How to properly prepare for accurately tasting beer?

[zonkman]

Any tips on cleansing the palate?

I feel like just swirling water isn't really adequate.

What do judges do?

 

[SEndorf]

Cleansing the palate is not done.... unless you're stuck at judge table 30A and come across "Bubba and Cooters Back 40 Rutabaga porter"........

 

[GPP33]

I read somewhere and have found through my own experience that a plain white bread does a pretty good job, something like a French.

 

[S-Met]

Unsalted water crackers do a great job. Cheap and not overly filling. Carr's is one brand name I recall but probably many more.
Also, make sure your rinse water does not have too much flavor like chlorinated city or really minerally well water. Distilled water good for a flavorless rinse, but realize that it does not offer the same hydration as non-distilled.

 

[MVKTR2]

I like to rinse with everclear between samples.

Seriously the above suggestions are spot on. Any type of fairly neutral bread or cracker will be okay, avoid flavored varieties.

 

[zonkman]

Thanks all!

Keen to host a tasting, and I'll be sure to make a good few baguettes too.

 

[S-Met]

I once had a blind bmc light-beer tasting.
I'm not a light pilsner fan so I dont really count. I think I like Michelob ultra. Amongst my mates, bud light only, coors light only and a miller light only.
Wife poured bud light, coors light, Michelob ultra, keith stone and natty light.

All beers served at same temp and tasted from same style plastic solo cup - it is light beer after all.

Everyone thought they new their favorite and called out the number, and 8 of 9 agreed on the same number insisting the other liked their beer.

The reveal: hands down - natty light.

The resolve, most of them still paid for their fav, but I buy natty when I'm mixing cheladas or looking for cheap camp beer.
Since its like 2-3 cases a year, I dont know why I care. But every time I go to buy light beer, i cant help but think of my tasting.