Fun Fact: India Pale Ales are called such because extra hops and alcohol were added to the mix to keep the beer from going bad on the long trip from India.
Cups - glasses work best, but plastic is okay too.
Tasting cards/mats - for beer indication, and for people to take home.
Water and snacks - to clear palates between tastes. Usually plain water, and bread.
Vertical - beers from one region, one brewer or one style (usually one style).
Generally 8 - 10 beers, at about 4 ounces each. It’s enough to taste each beer, but not so much to get people heavily inebriated.
Arrange the beer in a good order for tasting - typically light to dark.
Introduce each beer, explain where it’s from, its style and add any interesting or historical trivia.
Help your guests describe what they are tasting, and encourage people to discuss.
Keep the tasting moving - about 3 - 5 minutes per sample.