Writing Tasting Notes: A Guide

Posted on April 19, 2023

Creating tasting notes for your homebrewed beer is not just a fun and rewarding exercise; it's a valuable tool for improving your brewing skills and sharing your creations with others. Tasting notes help you evaluate your beer objectively and provide a structured way to describe its sensory characteristics. Whether you're a novice or an experienced homebrewer, here's a comprehensive guide on how to write tasting notes that capture the essence of your brew.

Why Write Tasting Notes?

Before we dive into the process, let's explore why writing tasting notes is an essential practice for any homebrewer:

a. Evaluation: Tasting notes help you objectively assess your beer's quality, identify flaws, and understand its strengths and weaknesses. This feedback is invaluable for refining your brewing techniques.

b. Documentation: Detailed tasting notes serve as a record of your brewing experiments. Over time, this documentation allows you to track your progress, make adjustments, and recreate successful recipes.

c. Communication: Sharing tasting notes with fellow brewers, friends, or potential enthusiasts allows you to convey the unique characteristics of your beer. It can spark discussions, comparisons, and appreciation for your craft.

d. Sensory Development: Writing tasting notes hones your sensory perception. It trains your palate and olfactory senses to detect subtle aromas and flavors, a skill that can greatly enhance your brewing abilities.

Now, let's break down the process of writing tasting notes for your homebrewed beer:

1. Appearance

The appearance of your beer is the first impression it makes. To assess its appearance, consider the following aspects:

• Color: Describe the beer's hue, which can range from pale straw to deep brown or black. Be specific in your description.
• Clarity: Note whether the beer is clear, hazy, or cloudy. Clarity can provide insights into your brewing process.
• Head: Assess the thickness, retention, and color of the beer's head. Does it leave lacing on the glass as you drink?

2. Aroma

The aroma of a beer is often its most complex and intriguing feature. To evaluate the aroma, follow these steps:

• Intensity: Assess the strength of the aroma, from subtle to pronounced.
• Aromas: Identify the specific scents you detect. Look for hops, malt, yeast, fruit, spice, floral notes, or any other unique aromatics. Be as descriptive as possible.
• Complexity: Evaluate how layered and multifaceted the aroma is. Can you distinguish multiple aromas that blend harmoniously?

3. Flavor Profile

The flavor profile is where your beer truly shines. To evaluate the flavor, consider these factors:

• Initial Taste: Describe the first impression when the beer touches your palate. Note any immediate flavors that stand out.
• Mid-Palate: Detail the flavors that develop as you continue sipping. Look for transitions and evolving taste experiences.
• Finish: Assess the final flavors that linger after swallowing. Is it dry, sweet, bitter, or something else?
• Balance: Evaluate how well the beer's flavors are harmonized. Is it well-balanced or skewed toward one aspect (e.g., hops, malt)?
• Intensity: Comment on the overall strength of flavors, whether they're subtle or intense.

4. Mouthfeel

Mouthfeel refers to the beer's texture and how it feels on your palate. To assess mouthfeel, consider the following:

• Body: Assess the beer's body, which can range from light to medium, full, or creamy.
• Carbonation: Comment on the level of carbonation—whether it's effervescent, crisp, or gently carbonated.
• Texture: Consider the texture on the palate. Is it smooth, velvety, or prickly?
• Alcohol: Note if there's any alcohol warmth or presence in the mouthfeel.

5. Overall Impression

In this final section, you'll provide an overall assessment of the beer:

• Rating: Assign an overall rating or score based on your personal preference and evaluation. Some brewers use a numerical scale, while others may use descriptive terms like "excellent," "good," "average," or "poor."
• Comments: Offer any additional thoughts or insights on the beer. This can include comparisons to similar styles, suggestions for improvement (if needed), and any standout characteristics.
  

Final Tips for Writing Tasting Notes

• Use Specific Language: Be precise in your descriptions. Instead of saying "fruity," specify the fruit you detect (e.g., "notes of ripe apricot").
• Compare and Contrast: Compare your beer to commercial examples of the same style. Note similarities and differences.
• Practice and Patience: Developing your palate and writing skills takes time. Practice regularly, and don't be discouraged if your early notes feel rudimentary.
• Consistency: Create a consistent format for your tasting notes, making it easier to track your progress over time.
• Stay Open-Minded: Your perception of a beer may change as it warms or as you sample it at different times. Stay open to evolving impressions.
• Share and Discuss: Engage with other brewers and beer enthusiasts. Sharing and discussing tasting notes can lead to valuable insights and camaraderie.

Writing tasting notes for your homebrewed beer is a skill that enhances your brewing journey, refines your sensory perception, and communicates your craft to others. It transforms your beer from a mere beverage into a sensory experience worth savoring and sharing. So, grab a notebook, a glass of your latest creation, and start capturing the essence of your homebrew, one sip at a time. Cheers to the art of brewing and the joy of tasting!