Beer Tastings 101

You are here: Home \ Beer Tastings 101

Beer Tastings 101

Thinking of booking Tracy for an evening of personalized craft beer tasting around your kitchen table, but you have a few more questions? Look no further.

I’ve never done a personal tasting before, what are the basics?

It’s easy! First, gather a group of friends, work colleagues or people you want to get-to-know better. I can accommodate larger or smaller groups. A simple “Wanna come over and drink good beer?” will most certainly do. We’ll work together to personalize your tasting.

Being the typical down-town Torontoian, I rely on public transportation and my speedy road bike to commute around our fair city. Therefore, I will ask that you pick up the beer from the LCBO or Toronto-based brewery. I will coordinate the shopping list, you will be the guardian of the beer!

And finally, sit back in the company of your friends, and prepare to enjoy beer. For 2 to 3 hours I’ll guide you through five different beers using your senses, exploring their aroma, appearance, taste and mouthfeel (don’t worry, it will all make sense after your tasting). We can also chat more about the beer’s ingredients, the historical significance of the beer or what foods you should pair the beer with. You’ll leave the evening having the taste and the knowledge to continue on in your exploration of quality beer (and the lingo to impress your friends).

How much does a guided beer tasting cost?

Whether you’re sipping Ontario beers, savoring your favorite style or taking the world beer tour, your personalized tasting will only cost you $300 (plus the cost of beer) for 4 to 12 people and $450.00 (plus the cost of beer) to cover the cost of beer.

Visit the Pricing page for more details!

How many beers will we be tasting?

Your tasting will include 5 different beers that have been skillfully selected to meet the needs of your curiosity and taste buds – Each person experiencing a 6 oz pour of each craft beer. If any beer is left over after the tasting, friendly bartering for your favorite beer with your friends is encouraged.

Will there be food involved?

All tastings will come with pallet-cleansing Italian bread. However, if you’d like to take your tasting to the next level, I will gladly pair each of your beers with an artisinal and locally-produced cheese for an additional $100.00. Cheese will be purchased from local, sustainable and artisinal dairy producers including Fifthtown Cheese, Best Baa and Montforte Dairy.

May I also suggest hiring my friends at Chocosol to provide an excellent assortment of chocolate-inspired snacks, a perfect match for your Ontario craft beer!

Beer naturally pairs well with cheese and chocolate! Unlike wine, whose acidic nature cuts the lingering flavour of the cheese on the tongue, when paired well, beer actually enhances the flavour notes of your favorite cheeses or chocolates.

When is Tracy available?

I will gladly lead you and your friends through a guided beer tasting Thursday through Sunday, year round! Since I’m busy working at Black Oak Brewery during the week,I will be available after 7:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Saturday and Sunday at your leisure.

How long will my tasting last?

Your tasting will last between 2 to 3 hours, with an additional hour for in-home preparation and clean-up. Feel free to feed your friends after the beer tasting as certain foods can impede your beer-savvy taste buds.

What do I need to provide?

When possible, please provide two wine glasses for each of your friends attending. It would also be great if you have either 1) enough refrigerator space to keep the beer chilled while it’s on-deck to be tasted, or 2) a large cooler that can easily fit the majority of the beers. If you’re going for the second option, please provide a bag of ice.

How will Tracy personalize my beer tasting?

After you’ve decided upon your beer tasting, Tracy will work with you to pick the right beers for your flight of five. Starting with what beers you “usually drink”, Tracy will help you move towards more thrilling beers that will really impress your friends.

And for those looking to dive deeper into style-specific history or beer ingredients, you’ll have the opportunity to take an educational-twist on your tasting. You can fill out a short survey to personalize your tasting.

Can I invite more/less people after we’ve scheduled a tasting?

Although Torontoians are known for their hectic schedules, please do your best to confirm the number of attendees five days prior to your scheduled tasting. This will help ensure everyone leaves satisfied.

How and when do I pay for my tasting?

Just before carving the date of your guided beer tasting in stone, please be prepared to provide a $100.00 down payment. The remainder of your payment can be given to Tracy the night of your tasting provided you are satisfied with the service.