I've been a serious drinker of craft beer for years — the good kind of serious, where you learn the styles, the breweries, and why a well-made saison can be just as thoughtful as a natural wine. Recently I've taken the next step and started brewing at home. First batches are ales and IPAs; the plan is to work up through sours and saisons as I get braver.
"Good beer, like good work, is just a lot of small decisions made attentively over time."
I've hosted beer tastings for friends and colleagues, and sat in on plenty more. The format is simple: a flight of four or five beers, a short intro to each style, and let the room do the rest. Tastings are one of the easiest ways I know to make a group feel like a group — they're equal parts craft and excuse.