Brian answers:

Alcohol can still be absorbed through the mouth

if you’re underage, an alcoholic, religiously bound to not consume alcohol – I would say yes that it would be not a good idea as it would still constitute a degree of consuming alcohol

but if you want to taste a great ale- try Boddington’s Pale Ale – available in most grocery stores – comes in a 4 pack
I loved that stuff – great color, head, light wheaty flavor – mmmm

Brian answers:

There is also the Kennett Square Brewfest on October 6.

Http://www.kennettbrewfest.com/

There is the Newtown Brewfest on Oct 20th, but tickets are sold out.

Http://newtownbrewfest.com/

There is the Lehigh Valley Brewfest on September 29th.
Http://www.lvbrewfest.org/cwo/Home

Brian answers:

Try some mild cheese, and saltene crackers. I have been to many tastings, and I have hosted my fair share, and I know from experience that this works. You can find out better and more accurate info about all things beer at this site.

Brian answers:

Aussie Coopers Ale!!

Brian answers:

Firstly, homebrew is the most unique of any beer available. That being said, and you’re probably not a homebrewer, I would go with something that either you like personally, or that you don’t think anyone else at the party will be bringing.

Sam Adams seasonals are always a nice change of pace. Their Winter Lager is out right now, and it is quite good, so is their Honey Porter. Or try a local micro-brew.

The problem with getting into any critic’s ‘best beer in the world’, is that some of those brews can get quite expensive. It would be one thing for you to buy yourself a bottle or 2 for tasting, but if you are going to a tasting party, that means you need to take enough for at least most of the people there to taste it. I’m not willing to shell out $10+ per bottle for my friends to drink it all…

Brian answers:

What you can do is to set up the various beers you will offer according to country or region of the world. When you have that set up, offer tastes of foods from those countries. Suggest food pairings with your beers, like wine pairings. Your idea sounds like a lot of fun. Wish I could be there.

Good luck!

Brian answers:

If you are trying to create a “winner” out of one of your beers, then I suppose the above tactic works. When I think of beer tasting I think of doing it a little differently, such as:

1. Have everyone bring a 6 pack of their favorite beer or,
2. Have everyone bring a 6 pack of their favorite beer from
a list of designated countries that you have provided for
them ahead of time. That way you won’t get everyone
bringing the same thing.
3. Have them keep a note pad to score each beer they taste
in terms of depth, head, richness, carbonation, bouquet,
etc.
4. Tally up the votes at the end of the formal tasting and use
the results as part of the party conversation
5. Also include beer-friendly foods at various stations such
as:

1. Buffalo wings
2. Nachos
3. Various roasted nuts
4. Sliced meats and cheeses
5. Dips and chips
6. Mini hot dogs in barbecue sauce
7. Summer sausage on skewers with cheddar cheese
cubes
8. Deviled eggs

Be sure and have bottled water, sodas, and coffee on hand as well. For dessert, try:

1. Biscotti
2. Brownies
3. Cookies

Have fun and don’t let anyone leave drunk!

Brian answers:

With the thousands of beers available the best strategy would be to sample beers that are related. Pick from brews from a specific country, a style of brew or other common thread. Belgium beers are becoming faddish but still new to many people. Trappists beers are great but can be pricey. Beers with pictures of dogs on the label could be a whacky night.

I would keep the group small and supply the beer myself, then you can ensure that the beers fit your chosen theme. Be prepared though, someone will bring their own and probably not anything like you planned.

Foods:
I wouldn’t serve chips and dip or bagged snack foods. That screams, “Hello, I didn’t put any effort into preparing for your visit, even though I invited you.”
I would serve sliced meats, cheeses, olives, pickles with breads and crackers. I’d look for such foods that fit. German beers, German sausage.

Non-drinker tend not to like the taste of beer. I would search for ginger beers, sparkling ciders and regular soft drinks.

Finally, unless your planning on not inviting spouses or partners of your beer loving friends, plan on 1 or 2 drinkers who detested beer. A couple of bottles of wine (1 red, 1 white) will most likely be apppreciated.

Have fun.

Brian answers:

Boy is there EVER….must be nice:

http://beeradvocate.com/events/info/25887

http://beeradvocate.com/events/info/26487

http://beeradvocate.com/events/info/26383

_

Brian answers:

Just do a web search on home brewing, there are thousands of web pages about it

Brian answers:

Go to a dollar store and buy a mug/stein. Thenm go to an arts and craft store and buy an exacto knife, contact paper, and etch-all cream. Write the name of the person on the contact paper. Stick the paper to the glass. Cut out the name with the exacto knife. Apply the etching cream. Wait 15 minutes and rince it off. Peel off the remaining contact paper. Presto!

It did it for my wedding gifts to my bridal party.

Brian answers:

I googled it and found tons of suppliers. The beveragefactory.com has everything you’re looking for.

Brian answers:

Bud Light. The difference is Drinkability TM

hard liquor, bacardi apple or cherry is tasty.

I tasted hennessy, for the first time a few days ago. I can see why black ppl like it

Brian answers:

I don’t think I’ve ever come across a person who liked beer their first time…Neither have I met a person who still loves and drinks whatever their first beer was. And I live in Northern Minnesota, where beer is the drink of choice for most, so what I’ve come to learn is that you have to experiment LoL

To me, beer is like coffee. Kind of an acquired taste….

When I’m at the bar, I usually start off with a Bluemoon. It’s kind of thick, but it’s a light color. It gets served with an orange and is kind of a sweet citrus taste, in my opinion. Then again, when I get beer at the store, I get Corona, so maybe you won’t like Bluemoon. I personally don’t like dark beers, but for some if it isn’t dark, they won’t drink it….Someone suggested Old Chicago, which is a pretty awesome idea for sampling what you might like.

Otherwise, I bet after some [responsible] experimenting, you’ll either find the beer for you, or find that you’d prefer something else instead (^_^)

Brian answers:

Carona or tecate whit a lime and a dank sack