Flavor standards are a key element in learning to taste beer and improving your beer sensory skills, particularly for identifying off-flavors. However, not all flavor standards are created equal when preparing them. Understanding how to prepare different flavor standards properly will ensure that you are achieving the correct concentration.

Using random 3-digit numbers for your beer sensory panels or beer tasting exam practice means that you’re not unconsciously biasing yourself or others. Random 3-digit codes allow for impartial evaluation.

Cups are a necessary part of almost every sensory exercise. However, you can’t just grab any cup from the store, taproom, or cabinet. Selecting the proper cups for your sensory exercises is an often neglected element that can have a huge impact on sensory.

Believe me when I tell you that doing the preliminary work of making, printing, and affixing labels to cups and other things is the difference between a well-organized beer sensory session and a confusing mess.