January 07, 2020

This is your pilot speaking, we're about to go down...some beers and we want you to join us! We're talking about beer flights and for those of you who have anxiety about flying, don't worry you won't need to hop on a plane to enjoy this adventure. These will be the cheapest flights you can get and you'll enjoy every minute of it. Buckle up for this boozy adventure!

What is a flight

A flight is a selection of a variety of beverages, in this case, beer. Flights can be composed of different beer styles, variations on a type of beer, even different vintages of beer. They are intended to take you on a journey and create a special beer experience, allowing you to taste all the nuances in a variety of beers.

A flight typically consists of several 3 to 5-ounce pours from a draft beer dispensing system that will approximately add up to a full 16-ounce pint of beer. These tastings will often cost at most the cost of a full pint of beer. Their affordable cost and customizable experience are why flights are so appealing.

Flights are generally served in specialty miniature beer glass sets, which provide the perfect pour and enhance the nuances in each beer. Some bars and breweries prefer to serve their flights in full-sized beer glasses to provide customers with the full beer experience.

Beer flights are a great way to explore the great beer frontier. Maybe you're indecisive or maybe you're trying to find that special beer in your life but beer flights are a great way to try many beer styles without having to commit to a whole pint. While many breweries and bars will let you have a taste of a beer before purchasing a pint, a taste is often not enough to determine whether you like it enough to buy a whole glass.

Flights are truly a journey worth exploring whether you're a seasoned beer aficionado or completely new to the world of beers. There is always something new to learn, try, and enjoy!

Why buy a flight

You're indecisive

With so many options at a bar or brewery, sometimes it can be overwhelming to commit to a whole pint of beer. Also, nobody likes to stand in line behind the person who can't decide on what to get. It's ok to have commitment issues because beer flights allow you to try a spread and if you get bored with the taste of one, there are others to sip. It takes the decision out of your hands and who knows, you might find your go-to beer.

You don't know what you like

Maybe you're new to the world of craft beer and you have no idea what you'll like or maybe you're trying out a new brewery, either way, with a beer flight you don't have to feel pressured into trying a whole pint of mystery beer. Many places offer preset flights that allow you to journey through a set variety of their beer selections, which is great for those who have little to no experience with beers.

The popular flight option is a create your own version, which gives you a customized beer flight experience and is great for those who know which beers styles they prefer but don't know if they will like those particular beers. This option gives you the opportunity to try a variety of beers you already enjoy and you can narrow down which one may be your favorite.

You want to try a variety

Beer flights allow you to have a sampling of a variety of beers. If you get bored easily with drinking one type of beer, a flight is for you. You can have a little taste of everything, just enough to enjoy but not enough to bore your particular palate. A 3 to 5-ounce pour is the perfect sample size to really experience a beer but it doesn't commit you to drink a whole lot of it. Flights allow you to switch it up frequently without the guilt of wasting a lot of beer.

You want to try something new

If you want to try new styles of beer or a new brewery and you're concerned about wasting money on a full pint you may not enjoy, beer flight tastings allow you to try something new with a lower risk.

You're watching your intake

We don't mean counting calories when we say "watching your intake" but we understand when it comes to enjoying great beer, you can get carried away. You may want to try that craft beer that clocks in at 14% alcohol by volume but maybe you'll have to drive and you've already had a couple beers, a flight allows you to get a taste but won't incapacitate you as a full pour might.

However, for some people watching your intake does mean counting your calories and flights are also great for that. They are small portions that you can enjoy and share without having to indulge in a full glass.

How to drink a flight of beer

Of course, there are no set rules for drinking a flight. A flight is an opportunity to choose your own adventure and create your own unique experience. It is typically recommended to drink your beers from the lightest to the darkest or strongest beer for the most enjoyable experience. You will typically find flights organized in this manner because going from lighter beers to the darker ones means you will slowly transition from lighter flavors to stronger and more intense flavors.

This way of drinking a flight ensures you will enjoy each beer to the fullest and taste every note. Hopping back and forth between light and dark beers often means the strong notes from the dark beers will dominate your palet and you may not be able to enjoy all the notes in the lighter beers in your flight.

How to make your in-flight experience better

Add food

While you enjoy your flight through the sights, smells, and flavors of your beer adventure, you may want to consider paring each taster with a complimentary food. We recommend asking your bartender what food they would recommend pairing with each of your beers. This an amazing full experience for a group of friends. You can compare notes on the unique flavor experience each of you may be having.

Log your journey

Like traveling the world, you can make it a goal to eventually try it all or as close to all the beers as humanly possible. Start a beer passport and jot down all the different beers you've tasted. Go with friends to different bars and breweries to share and compare all the flavor adventures you've been on and your favorites.

Make it a stay-cation

You don't have to journey to your local brewery or bar to enjoy the experience of a flight. We recommend creating your own flight at home and sharing it with friends and family. You can ask guests to each bring a beer, serve your own homebrews from your kegerator, or create your own special flight to enjoy with a customized set of flight glasses. Pair it with some complimentary appetizers and you have brewery-experience without having to leave the comfort of your own home. A new adventure is just a sip away!