Here is our guide to virtual beer tasting.
We put this guide together after running hundreds of thousands of interactive online team building events.
Virtual beer tasting is a unique team building activity where participants explore various beer styles and flavors from the comfort of their own homes, guided by a knowledgeable host. Through this interactive experience, teams bond over shared tasting notes, learn about the brewing process and discover new favorites together. Engaging in virtual beer tasting fosters camaraderie, promotes communication, and encourages teamwork.
Ideal group size:
8 to 20 participants
Activity duration:
60 to 90 minutes
Cost:
$20 to $40 per person
What you’ll need:
- Beer tasting kits or individual bottles of various beer styles
- Glasses or tasting cups for each participant
- Virtual meeting platform (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams) for video conferencing
- Presentation slides or digital materials to guide the tasting session
- Beer tasting scorecards or worksheets for participants to record their observations
How to do it:
Step 1: Choose a Date and Time
First, select a suitable date and time for the virtual beer tasting session, ensuring that it accommodates the availability of all team members across different time zones.
Step 2: Select Beer Varieties
Next, curate a selection of beer varieties for the tasting, considering the participants’ preferences and dietary restrictions. To cater to different tastes, aim for diversity in styles, such as lagers, ales, stouts, and IPAs.
Step 3: Send Invitations and Instructions
Next, send out invitations to all team members with details about the virtual beer tasting, including the date, time, and any materials they need to prepare or purchase. You can provide clear instructions on how to join the virtual meeting platform and any pre-tasting preparations.
Step 4: Introduce the Beers
Begin the session by introducing each beer, including its style, origin, and unique characteristics. You can share interesting facts about the breweries or brewing process to enhance the participants’ appreciation and understanding.
Step 5: Guide the Tasting
Hosts can lead the tasting session by providing guidance on how to properly taste and evaluate each beer, including aspects such as appearance, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel. Participants should share their observations and opinions, fostering interactive discussions.
Step 6: Facilitate Discussion
During the tasting, facilitate discussions among the participants, encouraging them to compare notes, discuss their favorite beers, and share their experiences. You can use icebreaker questions or prompts to spark conversation and create a lively atmosphere.
Step 7: Foster Team Bonding
Teams can use the beer tasting as an opportunity for team bonding by encouraging participants to share personal anecdotes or stories related to the beers they are tasting. Teams can foster a sense of camaraderie and connection in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
Examples of games or activities:
1. Virtual Beer Tasting Paint Night
Participants combine beer tasting with artistic expression by painting beer-themed artworks while enjoying a selection of beers.
- Provide participants with painting supplies, such as canvases, paintbrushes, and acrylic paints, along with a selection of beers representing different styles.
- Host a virtual painting session where participants gather online to sip their beers and follow along with a guided painting tutorial led by an instructor.
- Encourage participants to explore their creativity and personalize their artworks while enjoying the tasting experience.
- Facilitate discussions about the beers being tasted and how they inspire the participants’ artistic interpretations.
- Share tips and techniques for painting with beer-related themes, such as brewery landscapes, beer glasses, or beer labels.
- Conclude the virtual beer tasting paint night with a gallery walk, where participants showcase their finished artworks and share feedback and compliments with each other.
2. Virtual Beer Tasting Storytelling Session
Participants share personal stories and memories associated with beer while enjoying a selection of brews together.
- Invite participants to gather virtually in a relaxed and comfortable setting conducive to storytelling, such as a cozy living room or outdoor patio.
- Provide a selection of beers representing different styles and encourage participants to choose their favorites to enjoy during the storytelling session.
- Facilitate a storytelling circle where participants take turns sharing anecdotes, experiences, or memories related to beer, such as memorable brewery visits, beer-fueled adventures, or special occasions celebrated with beer.
- Foster a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where participants feel comfortable sharing their stories and listening to others’ experiences.
- Encourage active listening and engagement among participants, with opportunities for reflection, laughter, and camaraderie.
Tips:
- Provide a list of recommended beers or a tasting kit for participants to purchase in advance to ensure each individual has the same beer selections.
- Set clear guidelines for tasting, including pouring sizes, glassware recommendations, and suggestions for palate cleansing between samples.
- Encourage participants to share their thoughts and impressions openly, fostering a collaborative and inclusive tasting environment.
- Incorporate interactive elements such as polls, quizzes, or discussion prompts to keep participants engaged throughout the tasting session.
- Consider scheduling regular breaks to allow participants to stretch, refresh their palates, and prevent fatigue during longer tasting sessions.
- Provide guidance on proper tasting techniques, including observing appearance, smelling aroma, and assessing flavor, to enhance participants’ appreciation of each beer.
- Emphasize responsible drinking practices and remind participants to enjoy the tasting experience in moderation, especially when sampling multiple beers.
Final Thoughts
Virtual beer tasting offers a delightful opportunity for remote teams to come together. Teams can explore the fascinating world of craft beer from the comfort of their own homes. This event combines elements of education, entertainment, and camaraderie. Virtual beer tastings can foster connections, spark conversations, and create lasting memories among team members.
Want more ideas? Check out our post on team building activities.
