Setting and Circumstance

[Smitty]

There certainly are a number of things to consider when tasting a new beer - color, clarity, head, taste and finish all come to mind, but it seems a novice beer collector like me needs to be aware of another, sometimes more important aspect of the tasting process as well. I call it Setting and Circumstance. I expounded on the topic (perhaps to excess) at Beer Rant but feel it's important and (hopefully) thought-provoking enough to raise here at Aleuminati as well.

The environment in which we taste a new beer has everything to do with how it will perform and in fact whether we'll even remember it at all. I'm curious to know what tools my fellow Aleuminati use when trying to taste new beers in a public setting. I've read of notebooks (I carry one now), but what other tricks are used to tackle the process of beer tasting when you're sitting at a table at a busy restaurant or brewpub? I've even chosen to not make a blog post when the circumstances for tasting haven't been just right - chosing instead to chalk that experience up as a "beer moment" if I write about it at all.

What say all of you?

You can see the longer post regarding Setting and Circumstance at Beer Rant

[Da OD]

Well sir, I am not as sophisticated as many of the other Aluems. No blog, no great book of brews. I am simply a man that enjoys quality beer and as such sample as often and as diverse a compilation as I can afford. I agree with your statement that under the "right" conditions any beer can be phenomenal and likewise the opposite is true. A good case in point. At the STL Brewers Heritage Festival this year, at the “Ultimate Beer Dinner” that kicks off the event with the opening course they paired A-B’s American Lager otherwise known as Budweiser. Why of all the fine brews available they started with this one is beyond my thinking. But to get back to the point, it was the best that this particular beer had ever tested. Had I not known it was Bud, I would have not known. By the same token, a friend of mine, knowing I had a fondness for dark brews went out found one for me. We had been working outside for his Evil half slinging fertilizer and being verbally assaulted. When time came for our reward, it was a horrid bitter thing. Turned out to be Old Peculiar, a brand I normally enjoy. Circumstance making the argument.

As for your actual question asked, (sorry I got off topic), As a young man I found it easy enough to peel the label and/ or jot a note on a napkin whilst in the event if a proper notepad wasn’t available. Then, when in the Navy, I found my wheel book (a small notepad with sewn binding that easily fit in my back pocket) was as essential as my wallet if I was going ashore. Since those ancient of days have past and those tomes of knowledge were destroyed (by a truly demonic ex) I endeavor to retain either a mental image of the brew or find something about the name to spark a memory. I still make notes when the occasion is suitable. I also find it helpful to sample with others so that if the details are sketchy they can help me fill in the blanks. Ultimately, being an enthusiast vs. a writer, as long as I can figure it out, I am good.

[The Beer Philosopher]

Good topic Smitty! I generally don't drink "to review" when I'm out in public. I'd say, 90% of what I review, I do so from home. This is partially because I can best control the setting and circumstance, like you say, but also because the availability of "review-worthy" beers is quite limited around here but that's a whole other discussion.

When I review, I try to do it only when my palate is clean (i.e., not following spicy or otherwise strong-flavored foods) and I always drink a lot of water in between beers. Not only is this a good habit in general to keep you hydrated, it's also good for clearing the palate. Bread or non-salted crackers are also beneficial for this purpose. Also, think about what may very well be the most important sense for beer tasting - the sense of smell. Try to review beers in as "odor-neutral" a locale as you can find, away from cigarette smoke, food odors or perfumes. While its a nice thought to share a world-class beer with a beautiful woman, and I encourage you to do so whenever possible, it's not necessarily the best circumstance for an objective review on several levels ... ;)

But I digress ...