Craft beer flight tasting

Learn how a craft beer flight tasting works, a selection of small servings to compare aromas, flavors, and styles.

About this subject

A craft beer flight tasting is a common practice in bars, breweries, and specialized events. It consists of serving small portions, usually 100 to 150 ml, of different styles or variations from the same brand. The goal is to allow the consumer to try multiple options without committing to a full glass, facilitating comparison of characteristics such as color, aroma, body, bitterness, and finish. Flights are often served on wooden boards or trays with identification, and the tasting order usually follows a progression from light to strong, or from less hoppy to more hoppy, depending on the curation.

In Brazil, flight culture has gained strength with the growth of the craft beer market. Breweries such as Colorado, Bodebrown, and Wäls have started offering flights in their stores and points of sale. Many specialized bars, like Dogma (São Paulo) and Brewpoint (Belo Horizonte), create themed tastings, such as flights of only IPAs or barrel-aged beers. The practice is also common at festivals, such as the Brazilian Beer Festival in Blumenau (Santa Catarina), where visitors can buy tickets to sample various brands.

A curiosity: the term “flight” comes from aviation, alluding to a “flight” of flavors. Besides the sensory experience, the flight educates the palate and helps the consumer discover preferences. It is common for the sommelier or bartender to explain the characteristics of each beer, including ingredients, fermentation process, and pairing with cheeses, chocolates, or meats. Serving temperature is also crucial: lighter beers are served colder (4-6°C), while fuller-bodied and dark beers range between 10 and 14°C.

For those who want to set up a flight at home, the tip is to choose 4 to 6 contrasting styles, such as a Pilsen, a Witbier, a Pale Ale, an IPA, a Stout, and a Sour. Use appropriate glassware (tulip, weizen, pint) and serve the beers in the correct order. Taking notes in a tasting journal is also a practice among experts. The flight is a democratic tool that combines leisure and knowledge about the rich diversity of world beers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a craft beer flight?

It is a selection of small servings of different craft beers served on a single tray or board, allowing the consumer to taste and compare several styles or brands in one visit.

How many beers come in a typical flight?

Usually 4 to 6 options, each with 100 to 150 ml. The quantity may vary depending on the establishment and the proposed curation.

What is the correct order to taste a flight?

It is recommended to start with lighter, lower-alcohol beers like Pilsners and Witbiers, then progress to fuller-bodied and bitter ones like IPAs and Stouts. This prevents palate fatigue early on.