Holding a taste testing (stouts)

[Kiltlifter]

I had thought of holding a taste testing w/ some friends who love dark beers as much as I do. I have in my beer closet a Bell's Expedition Stout (been "aged" approx a year) and a Mogollon Apache Trout Stout ("aged" approx 7 months). Was thinking of adding an Old Rasputin and a Victory Storm King to the mix. Any other suggestions (additions or deletions)? I live in the Northwest.

Any tips on holding such a testing? I figure to do it "blind" w/ water for cleansing the palate between pours.

Since I only have one each of the Bell's & Mogollon, do you think I should finish off the testing w/ a bottle each of one of the other tester beers or do something completely different (but in the same stout vein)

[davesarman]

I'm a huge fan of Stone's Imperial Stout. I'd suggest adding that one if you can get it.

There are a bunch of ways to do the tasting. How knowlegeable will the participants be? Will they be taking notes? I might suggest small samples of each beer in succession, then once they have tasted all of them and made any notes they want to, they can be able to taste any/all of them side by side and make more comparisons. Just a thought. (If you want some more Expedition, PM me, I can send some your way. Can't get any Mogollon for you however.)

[Kiltlifter]

Originally posted by davesarman
There are a bunch of ways to do the tasting. How knowlegeable will the participants be? Will they be taking notes? I might suggest small samples of each beer in succession, then once they have tasted all of them and made any notes they want to, they can be able to taste any/all of them side by side and make more comparisons. Just a thought.
Thankx! I think the participants would be just like me ... big fans of good tasting beer but not really "knowledgeable". Not sure if they'd be taking notes. Since I have so little of a couple of the beers, I think I'll have to keep the group size small.

I'm pretty sure I can get Stone Imperial Stout. I'll have to throw in one of the NW stouts to the mix too ... maybe a Dick's (Centralia, WA).

One of these days I'll be PMing you about getting some more Bell's for sure! I think its funny that I love a particular beer that I can only get through trades. :p

[davesarman]

Originally posted by Kiltlifter
I think its funny that I love a particular beer that I can only get through trades.

Same for me on the Stone Imperial Stout! I think that speaks to the coolness of this board and the willingness of it's members to share their great beer with everyone.

[chazwicke]

It does indeed. Threecb and Hopjack I'm packing boxes tonight. ;)