How to Taste a Hemp Beer: A New Approach

Hemp beer—sometimes a controversial subject, often an exciting one—is a drink that invites curiosity. Blending the essence of hemp with the age-old art of brewing creates a unique tasting experience. But how does one properly taste a hemp beer to appreciate the nuances it offers? Let’s move beyond the traditional guidelines for tasting beer and dive into a new, distinctive way to savor a hemp brew.

1. Prepare Your Mind and Environment
Before tasting any beer, setting the stage is key—but with hemp beer, you’ll want to elevate the experience. Hemp-infused beer often carries flavors tied to its plant origin. This means you’ll want an open mind, free of preconceived notions about the typical hops and malt-driven profiles you’re used to in beer.

• Atmosphere matters: Find a calm, quiet space to really focus on your senses. Hemp beer’s aromatic nuances need time and space to unfold, so limit distractions.
• Glassware: Choose a glass that will allow you to experience the full aroma. A tulip glass or snifter works well, allowing you to swirl the beer, releasing its natural scent.

2. Examine the Appearance—A New Lens for Color and Clarity
Take a moment to appreciate the color and clarity of the beer. Hemp beer often carries a slightly cloudy or hazy appearance, especially in the case of unfiltered brews. You may also notice hints of green or earthy tones—this is the natural influence of hemp.

• Light interaction: Hold the beer up to the light. Some hemp beers will have a unique, slightly golden hue, with a rich depth that hints at the full-bodied character. Look for the carbonation bubbles too—are they lively or slow to rise?

3. Let the Aroma Guide You—Breathe in Deep
The fragrance of hemp beer is a treasure trove of aromas that may differ based on the strain of hemp used and the brewing process. Hemp imparts a variety of scents ranging from floral, herbal, and piney to earthy or even slightly skunky.

• First impression: Inhale deeply and take note of what immediately hits your nose. Is it bright and citrusy, or does it carry a more pungent, resinous aroma?
• Let it settle: After a few deep breaths, let the beer rest in the glass for a moment. This will help release subtler notes that you might miss at first.

One distinct characteristic of hemp beer is that the aroma might evolve as the beer warms slightly, so don’t be afraid to revisit the scent every so often.

4. The First Sip—Explore the Sensory Dance
When you take the first sip of hemp beer, slow down. Hemp can introduce a new dimension to your palate, from the earthy bitterness to the herbal tang. As the liquid touches your tongue, take note of the mouthfeel: is it silky, carbonated, smooth, or perhaps a bit more textured?

• Initial Flavor: Let the beer linger for a moment, allowing its full spectrum of tastes to unfold. You may notice hints of herbal bitterness or a citrus-like freshness blending into the malt sweetness.
• Balance and Finish: Is the flavor harmonious? Hemp beer often balances its bitterness with subtle sweet notes, thanks to the malt and hops. Some hemp beers finish with a lingering, herbaceous aftertaste that can almost feel like an herbal infusion.

Hemp’s flavor profile can also introduce a slight green or earthy aftertaste. The bitterness isn’t as aggressive as hops in a traditional IPA, but it’s certainly present.

5. Analyze the Layers—The Journey of Hemp on the Palate
Unlike standard beers, hemp beer can have a layering effect in your mouth, where you’ll notice different notes at different moments.

• On the tip of the tongue: Do you experience brightness? A citrusy zing or fresh floral notes might initially tickle your taste buds.
• Mid-palate: As the beer moves across your palate, explore the herbal, earthy characteristics. This is the signature of the hemp—distinct and slightly grounding.
• The finish: Hemp beers often have an unexpected finish. Unlike typical brews, the aftertaste might carry a resinous, piney or herbal linger. This lingering taste is the hemp’s unique contribution, and it should slowly fade away, leaving behind a subtle earthy warmth.

6. Assessing the Overall Experience—What is Your Connection?
A great hemp beer doesn’t just hit your taste buds. It creates a moment. What was your connection to the drink? Did you feel relaxed? Energized? Was it refreshing or meditative?

Hemp can subtly influence your experience of the beer, in ways that can be a bit more psychological than physiological. In some people, the mild effects of hemp can add to the sensory adventure, enhancing your appreciation for the beer itself.

7. Pairing Hemp Beer—Elevating the Experience
If you’re feeling adventurous, think about how hemp beer interacts with food. Hemp’s herbal, sometimes peppery nature can be delightful with certain dishes, but it’s about exploration.

• Cheese: Try a soft goat cheese or a rich blue cheese. These pair well with hemp’s natural earthy tones.
• Grilled or smoked foods: Meats with smoky flavor (think grilled meats, sausages, or smoked fish) work with the resinous and robust nature of hemp beer.
• Herbal or earthy dishes: Think dishes with fresh herbs, such as basil or rosemary, as hemp’s herbal profile can complement these flavors beautifully.

8. The Full Circle—Reflecting on Your Experience
Finally, after finishing the beer, take a moment to reflect. What emotions did the beer evoke? Did it feel refreshing, invigorating, or maybe soothing? Hemp beer is more than just a drink—it’s an experience that touches multiple senses, creating a memorable moment. It might not be the same experience every time, but that’s the beauty of hemp beer—it’s always evolving.

In the end, tasting a hemp beer isn’t about ticking off a checklist of “right” steps. It’s about embracing its distinctiveness and exploring its layers in your own way. Allow yourself to find joy in the journey of flavor, and you might discover a whole new world of beer appreciation.