How to Taste Beer Like a Pro

Sep 9

At Old Yale, we’re all about making craft beer approachable, fun, and full of adventure. Whether you’re new to craft or a seasoned sipper, learning how to really taste your beer can turn every pint into an experience. Don’t worry you don’t need a certification or a fancy notebook to get started. Just a curious palate, a little patience, and maybe a Trailblazer in hand.

Here’s how to taste beer like a pro (without taking yourself too seriously):

Step 1: Look 👀

Before you even take a sip, check out what’s in your glass. Notice the colour — is it golden and bright, hazy and juicy, or dark and roasty? Pay attention to the clarity, the foam (aka “head”), and how it lingers. Each of these details hints at what you’re about to taste.

Pro move: Hold your glass up to the light or over a white surface to really see those colours pop.

Step 2: Swirl 👋

Just like with wine, a little swirl helps release aromas. Give your glass a gentle spin and watch the carbonation rise. This wakes up the beer and gives you the first real preview of its character.

Step 3: Smell 👃

Your nose is where most of your “taste” actually happens. Stick it in there (yes, really!) and take a good sniff. Do you get citrus? Pine? Tropical fruit? Toasty malt? Coffee? Chocolate?

At Old Yale, we love this step because it’s where the adventure begins every aroma tells a story about the ingredients and the brew.

Step 4: Sip 👅

Finally, the best part. Take a sip, let it wash over your palate, and notice the flavours as they unfold. Start broad: is it sweet, sour, bitter, or salty? Then narrow in juicy mango, roasted coffee, zesty lime, caramel malt?

Pro move: Don’t chug (we know, it’s tempting). Hold the sip in your mouth for a second or two, then swallow.

Step 5: Savor ✨

After you swallow, pay attention to the finish. Is it crisp and clean? Lingering and complex? Dry and refreshing? This is the moment that sets beers apart and often where your favourite styles start to emerge.

Step 6: Share 🍻

Beer is about community. Compare notes with your friends, laugh at how wildly different your tasting descriptions can be, and discover what each of you loves most. There’s no wrong answer here just good beer and good company.

Final Sip

Tasting beer like a pro isn’t about overthinking it it’s about slowing down and enjoying the ride. Next time you crack open an Old Yale brew, take a moment to look, swirl, smell, sip, savor, and share. You’ll be surprised at how much more you notice (and how much more fun it is).

So go ahead pour yourself a pint, and taste adventure with us.

👉 Want to put your tasting skills to the test? Try it with our latest release: Latte Amber Mixer. Bursting with Spicy Fall flavours and warm cinnamon notes, it’s the perfect beer to start your tasting journey.

Cheers Everyone!🍻