Discover the essential brewery tour etiquette for first-time visitors to Asheville’s craft beer scene. Learn how to taste beer properly and enjoy the experience without intimidation.
_______________________________

Brewery Tour Etiquette: How to Taste Like a Pro Without Being a Snob

So you’re planning to hit up some breweries in Asheville but feeling a little nervous about looking like a newbie? Don’t worry – we’ve all been there. The craft beer world can seem intimidating at first glance, but here’s a little secret: most brewers and beer enthusiasts are just happy you’re interested in what they’re passionate about. At Hillman Beer, we believe beer is about bringing people together, not keeping them out with fancy jargon or complicated rituals. Here’s your straightforward guide to brewery tour etiquette that’ll have you tasting like a pro without the pretension.

Beer Tasting Basics: Use Your Senses

Good beer tasting is really just paying attention to what your senses tell you. When you’re at a brewery like Hillman, take a moment with each sample to notice these things:

Look at Your Beer

Hold your glass up to the light. Notice the color – is it golden like our ESB or dark as our Dingaudamnit Dunkelweisen? Is it clear or hazy? Does it have a thick head of foam or just a thin layer? There’s no right answer here, just observations that help you understand different styles.

Take a Whiff

Before drinking, give your beer a gentle swirl and take a sniff. Are you picking up citrus, pine, coffee, or banana bread? Whatever you smell is valid – your nose knows what it likes. At Hillman, we focus on letting the traditional aromas of each style shine through rather than overwhelming your senses.

Taste Thoughtfully

Take a small sip and let it coat your mouth before swallowing. What flavors stand out? Is it bitter, sweet, sour, or somewhere in between? How does the flavor change from when it first hits your tongue to the aftertaste? Our award-winning beers like Four Fat Baby offer complex flavor journeys worth taking your time with.

Feel the Mouthfeel

Notice how the beer feels in your mouth. Is it thick and creamy or light and crisp? Does it tingle with carbonation or feel smooth and silky? This “mouthfeel” is a key part of what makes each beer unique.

Questions That Make You Sound Engaged (Not Pretentious)

Asking questions shows you’re interested and helps you learn. But there’s a difference between curious questions and ones that make you sound like you’re trying too hard. Here are some genuine questions our bartenders at both our Asheville and Old Fort locations love to answer:

Good Questions to Ask

“What’s your personal favorite beer here?”
“Can you tell me about the story behind this beer’s name?”
“What makes this style different from that one?”
“What food on your menu pairs well with this beer?”
“How long have you been brewing this particular beer?”

Skip These Questions

“What’s your IBU?” (Unless you genuinely know what International Bitterness Units are)
“Is this beer better than [competitor’s beer]?”
“Don’t you think you should brew more [trendy style]?”

Fitting In Without Faking It

The best way to enjoy a brewery tour is to be yourself. At Hillman Beer, we’ve created spaces in both Asheville and Old Fort where everyone can feel comfortable, whether you’re a certified beer judge or trying craft beer for the first time.

The Do’s of Brewery Visits

DO pace yourself with water between tastings – especially important when visiting multiple Asheville breweries in one day.
DO try something outside your comfort zone – maybe you’ll discover you actually love that ESB you were hesitant about.
DO ask for smaller pours if you want to try more varieties without getting overwhelmed.
DO thank your tour guide or bartender for their knowledge and time.

The Don’ts of Brewery Tours

DON’T feel pressured to like every beer you try. Even at Hillman, we expect different beers to appeal to different people.
DON’T rush through tastings – quality beer deserves a moment of your attention.
DON’T forget to eat something – our scratch-made food menu is designed to complement our beers perfectly.
DON’T be afraid to admit you’re new to craft beer – we all started somewhere!

Ready to Put Your New Knowledge to Work?

Now that you’re armed with the basics of brewery tour etiquette, we’d love to welcome you to either of our Hillman Beer locations. Whether you visit us in Asheville or make the scenic drive to Old Fort, our family-owned brewery offers a judgment-free zone to explore craft beer at your own pace.

Our bartenders are happy to guide you through a tasting flight of our award-winning beers, from our GABF Gold medal-winning ESB to our community-inspired Old Fort Original gold lager. And with our locally-sourced food menu, you can make a day of it without having to rush off.