How to organize a beer tasting from start to finish

A good beer tasting is easy to follow: guests arrive, taste in a planned order, compare notes, and have water and snacks available throughout. Start by choosing the tasting concept and beer styles before you invite anyone. Then confirm registrations, collect dietary requirements, and buy the beers early enough to chill them properly. On the day, set up tasting stations with labels, glasses, tasting cards, water, and spittoons so the group can concentrate on the beers rather than the logistics.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Reserve tasting room
2
Determine the tasting concept
2 people
3
Select beer types
2 people
4
Send invitations
5
Process registrations
6
Collect dietary requirements
7
Set the tasting order
2 people
8
Purchase beers
2 people
9
Check the shopping list
10
Do the shopping
2 people
11
Collect tableware and supplies
2 people
12
Prepare Beer Labels
13
Print tasting cards
14
Print participant list
15
Chill the beers
2 people
16
Prepare snacks
3 people
17
Set up tables
3 people
18
Set up chairs
2 people
19
Set up tasting stations
3 people
20
Set out glasses
2 people
21
Set up water stations
2 people
22
Present snacks
2 people
23
Test music and lighting
2 people
24
Set up the reception table

Event

25
Receive participants
2 people
26
Explain the tasting rules
27
Pour the first beer
2 people
28
Present beers
29
Guide tasting notes
30
Refill drinks
2 people
31
Refill snacks
2 people
32
Rinse glasses
2 people
33
Clear tables during breaks
2 people
34
Serve break snacks
2 people
35
Serve non-alcoholic options
36
Announce final rehearsal round
37
See off guests and manage departure
2 people

Aftercare

38
Store leftovers safely
2 people
39
Collect waste
3 people
40
Wash dishes
3 people
41
Clean the room
3 people
42
Put furniture back
3 people
43
Check materials
2 people
44
Return borrowed items
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 32
High tablesqty 3
Tableclothqty 6

Tableware

Beer tasting glassesqty 36
Water glassesqty 36
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Serving boardsqty 6
Pitcherqty 4

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Bottle openersqty 6
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 2
Power stripsqty 2

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Storage binsqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 2

Decorations

Beer style cardsqty 8
Table numbersqty 6
Practice matsqty 36
Menu boardsqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 3
Table lampsqty 4

Catering

Water jugsqty 4
Spit bucketsqty 8
Ice cube traysqty 4
Coffee maker
Thermos flasksqty 3
Groceries

Cleaning

Dishpanqty 2
Dish brushesqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Hand brush and dustpan

Tips

Choose the tasting order before buying the beer. A practical sequence is light and lower-alcohol beers first, followed by darker, fuller, and stronger styles; allow about 10–15 minutes per beer for tasting and discussion.
Plan one tasting glass per person for each pour if you want comparisons to stay clear; otherwise, provide one glass per person and rinse it between beers. Put the beer labels and tasting cards at each station before guests arrive.
Chill the beers at least 6 hours in advance, and keep stronger or less commonly served styles clearly labelled in coolers. Do not open every bottle at once: pour each beer when the group is ready for it.
Prepare about 500 ml of water per guest, plus extra for rinsing glasses. Place water stations and spittoons where everyone can reach them, especially if the tasting includes several beers or high-alcohol styles.
Make snacks easy to serve between rounds and check dietary requirements before shopping. Set up tables, chairs, lighting, music, and the reception table at least 60 minutes before the first guests are due.

Frequently asked questions

How many beers do you need for a beer tasting?: Plan 4 to 6 beers for a focused tasting, with around 75–100 ml per beer per guest. For 10 guests and 5 beers, that is roughly 3.75–5 litres total, depending on the pour size and whether guests can take seconds.
How long should a beer tasting last?: Allow about 90 minutes for 5 beers, including introductions, tasting, and discussion. Add 15–30 minutes for arrival and registration, and schedule a short break if the tasting runs longer than 2 hours.
When should I chill beer for a tasting?: Put the beers in the cooler or refrigerator at least 6 hours before the event. Check the serving temperature for each style when you set the tasting order, because not every beer should be served equally cold.
How much beer should I buy for a tasting?: For a 75–100 ml pour, buy about 0.5 litres per guest for 5 beers, then add 10–15% extra for spills and refills. Ten guests therefore need approximately 5.5 litres for a five-beer tasting.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.