Top 10 Things to Bring for a Craft Beer Tasting Event

Craft beer tasting events have surged in popularity over the past decade, transforming from casual pub meetups to curated, sensory-driven experiences. Whether you're a first-time taster or a seasoned hop head, attending a craft beer tasting event is about more than just sipping your way through stouts and IPAs — it's about engaging your senses, refining your palate, and being well-prepared.

To truly get the most out of your beer-tasting experience, you need more than a thirst for hoppy excellence. Preparation is key to maximizing your enjoyment, ensuring comfort, and making lasting connections in the brewing community.

Here are the Top 10 Things to Bring for a Craft Beer Tasting Event that will have you tasting like a pro and mingling like a connoisseur.

1. Tasting Glass: Your Essential Tool for Flavor Exploration

Your tasting glass is your gateway to aroma, color, and clarity — all critical aspects of evaluating craft beer. While many events offer generic cups, bringing your own tasting glass ensures you're getting the full sensory experience.

Features to look for:

• Tulip-shaped or snifter-style to capture aroma

• Small volume (4–6 oz) to manage multiple pours

• Glass, not plastic, for clarity and temperature retention

This tool isn’t just about function — it also signals to brewers and other attendees that you’re there to appreciate the art of beer.

#tastingglass #beer #event #craftbeer #tasting

2. Notepad and Pen: Document Your Discoveries

There’s a lot to take in at a beer tasting — hop varieties, flavor notes, brewing styles, and favorites you’ll want to remember later. A notepad and pen help you track what you liked, disliked, and want to explore further.

What to jot down:

• Brewery name and beer name

• Beer style (IPA, saison, stout, etc.)

• Appearance, aroma, taste, mouthfeel, and finish

• Your personal rating

If you prefer tech, a note-taking app or beer-specific app like Untappd can also work — but paper never needs recharging.

#notepad #notes #craftbeer #event

3. Water Bottle: Cleanse Your Palate and Stay Hydrated

Hydration is essential at any alcohol-based event, especially one where you're tasting dozens of beers. Bring a refillable water bottle and sip often.

Why it matters:

• Keeps you hydrated and helps avoid hangovers

• Cleanses your palate between tastings

• Helps moderate alcohol intake

Many venues have water refill stations. Choose a BPA-free bottle or stainless steel flask to keep it cool.

#water #hydration #craftbeer #event

4. Snacks: Sustain Your Energy and Protect Your Stomach

Tasting strong ales on an empty stomach? That’s a recipe for burnout. Bringing your own snacks helps balance the alcohol, extend your energy, and improve focus on flavor.

Best snacks for beer tasting:

• Soft pretzels or crackers

• Cheese cubes or charcuterie

• Nuts or trail mix

• Avoid spicy or heavily flavored items that can overwhelm your taste buds

Pack them in a reusable container or keep them in your cooler (more on that below).

#snacks #food #craftbeer #event

5. Camera: Capture the Memories and the Labels

A camera — or a high-quality phone camera — is essential for remembering beers, connecting on social media, or even capturing the perfect pint for your blog.

What to photograph:

• Labels or signage (for memory and branding)

• Unique glassware or pours

• You and your friends enjoying the event

If you're serious about beer blogging or social media presence, a DSLR or mirrorless camera will elevate your content.

#camera #photography #craftbeer #event

6. Spittoon: Taste Without the Intoxication

It may sound strange, but yes — spitting is completely normal at beer tastings, especially if you’re sampling a high number of beers. A personal spittoon or disposable cup lets you evaluate taste without overindulging.

Benefits of using a spittoon:

• Avoid overconsumption

• Stay clear-headed and alert

• Make it through more tastings without palate fatigue

While many venues provide community spittoons, having your own is hygienic and discreet.

#spittoon #tasting #beer #event

7. Business Cards: Network with Brewers and Beer Enthusiasts

Craft beer events are goldmines for networking. Whether you’re a homebrewer, influencer, blogger, distributor, or just a super fan, business cards make connections last beyond the last pour.

Who to hand them to:

• Brewery reps and owners

• Fellow tasters with shared interests

• Event organizers or vendors

Include links to your website, social media, or Untappd profile if relevant. You never know who you’ll meet!

#businesscards #networking #craftbeer #event

8. Cooler: Take the Good Stuff Home

Many craft beer events offer bottle sales, limited edition cans, or crowler fills of your favorite brews. A portable cooler ensures that anything you buy stays cold and fresh until you get home.

Cooler checklist:

• Ice packs or frozen water bottles

• Bottle opener and can koozies

• Extra space for snacks or water

Even if you don’t plan to buy at the start, you’ll thank yourself later when you find that barrel-aged stout you just have to bring home.

#cooler #storage #craftbeer #event

9. Comfortable Clothing: Dress for Taste and Movement

Beer tastings often involve standing, walking, and mingling—sometimes in outdoor or warehouse settings. Wear comfortable clothing that suits the location and season.

Tips for dressing well:

• Closed-toe shoes for safety and comfort

• Layers in case it gets cold or hot

• A breathable shirt if you’ll be tasting all day

Avoid strong perfumes or lotions that might interfere with the beer’s aroma.

#clothing #comfort #event #craftbeer

10. Identification: Don’t Leave Home Without It

No matter your age, always bring your ID to a craft beer tasting event. Most states require ID for all alcohol events, and many vendors are required to check even if you're clearly of age.

What counts:

• Government-issued photo ID

• Passport (if you're traveling internationally)

• Digital ID if accepted (but bring a backup just in case)

Without proper identification, your tasting experience might end before it begins.

#ID #verification #craftbeer #event

Bonus Tips: Make the Most of Your Tasting Experience

✅ Research Breweries in Advance

Check out the event’s website or map to prioritize the breweries and beers you want to try. Don’t waste time wandering.

✅ Pace Yourself

You don’t need to try everything. Prioritize styles you love, try a few new ones, and take breaks throughout the day.

✅ Follow Up After the Event

Use your notes and business cards to connect online. Leave reviews, follow breweries, or post about your favorites.

✅ Bring a Designated Driver or Use Rideshare

Even with moderation, it’s safest to plan your ride ahead of time.

Final Thoughts: Taste, Learn, Enjoy, Repeat

Craft beer tasting events are a blend of art, science, community, and celebration. Every sample is a chance to explore new flavors, support local breweries, and expand your palate. But with so many tastes and experiences in one place, a little preparation goes a long way.

To recap, here are the Top 10 Things to Bring for your next beer tasting adventure:

1. Tasting Glass

2. Notepad and Pen

3. Water Bottle

4. Snacks

5. Camera

6. Spittoon

7. Business Cards

8. Cooler

9. Comfortable Clothing

10. Identification

Armed with these essentials, you’ll be ready to sip, savor, and celebrate the best of craft brewing culture. Whether you're hopping between hazy IPAs or exploring experimental saisons, the right gear will help you taste smarter, stay comfortable, and make meaningful connections.