How to Organize an Irish Beer Tasting on St. Patrick's Day

While St. Patrick's Day is often thought of as a holiday for green beer, it can also be a great time to organize an Irish beer tasting. Holding a tasting will give you a chance to enjoy each other's company and try new beers without getting drunk.

Instructions

1. Decide how you want to host this event. It might be easier for your group to attend a formal beer tasting at a pub or restaurant. If you're trying to save money and have some brew smarts, consider purchasing Irish beer and snacks and holding the event at your house instead.

2. Figure out who is attending the beer tasting. The size of your group will determine what kind of event you will have and how much beer you will have to purchase. If you can, send out invitations and ask guests to RSVP, even if you're holding the event in a bar.

3. Meet with a few friends or with the restaurant personnel to discuss how things will work. If you're hosting the event on your own, you may want to hire someone to coordinate the beer and food. If you're attending an event at a restaurant, you will want to make sure you are seated together.

4. Pick your libations. Some restaurants will offer a larger menu of Irish beers that you can choose from ahead of time. If you're hosting an event on your own, make sure to do some research and shopping before the event so you can buy the right beers.

5. Gather everyone together a little early. If everyone shows up 15 minutes before the actual event, it will ensure that your group is on time and ready to enjoy fine Irish beers.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask the restaurant to provide your group with beer cards and golf pencils so your guests can write down what they like. If the beer tasting is in your home, provide notepads instead.

• Collect any money before the event. If your group is going to a restaurant, paying first will likely be required. If the group has agreed to pitch in for a party at home, handling the money first will let you relax later. Organize this before St. Patrick's Day if the event is expensive.

• Do not organize your beer tasting at the last minute. It's best to make reservations or plans at least a month ahead of time to avoid conflicts with St. Patrick's Day schedules.