A Beginner's Guide To Enjoying A Beer Flight

A flight of beer is a selection of different beers served in small glasses, typically presented on a wooden board known as a paddle. The portions are usually between 3 and 6 ounces, adding up to around a full pint. The order in which the beers are presented is important, as it can affect the taste experience. It is generally recommended to drink the beers from lightest to darkest, or from lowest to highest ABV, to avoid stronger beers from overpowering the lighter ones.

Consult staff when ordering

When ordering a flight of beer, it is always a good idea to consult the staff. They will be able to provide valuable insights and recommendations to enhance your experience. Here are some reasons why consulting the staff is beneficial:

Knowledge of Beer Options

The staff at breweries, tasting rooms, and pubs are usually well-versed in the flights they offer. They can guide you through the different options available, whether it's a preset flight or a create-your-own option. By consulting them, you can learn about the specific beers included in each flight, allowing you to make a more informed decision.

Understanding Beer Characteristics

Staff members are familiar with the characteristics of the beers they serve. They can explain the nuances of each beer, including its style, flavour profile, aroma, and intensity. This information is crucial in helping you select a flight that aligns with your preferences. For example, if you enjoy hoppy beers, they can direct you towards IPAs or double IPAs.

Pairing Beers with Food

Consulting the staff can also help you explore food pairings. They can recommend complementary dishes or snacks that enhance the flavours of the beers in your flight. This adds another layer of enjoyment to your tasting experience, as you discover how different beers interact with various foods.

Education and Exploration

Staff members are often passionate about beer and eager to share their knowledge. They can provide insights into the brewing process, ingredients, and unique characteristics of each beer. By engaging with them, you can learn about the art of brewing and develop a deeper appreciation for craft beer. This educational aspect is especially valuable for those new to the world of craft beer or looking to expand their horizons.

Customization and Personalization

The staff can also help you customize your flight to match your tastes and interests. They might suggest creating a flight that explores a specific style of beer, such as IPAs or stouts, or guide you in selecting a variety of beers to discover new favourites. Their expertise ensures that you can design a flight that suits your preferences, making the experience more enjoyable and memorable.

In summary, consulting the staff when ordering a flight of beer is highly recommended. Their knowledge, expertise, and passion for craft beer can elevate your tasting experience, helping you discover new flavours, styles, and pairings. Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek their guidance to make the most of your beer flight journey.

Don't chug

When drinking a flight of beer, it's important to remember that it's not a vehicle to get smashed quickly. The idea is to savour the taste and aroma of each beer, so don't chug it! Here are some reasons why you shouldn't chug your beer flight:

Savour the Flavour

The point of ordering a flight of beers is to try new craft beers and expand your beer palate. By chugging your beer, you're not giving yourself a chance to appreciate the unique flavours and aromas of each beer. Treat it like a wine-tasting and take your time to sip and savour each beer.

Avoid Stomach Discomfort

Chugging beer, especially if it's bubbly and foamy, can cause stomach pain, gas, and nausea. By taking your time and sipping your beer, you can avoid these unpleasant side effects.

Pace Yourself

Beer flights are meant to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. If you chug your beer, you're likely to finish your flight too quickly and miss out on the experience of savouring each unique beer.

Avoid Spills and Messes

When you chug beer, you're more likely to spill it on yourself or the table. Take your time and drink your beer slowly to avoid making a mess.

Social Etiquette

Chugging your beer can be considered impolite and may give the impression that you're only interested in getting drunk, rather than appreciating the craft and flavour of the beer. Take the time to socialise and converse with those around you while enjoying your beer at a relaxed pace.

Remember, the key to enjoying a flight of beer is to take your time, savour the flavours, and appreciate the art of craft brewing. So, sit back, relax, and sip your beer like a true connoisseur.

Drink in the order presented

Drinking a flight of beer is an excellent way to try new beers and expand your palate. Typically, a flight of beer will be presented to you on a wooden board known as a "paddle". The order in which the beers are presented is intentional and is designed to enhance your tasting experience. Here are some reasons why you should drink your flight of beer in the order presented:

• Lightest to Darkest: One of the most common ways to present a flight of beer is from lightest to darkest. Lighter-coloured beers tend to be lighter in body and flavour, so drinking them first ensures that stronger, darker beers do not overpower the lighter beers. Starting with the lighter beers also allows you to appreciate the subtle nuances in their flavour profiles.
• Lowest to Highest ABV: Some flights may be arranged based on Alcohol By Volume (ABV), with higher alcohol content generally indicating a stronger flavour. Drinking the beers in order of increasing ABV ensures that you do not start with a beer that is too strong and allows you to better appreciate the nuances of the lower ABV beers.
• Lowest to Highest IBUs: Some breweries may recommend drinking the beers in order of increasing IBUs (International Bittering Units). The logic behind this is that drinking a highly bitter beer first may fatigue your palate, making it more difficult to appreciate the other beers.
• Enhancing the Experience: Drinking the beers in the order presented is part of the experience and shows that the brewery or bartender has put thought into the flight. This attention to detail is what craft beer customers appreciate and enhances their overall drinking experience.
• Preserving the Flavour: Drinking the beers out of order can scream amateur to those around you. The order of the beers is carefully chosen to enhance the tasting experience, and drinking them in a different sequence may result in flavour profiles being lost or overwhelmed.

So, the next time you order a flight of beer, remember to drink the beers in the order presented and enjoy the unique experience that each brewery has carefully crafted for you!

Try something new

Trying new things is one of the best reasons to order a flight of beer. If you're new to the world of craft beer and have no idea what you'll like, or you're trying out a new brewery, a beer flight is a great way to sample a variety of beers without committing to a whole pint.

Many places offer preset flights that allow you to try a set variety of their beer selections, which is great if you're new to beer or don't know what you like. If you know which beer styles you prefer but want to try new ones, you can often create your own flight. This option lets you try a variety of beers you already enjoy and narrow down your favourite.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can try a completely random selection of new beers. You can also try beers from different regions and taste them side by side. This is fun and educational, and it's a low-risk way to discover new styles, innovations, and experiments.

You can also use a beer flight to branch out from your favourite beer. For example, if you're a devoted pale ale drinker, you could try a flight of different pale ales from various breweries to find your favourite.

Beer flights are also a great way to try new styles of beer or a new brewery without committing to a full pint that you may not enjoy.

Pair with food

Pairing a flight of beer with food is a great way to get the most out of your drinking experience. The staff at breweries, tasting rooms, and pubs usually put a lot of thought into the flights they offer, so it's a good idea to consult them when ordering. They might suggest a flight that highlights the range of beers they offer or focuses on a specific style of beer. You can also ask the bartender to recommend food pairings for each beer in your flight.

When pairing beer with food, it's important to consider the flavour profiles of both the beer and the dish. For example, a light and refreshing lager or blonde ale might pair well with a salad or light appetiser. A pale ale or IPA could stand up to something heartier, like a burger or chicken sandwich. A brown ale or stout might complement a dessert, such as a chocolate cake or rich, creamy cheese.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try pairing contrasting flavour profiles. For example, a sour beer might cut through the richness of a creamy dish, or a hoppy IPA could provide a refreshing contrast to a spicy meal.

Remember, the key to pairing beer with food is to experiment and have fun. So, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Cheers!

Frequently asked questions