tasting beer

[william_shakes_beer]

Don't giggle, this is a serious queston.

This weekend I picked up a 12 pack of a belgan witbeer and tried the first 2 on an empty pallet. Had a nice crisp taste with a cirtrus finish.

Then, this evening I had one from the same pack after a dinner of meatloaf. Tasted completely different, and to tell the truth If that had been my first try I probably would have had a completely different impression. Not pleasant.

Now the question:

What is the proper way to taste a beer. Should eat something first, eat nothing, etc. Not trying to be the snobbish wine conniseur that sticks their pinky out, just want to give each brew (including my own once i make one) a fair chance. Only asking because my impressions were completely different.

 

[BigB]

Many breweries do their quality control tastes just before lunch time. Supposedly your senses are at their peak then. But I suppose that just before dinner would be the same.

 

[bovineblitz]

IMO it's like tasting wine. If you're super serious about it, water and mild crackers will clear your palate. Also whether or not you're hungry is important too

 

[jm195907]

The time of year I try something sometimes has some effect. I've tried some heavier, darker beers that I didn't appreciate at the time, only to try it again in the winter and have my world turned upside down. I guess it also depends what exactly you're eating as some styles may complement it better.