Pittsburgh and the surrounding area are perfect for those people who are looking to have a beer-tasting evening and the number of breweries and beer choices are huge. People have options such as non-alcoholic options through to sours and specialist brews – a night of trying a little of each can give an overview of the kind of beer that is on offer.
The breweries in the local area can provide people with lots of drinks and though the company of others may be enough for a good night, it is possible that people will also be looking to pair the brews with other activities. Whether the event is at home or out and about will impact some of the options but there is always something that can be planned ahead.
Just because James Bond didn’t pair his gaming with beer doesn’t mean other people can’t!
Beer can be served alongside a deck of cards or the spinning wheel of a roulette game. The act of gaming adds another level to the laid-back vibe of tasting beers and some of these games can be social.
Online casino gaming is another option for people if they don’t want to play table games in person and it can still be a sociable act. A game that is simple yet social like blackjack can become part of the evening’s entertainment. This works especially well if there’s a theme or the brews can even be paired with a few rounds of gaming. A blackjack game can be done pretty quickly so it is not like people have to commit loads of time to play – it can either be a short interlude or the main theme of an evening.
The social aspect of gaming fits naturally with the camaraderie of beer tasting. Sharing a bit of entertainment with the people that have been invited can be a way to make the evening about more. Modern and online blackjack sites have made it simple and mean there is not even a specific need for someone to be a dealer.
Food is something that hosts almost always think of. Another activity that pairs wonderfully with a beer-tasting night is the proper food pairing. The right snacks or small dishes can bring out the best in the brews being sampled if they have been thought about. From classic beer companions like pretzels and cheese to more gourmet options like charcuterie boards or even a mini taco bar. It can be easy to make some beer snacks to go along with the tasting.
Experimentation is key here. A malty stout might complement dark chocolate truffles and a crisp IPA could pair beautifully with spicy chicken wings. Including tasting notes and suggestions for each beer helps guide the group’s palate or even educate. There has been quite a lot of research around what pairs best with beer so people may learn something about this.
Consider involving the guests in the preparation if food is needed. Make-your-own pizza or burger stations allow everyone to customize their meals and create unique pairings with the beers on offer. This turns the evening into a collaborative culinary adventure. You probably shouldn’t ask them to get involved with the cleaning up though!
The tastes can be a big part of the evening and we’ve even reviewed some punchy and interesting beers on the site such as Alien Baphomet from Tired Hands Brewing Company. This beer has some bold tasting notes and pairing it with food could be a challenge.
Creative activities can make the beer-tasting night unforgettable. This could be something as simple as designing custom labels for the beers being tasted or more elaborate like a beer-themed painting session where guests create artwork inspired by their favorite brews. People might be terrible at it but that is part of the fun.
Photography enthusiasts might enjoy a beer-themed photo booth with props and backdrops. These snapshots create lasting memories of the evening and give everyone a keepsake.
Even people who don’t want to get involved in too many of the activities may well want some chilled-out music. No evening is complete without the right soundtrack. A carefully curated playlist sets the mood and enhances the atmosphere and if someone is focusing on local music for their beer night they might also want to incorporate some local music.
Live entertainment can also be a fantastic addition. A local musician or acoustic set creates an intimate vibe and karaoke adds a dose of playful energy. These tend to be best for larger events rather than small gatherings of friends.
Events should be tailored to the audience and how many people are going to be in attendance. The ideas on this list can get people started if they are thinking about a tasting evening and provide a chance for people to add to their own flair to the night!
