Learning to describe taste
Learning to describe taste
I know this is a tiny community and my chances of generating significant discussion are small, but we have to start somewhere.
I like beer. I am lucky enough to have a lifestyle where at the end of most days I get a chance to sit with a beer and listen to some music. I like to try different beers and most times I go shopping I get a mixed 6 pack. If I find something I like I might get a few more of them next week etc.
Last weekend I was buying beer at an unfamiliar location, it was crowded and I just wanted out so I grabbed a 12 pack of Alexander Keith's IPA (I'm in Nova Scotia). The main reason I went for the 12 pack of mass produced was cost - buying individual cans of craft beer I'm paying $4-$6 per can - it adds up.
Now we finally get to to reason for my post - I'm really not enjoying the Keith's IPA and I don't have the language to describe why. I can't say any more than it tastes watery and reminds of other cheap mass produced beers.
I've been to tasting sessions where the server describes the tastes of the various beers on a flight etc., but the information doesn't get retained. Maybe I'm not supposed to share my tasting experience with anyone? Any suggestions for reading, or other experiences, that might help me improve my beer language?
I took a sensory course that basically walks you through the bjcp guidelines and I find looking at those while drinking helps me figure out what I like and don't like. My friend who also took the course with me doesn't like certain hop varieties and so she's been taking note on each can she tries what type of hops they used (if available). It might not be about the production of the beer, but the ingredients that you don't like! Cheers!
Would something like this beer flavor wheel help?
