Taster Trays

Tasters at Bend Brewing

They're not for everyone, but when I'm checking out a brewery for the first time, I'll usually inquire about getting a taster tray.   I like the fact that a taster tray gives you the opportunity to try a variety of a brewery's beers.  It gives you a sense of a brewery's style and consistency across its offerings.  Taster trays help guide decisions about subsequent beer orders, and they give you an opportunity to try beers you might not otherwise typically order.

While out of town last week, I had two different experiences that prompted me to think more (or perhaps a little too much) about taster trays.  The first was at Bend Brewing.  I had never been to the brewery and wasn't familiar with many of the brewery's beers.  I inquired about a taster tray, and the bartender asked me if I wanted to try all ten beers.  Some quick math (ten beers x 5 oz pours = 50 oz of beer before lunch, by myself) led me to explore other options.  Here, it was easy.  "Or, tasters are a buck a piece," said the bartender.  I wish more places offered the same deal.  I ordered a more manageable four 5-ounce pours.