.
Beer: Focus on the balance of characteristics from malt and hops, yeast-derived characteristics, carbonation, sweetness, bitterness, and/or acidity. You can also swallow a sip when tasting beer.
Wine: Pay attention to acidity, tannins (in reds), sweetness, and body (how it feels on the palate).
Consider the mouthfeel
Beer: Observe the carbonation, body, and if there is any alcohol warmth.
Wine: Consider the texture: is it smooth, velvety, or astringent?
Analyse the Finish
Beer: Observe how long the aromas linger and any aftertaste (e.g. lingering bitterness).
Wine: Assess the length of the finish and the balance of lingering flavours (e.g., fruit, oak, tannins).
Take notes
Write down key observations, including appearance, aroma, flavour, mouthfeel, and overall impression. Comparing notes over time helps refine your palate.
For more on this topic, select your favourite beer and watch the Shifting gears webinar in which beer expert, Master Cicerone®, and WSET’s Senior Business Development Manager for Beer talks you through a beer tasting, from a wine perspective.
Transitioning from wine to beer tasting can be an enriching experience, expanding your palate and appreciation for different beverages. By understanding the sensory and navigational differences, as well as the unique characteristics of beer ingredients, you can confidently explore the diverse world of beer.
