Trying a new beer doesn’t have to mean grabbing the first six-pack that catches your eye at the grocery store. If you want to discover what your local beer scene has to offer, there are plenty of ways to turn tasting into an experience. From brewery taprooms to tasting events—and even a haunted pub crawl—here are some of the best ways to explore new beers in your city.
Order a Flight
One of the easiest ways to discover new beer is to order a flight. A beer flight typically includes several smaller pours, allowing you to sample multiple styles without committing to a full pint. It’s an especially useful option if you’re unfamiliar with craft beer or simply can’t decide what you want.
Try choosing beers that are noticeably different from one another. For example, you might sample a crisp lager, a hoppy IPA, a rich stout, and a fruity sour. Comparing them side by side can help you figure out what you actually enjoy.
Flights are also a great way to turn a casual night out into a tasting experience. Pay attention to the aroma, flavor, bitterness, sweetness, body, and finish of each beer. You don’t need to become a professional beer critic. Just notice what makes one beer more appealing to you than another. And if you find a favorite? Order the full pour.
Visit a Local Taproom
If you really want to understand your city’s beer culture, visit a local brewery or taproom. Local breweries often produce beers you won’t find in supermarkets or national chains. Many rotate their selections frequently, so even a brewery you’ve visited before may have something completely different waiting for you.
The taproom also gives you an opportunity to talk with the people behind the beer. Bartenders and brewery staff can often recommend something based on your preferences. Tell them what you already enjoy, and they may introduce you to a style you never would have ordered on your own. Don’t overlook seasonal and limited-release beers, either. A brewery’s most interesting offerings may only be available for a few weeks.
Visiting several local taprooms can also turn into an unofficial tour of your city’s neighborhoods. You might discover a new restaurant, coffee shop, record store, or historic district along the way.
Go on a Haunted Pub Crawl
Why simply go to a bar when you can hear a ghost story while you’re there? A haunted pub crawl combines two classic nightlife activities: sampling drinks and exploring local history. Instead of spending the entire evening in one establishment, you’ll visit several locations while learning about the people, tragedies, and legends associated with the city.
Some haunted pubs are historic buildings with stories stretching back generations. Others have developed reputations for unexplained footsteps, apparitions, strange sounds, or other paranormal activity. The experience adds another dimension to trying new beer. You’re not simply asking, “What does this taste like?” You’re also asking, “What happened here?”
A good haunted pub crawl should balance entertainment with historical storytelling. You may hear plenty of creepy tales, but you’ll also learn about the neighborhood and the people who helped shape it. And remember: If you’re participating in a pub crawl, pace yourself and consider taking an Uber or Lyft rather than driving yourself.
Haunted pub crawls are available in many cities nationwide, such as this Baltimore haunted pub crawl.
Buy a Mixed Six-Pack
Sometimes the best beer adventure happens at home. Instead of buying a standard six-pack of your favorite beer, put together a mixed six-pack. Many bottle shops and specialty beer stores allow customers to select individual bottles or cans and create their own assortment.
This is a great opportunity to experiment without buying an entire package of something you might not enjoy. Build your collection around a theme. Try six beers from local breweries, six different IPA styles, or six beers you’ve never tasted before.
You could even challenge your friends to each create a mixed pack and hold a blind tasting. Blind tasting is particularly fun because labels and brand names can influence expectations. Pour the beers into identical glasses, number them, and see which ones actually win the group over. You might discover that your favorite beer isn’t the one you expected.
Look for Tasting Events
Beer festivals, brewery anniversaries, tap takeovers, and special tasting events can be excellent opportunities to expand your horizons. These events often bring together breweries and styles that you wouldn’t normally encounter. You might find a small local producer alongside established regional breweries, giving you an opportunity to compare different approaches to brewing.
Tasting events can also introduce you to unusual styles and ingredients. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Brewers and knowledgeable staff are usually happy to explain what makes a particular beer unique. If you’re attending a festival, remember that sampling doesn’t mean you need to finish every pour. Take your time, drink water, eat something, and use a safe ride home.
For a more relaxed experience, look for smaller events at local breweries or specialty beer shops. These can provide more opportunities for conversation and learning without the crowds of a major festival.
How to Experience New Brews
Trying new beer is really about more than the beverage itself. It’s a way to explore your city’s neighborhoods, businesses, history, and culture. Order a flight, visit a taproom, build a mixed six-pack, or seek out a tasting event. And if you want to make the experience particularly memorable, join a haunted pub crawl and raise a glass to the spirits of the past. You never know—your next favorite beer might be waiting just around the corner.
