Flight Ordering Tips

Tasting Order, Pacing and Getting the Most From Each Glass

Once you have picked the beers for your flight, the order you drink them in matters almost as much as the selection itself. A good rule of thumb is to move from light to heavy: start with crisp lagers, pilsners or wheat beers, move on to pale ales and IPAs, and finish with darker, richer or stronger styles such as porters, stouts or barrel-aged beers. Bold hops, roast and high alcohol tend to dull your palate, so tasting a delicate lager after a big imperial stout rarely does the lager justice. Sour and fruited beers can be tricky; many drinkers place them in the middle or at the very end, since their acidity can make the next beer taste flat.

Look, smell, then sip

Before you drink, take a moment to look at each sample against the light. Colour and clarity hint at the malt and style. Give the glass a gentle swirl and smell it. Much of what we call flavour is aroma, and hop-forward beers in particular reveal citrus, pine or tropical notes on the nose. Then take a small sip, let it sit on your tongue, and notice bitterness, sweetness, body and how long the finish lasts.

Reset between samples

• Water: a sip of water between beers clears the palate and keeps you hydrated.
• Plain snacks: crackers or bread help neutralise lingering bitterness.
• Temperature: very cold beer hides flavour. Letting darker beers warm slightly for a few minutes often brings out chocolate, caramel and dried-fruit notes.

Sharing a flight

Flights are ideal for groups. Splitting one or two flights lets everyone try more styles while keeping overall consumption moderate, and comparing impressions out loud is half the fun. If someone in your group finds a clear favourite, that is a good cue to order a full pour of it.

Plan ahead

The tap list changes as seasonal and limited releases come and go, so it is worth browsing our current beers before you visit. If you are coming for a busy night, check the events page first, and always arrange a safe ride home. Taster glasses are small, but several of them add up quickly.