2 Choose your sensory methods

There are different types of sensory methods that can be used for beer tasting, depending on the level of discrimination, description, or hedonic evaluation required. For example, you can use discrimination tests, such as triangle or duo-trio tests, to detect whether there are any significant differences between two or more samples. You can use descriptive tests, such as quantitative descriptive analysis or flavor profile analysis, to characterize the sensory attributes of your beer using trained panelists and a common lexicon. You can use hedonic tests, such as preference or acceptance tests, to measure the liking or preference of your beer among consumers or target groups.

3 Select and train your panelists

The quality and reliability of your sensory data depends largely on the selection and training of your panelists. You need to consider the type of panelists, the number of panelists, and the criteria for inclusion and exclusion. For example, if you are using discrimination tests, you need to select panelists who are familiar with the product and have good sensory acuity. If you are using descriptive tests, you need to train your panelists to use a standardized vocabulary and scoring system. If you are using hedonic tests, you need to select panelists who represent your target market and have no bias or conflicts of interest.

4 Design your experiment

The design of your experiment is crucial for ensuring the validity and accuracy of your sensory data. You need to consider the factors that may affect your results, such as the order of presentation, the number of samples, the serving conditions, the instructions, and the questionnaire. You also need to consider the statistical power and significance of your test, based on the expected effect size, variability, and error rate. You can use software tools, such as FIZZ or EyeQuestion, to help you design and conduct your sensory experiment.

5 Analyze your data

The analysis of your sensory data depends on the type of data and the objectives of your analysis. You need to use appropriate statistical methods to summarize, compare, and interpret your data. For example, you can use analysis of variance (ANOVA) or t-tests to compare the mean scores of samples in discrimination or hedonic tests. You can use principal component analysis (PCA) or cluster analysis to explore the relationships and patterns among samples and attributes in descriptive tests. You can use correlation analysis or regression analysis to examine the associations between sensory and instrumental data.

6 Report your results

The final step of your sensory analysis is to report your results in a clear and concise way. You need to communicate the main findings, implications, and recommendations of your analysis to your stakeholders, such as brewers, marketers, or consumers. You can use tables, graphs, charts, or maps to visualize your data and highlight the key points. You also need to provide the details of your methods, panelists, and data analysis, as well as the limitations and assumptions of your study.