Halloween isn’t just for costumes and candy – it’s also the perfect excuse to gather your friends, turn down the lights, and raise a glass to the spookiest night of the year. Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado or just love a good theme party, a Halloween beer tasting party is a fun and flavorful way to celebrate the season. Here’s how to make yours a hauntingly good time.
Five Steps to a Spooktacular Halloween Beer Tasting Party
1. Set the Scene with Spooky Vibes and Chilling Tunes
The key to a great Halloween beer tasting party is atmosphere. Dim the lights, string up some orange and purple bulbs, and adding flickering candles (real or LED) to help set the mood. Don’t be afraid to go all out with fake cobwebs, pumpkins, and skeleton decor – it’s Halloween after all!
The right background music sets the tone for relaxed conversation between tastings. You want a playlist that keeps the energy up while still sticking to the Halloween theme. Mix in classics like “Monster Mash” and “Thriller” with some more modern songs that fit your crowd’s vibe.
2. Curate a Haunting Beer Lineup
At the heart of your Halloween beer tasting party is, of course, the beer. Choose a selection that highlights the flavors of fall and the spirit of Halloween. Aim for a mix of styles and ABVs so your guests can explore a range of tastes without feeling overwhelmed. A few spooky seasonal styles to include are:
Pumpkin Ales: No Halloween beer tasting party is complete without one. Try something rich and aromatic with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
Dark Porters and Stouts: The deep, roasted flavors of chocolate and coffee fit the eerie theme perfectly. Bonus points if you can find a “black as night” imperial stout.
Amber and Red Ales: Their ruby hues and caramel sweetness make them a beautiful addition to your tasting party.
Sour or Wild Ales: These tangy, funky brews add a surprising twist to your tasting – they’re like a trick and a treat all in one sip.
To make your tasting party extra special, stop in to your local Growler Guys to fill up a few growlers of limited-edition fall releases or hard-to-find local brews.
3. Pair with Frighteningly Delicious Snacks
Beer tasting is best when it’s paired with food that complements the flavors in your lineup. For a Halloween beer tasting party, get creative with presentation and taste. Try serving soft pretzel “bones” with beer cheese dip or pumpkin deviled eggs with smoked paprika dust. Charcuterie boards with sharp cheeses, cured meats, and roasted nuts pair well with almost all beers. And don’t forget dessert – chocolate truffles or brownies pair exceptionally well with dark stouts.
4. Add Some Tricks to Your Treats
Keep your guests entertained in between pours with Halloween-themed games and surprises. Try a “guess the beer” blind taste challenge, or have everyone vote for best costume or most creative beer label. You can even include a spookly prize for the winners like a festive beer glass set or a gift card to The Growler Guys.
5. Safety First: Don’t Let the Party Turn into a Horror Story
Make sure everyone at your Halloween beer tasting party enjoys themselves responsibly. Offer water, hearty snacks, and maybe a few non-alcoholic options like craft sodas or hop water. Be sure to have a plan for designated drivers or rideshares at the end of the night.
Cheers to a Night of Frights and Flights at The Growler Guys
When the moon rises and the pumpkins glow, fill your growlers, gather your crew, and let the tasting begin! A Halloween beer tasting party is a deliciously fun way to celebrate the season’s best flavors. From pumpkin-spiced ales to pitch-black stouts, stop in to your local Growler Guys to fill up on the best beers for your tasting party. Our extensive rotating taps list features the best local and global brews, and our certified Beer Stewards always know the right ones for you. Stop in for a pint, flight, or growler fill, and cheers to a hauntingly good Halloween!
Reader Interactions