The 5 S's of Beer Tasting

WE LOVE BEER!!

But how well do we know it? Have you taken the time to appreciate the offerings and complexities of a fellow beer lover's craftsmanship? There is an easy to use analyzing process that supercedes chugging down a pint via Das Boot!

Use the 5 S's and watch your "Love of the Chug" turn into your "Savoring of the Sip" (that's 2 more S's I didn't even anticipate)

See, Swirl, Sniff, Swig, Savor
SEE - Grab the pint proudly and bask in the beauty! Hold it out just below eye level and ideally in front of a white surface. A tablecloth usually is a helpful tool, or in front of the refrigerator. What do you see? Tell your friend your opinion on the color, the clarity, the richness of the head and its viscosity. When he/she turns and says just chug it and shut up, quickly remind that person that you are dating someone and they are not.

SWIRL - Slow down killer....don't jump right into the swig phase. There are certain intricacies and complexities hidden beneath the bubbles. Swirling your beer gently in the glass will add oxygen, of which will release aromas and flavor characteristics. This will also charge up the CO2 in the beer, which again helps bring little nuances to the surface. This is a good time to assess the head retention,

SNIFF - We are getting to the swig, I promise. But you are going to get more out of this brew via your sniffer than on your palate. Put that schnoz as close to the beer as you can without dipping it in the beer head. Take several short sniffs. Relate the bouquet to items you can recall from the grocery store. This will assist in the swig portion so you will have certain flavors to seek that you recall from the sniff.

P.S. - Your accessory olfactory system is the one used mainly in the detection of pheromones, which will surely be released by the opposite sex when they catch you taking the time to nurture your brew.
SWIG - YES! Its time. Do me a favor though....take a nice swig and gently agitate the beer around the entire inside of your mouth. Do not yet pass judgement or make assessment. This process shocks your palate and eliminates lingering elements of any other consumption made prior to that swig. Take a second swig and perform the same gentle swishing and swooshing about the mouth. How does it feel in there? Whats the viscosity? What parts of your tongue are most impacted?

P.S. - Time to perform the "Beer Breathe". A lot like whistling, but without the obnoxious whistle. Breathe out gently and across the beer in your mouth. This is a similar act to the SWIRL but now it releases those hidden complexities on your tongue (retro-olfaction) so you can taste what you recently smelled.
SAVOR - Now take the time to think back on it all. What does the beer tell you? How long does the flavor linger? Repeat all steps until completion of bottle or glass.

CHEERS!