How To: Throw the Perfect Craft Beer Tasting Party

Craft beer has pretty much taken over the world. No, I am kidding... But, it has really gotten extremely popular. From brewpubs, classic beer menus, to craft beer stores, to... wait for it... Craft Beer Tasting Parties! We frequent a lot of the local breweries with friends and decided it would be a perfect theme for a party with our beer-loving posse.

Our last Craft Beer Tasting Party went off without a hitch, so much so that I thought I would share! From the food to the decorations (Pinterest - duh!) everything was hop-tastic.

Let's get started...

Printables (click the pink links for more info)

Beer Tasting Score Cards

While tasting, each of the attendees scored the beers and kept notes in-case it was one they wanted to purchase in the future. At the end we chose a winner! The best part about the score cards was that it kept everyone on the same page as well as made everyone put some thought into the act of tasting.

Banner, Labels, Cupcake Toppers & Table Art

Can you say Pinterest party? These decorations took the event to the next level for sure. I have never been a big party decorator but these printables made for a cost effective and simple solution.

The beer style signs were perfect. I taped them to black construction paper to add some color as some of them were brown, orange, yellow, etc.

The table top signs were simple 5x7 images printed on glossy paper that I stuck in some frames I already had around the house - then for the couple of extra frames I needed I got from A.C Moore (my local craft store).

The Hoppy Day sign was one of my favorite parts. It actually originally was a Happy 30th Birthday sign (as bought from Etsy) - but I was able to easily manipulate the letters to fit my theme! I bought twine and clothes pins from A.C. Moore and that was a wrap!

The cupcake toppers took a bit of time - but were definitely worth it. I would recommend just having a couple of desserts for those sweet toothed folks that can't hold back! :)

In addition to utilizing this table art in an A.C. Moore white frame, I found some additional inspiration on Pinterest - isn't the wheat filled growler cute? I had two scattered throughout the kitchen and dining room.

Food

Trader Joe's BBQ Sliders

1 package of Potato Rolls

2 packages of Trader Joe's BBQ Pulled Pork

1/2 package of Trader Joe's Healthy 8 Chopped Veggie Mix

1/2 cup of mayo

1 tablespoon of honey

2 tablespoon of white wine vinegar

Trader Joe's Cheese and Meats Platter

Trader Joe's Italian or Spanish Deli Meat Combo Pack

Trader Joe's Sliced Cheese Pack

Herb Goat Cheese

Blue Cheese Wedge

Trader Joe's Snacks

Trader Joe's Popcorn with Herbs and Spices

Trader Joe's Whole Grain Pretzel Sticks

Trader Joe's Hot & Sweet Mustard

The Craft Beer Posse

Let me put it this way, we had SUCH a good time that we are having another one... this weekend! If you or your friends are into the whole 'craft beer phenomena' I would recommend hosting one of your own!