HOST A FIRESIDE BEER TASTING

Summertime always puts us in the mood for a cold beer. Or even an entire flight! Bring the brewery experience to the backyard by hosting a fireside tasting of your own.

Not a beer person? Not so fast! There are so many available on the market, from breweries both large and small, that you’re bound to find a lager, IPA or stout that strikes your fancy.

Here are some can’t-miss tips for serving up a night to remember.

-Choose a theme! The options are endless. Some beer roundup ideas we’re into:

   -Local brews
   -Summer sips
   -Dark vs. light
   -Fruit- or spice-infused
   -Beers from around the world
   -Specific beer types (like IPA)
   -Beer potluck (where each guest brings their favorite brew)

-Make sure you have the right glasses on hand, and enough for everyone who’s attending. A single tasting isn’t served in a traditional pint glass, but in a smaller glass, often with a stem. Larger beer, wine stores and liquor stores are a great place to look for glassware.

-Buy enough beer! Not just enough for the samples, but enough so that everyone can enjoy their favorites after the tasting portion of the night is over.

-Create the right atmosphere. Dress up your patio with string lights, create a playlist featuring your favorite laid-back summer jams and stock up on OUTDOOR firelogs to keep things cozy all night long. Save time by buying them in advance online and picking them up in-store.

-Don’t forget the snacks! An assortment of savory treats always goes over well when it comes to beer pairings, but don’t dismiss sweets.

-Cleanse that palate! This is key. Between each tasting, make sure to start fresh by eating a small piece of bread or a cracker.

-During the tasting, have everyone share their thoughts not only on the beer’s flavor, but on its smell and appearance, too. Hearing everyone’s opinions on each beer sampled can help you to see it in a new light and keep the conversations flowing.

If you decide to host your own backyard fireside beer tasting, we’d love to see pics! Share them with us on social media by tagging us @Duraflame for a chance to be featured!

Cheers!

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