Best Beer Tasting Classes for Team Building and Happy Hours

Beer tasting is a refreshing way to bring everyone together, whether you’re clinking glasses in the office or joining from different locations. Instead of the usual cocktail happy hour, teams can raise a glass to craft brews, compare hoppy IPAs, explore crisp lagers, and expand their beer knowledge while enjoying a laid-back experience together. It’s a fun way to keep team “spirits” high (pun intended) and give everyone another reason to say, “Cheers!” 

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best beer tasting classes that bring the brewery experience to your team. Let’s dive in.

How we selected these experiences: We reviewed each beer tasting experience based on host quality, beer selection, team engagement, pricing, participant capacity, kit inclusions, customization options, shipping availability, and verified customer reviews. As event details may change over time, we recommend confirming pricing, availability, shipping policies, and customization options directly with the provider before making a booking.

You’ll explore:

• How beer tasting helps teams socialize and unwind.
• Why beer tasting is a popular Oktoberfest team activity.
• The best virtual beer tasting classes for teams.
• Top in-person craft beer tasting experiences.
• Beer and food pairing classes worth trying.
• Fun beer tasting party games and activities.
• Practical tips for hosting a successful workplace beer tasting.

Table of Contents

Best Beer Tasting Classes: Quick Glance

What is Beer Tasting for Teams?

Beer tasting for teams is a group activity in which coworkers sample different beers, learn to identify flavors and aromas, and bond with each other. Companies can host it virtually by shipping curated tasting kits or in person at breweries as part of team-building events.

🍺 Did You Know? Craft beer tasting isn’t about finding the “best” beer; it’s about learning to recognize aromas, flavors, mouthfeel, and brewing styles. Even people with completely different preferences can enjoy the same tasting by comparing notes.

How Do Beer Tasting Classes Help Teams Socialize and Relax Together?

A beer tasting session gives team members a chance to socialize, share interesting conversations, and form stronger connections at work. During these guided beer tastings – 

• Teams can learn about various brews, taste and discuss flavors, discuss beer and brewing techniques, and food pairing suggestions.
• Some classes even offer Q&A sessions and interactive games that promote teamwork and a sense of togetherness in remote, hybrid, or in-person work setups.

During one of our Friday team socials, we hosted a beer tasting and handed everyone a simple beer flavor wheel. The challenge was to describe each brew without repeating someone else’s tasting notes. Hearing everything from “freshly baked bread” to “break-room coffee” had everyone laughing, and it showed there really isn’t a single “right” answer when tasting beer.

Why Is Beer Tasting a Popular Oktoberfest Team Activity?

Oktoberfest started in Munich, Germany, more than 200 years ago and has grown into the world’s largest beer festival. Every year, millions of people gather to enjoy traditional Bavarian beer, hearty German food, live music, and festive traditions. Beer has always been the centerpiece of the celebration, with specially brewed Oktoberfest styles like Märzen and Festbier bringing people together over a shared experience.

As Oktoberfest has become a global celebration, many companies have embraced the tradition by hosting Oktoberfest-themed beer tastings for their teams. These experiences give coworkers a chance to explore authentic German beers, learn about their history, and celebrate the season in a fun, interactive setting. At Hooray Teams, we’ve hosted a variety of fun Oktoberfest activities, like trivia, bingo, and hat decorating, giving teams plenty of ways to celebrate together.

Beer tasting is a popular team activity due to the following reasons:

• Celebrates Bavarian brewing heritage through traditional Oktoberfest beer styles and customs.
• Introduces iconic German beers like Märzen, Festbier, Hefeweizen, and Dunkel in one guided session.
• Helps teams learn beer tasting etiquette and flavor evaluation.
• Pair classic Oktoberfest flavors with pretzels, sausages, cheeses, or chocolates for a richer experience.
• Blends cultural learning with entertainment, making Oktoberfest celebrations more immersive than a standard happy hour.

💡Fun Fact: Anheuser-Busch has an employee-led Home Brewers Group where coworkers brew beer together and exchange recipes. The company says the club helps employees build relationships while sharing their passion for craft beer.

Top 10 Beer Tasting Classes for Work Teams 

Explore beer tasting classes that offer everything from guided virtual sessions to in-person tastings, making them ideal for team socials, milestones, or Oktoberfest celebrations.

PLEASE NOTE: Pricing, participant limits, event durations, and kit inclusions are accurate at the time of writing but may change. Please check each provider’s website for the latest details before booking.

Guided Virtual Beer Tasting Classes 

Discover virtual beer tasting events that offer expert hosts, interactive formats, and engaging experiences for every workplace and team size. 

1. Virtual Beer Tasting – Hooray Teams

No. of Participants: 8-1000

Duration: 60 minutes

Pricing: $110

Designed for remote and hybrid teams, Hooray Teams offers Virtual Beer Tasting experiences that combine guided tastings with team building. During the guided session, a professional beer expert leads participants through a curated selection of beers while explaining different beer styles, brewing techniques, tasting methods, and recommended food pairings. 

Teams also get to compare tasting notes, ask questions, and discover what makes each beer unique in a relaxed, interactive setting. You can choose from seasonal and holiday drinks, or let them know your favorite sips, and they’ll do their best to arrange them for you. The platform will ship your beer tasting kit beforehand to avoid any hassles.

Kit inclusions: 4 to 5 varieties of beer, tasting notes, an instruction guide, and a list of recommended snacks.

Best for: Oktoberfest, the Super Bowl, the 4th of July, or a summer celebration at work. 

Host’s Insight – We’ve found that beer trivia between tasting rounds keeps virtual participants engaged while giving everyone time to discuss flavors before moving on.

2. Common Space Craft Beer Tasting at Home – ClassBento

No. of Participants: 8-300

Duration: 60 minutes

Pricing: $130

Bring your team together for a guided virtual brewery experience with Common Space Craft Beer Tasting at Home by ClassBento. During the session, participants learn about brewing techniques, beer styles, and tasting methods from a guide with Common Space Brewery in Southern California. Teams can also request a founder or head brewer to lead the experience for a deeper look into the craft beer-making process. The beginner-friendly format makes it easy for coworkers to learn, sip, and connect from anywhere.

Kit inclusions: Eight craft beers featuring lagers, ales, and sours, a pint glass, and hop and malt samples.

Best for: Virtual team building events, milestone celebrations, and client entertainment.

3. Virtual Beer Tasting – Bonbeer

No. of Participants: Customizable

Duration: 60-90 minutes

Pricing: Customizable

For teams looking beyond a typical happy hour, Bonbeer offers guided tastings with beer education, trivia, and live discussions. Led by Ruth Berman and Mike Arra (co-founders of Bon Beer Voyage), each session explores tasting techniques, serving methods, flavor profiles, and beer facts. To keep the experience engaging, the session also includes beer trivia and prizes while encouraging participants to share questions and tasting notes. Participants receive a beer list and optional tasting notes before the event, making it easy to join from anywhere.

Kit inclusions: Recommended beer shopping list, optional printable tasting notes, and beer, cheese, or chocolate pairing guidance.

Best for: Client appreciation events, networking sessions, virtual conferences, and company happy hours.

🍺 Beer Myth

Myth: Dark beers are always stronger.

Reality: Color comes from roasted malts, not alcohol content.

4. Craft Beer Tasting Events – LA Beer Hop

No. of Participants: Up to 300

Duration: 60 minutes

Pricing: Customizable

If you want to explore seasonal craft beers, LA Beer Hop curates themed virtual tastings for teams. A Certified Cicerone® leads the session and walks participants through tasting techniques, beer styles, and food pairings while keeping the session interactive. The session features fresh, independent craft beers centered around any theme of your choice, like Oktoberfest, Summer Crushers, or Winter Warmers. The platform also offers gluten-free and non-alcoholic beer options, making it easy to accommodate varied preferences.

Kit inclusions: Four seasonal craft beers, a tasting glass, custom tasting cards, a beer snack, and optional food pairing add-ons.

Best for: Virtual client appreciation events, sales kickoffs, Oktoberfest celebrations, and company happy hours.

In-Person Beer Tasting Events

Experience craft beer where it’s brewed through guided tastings that blend local flavors, brewery stories, and team-friendly activities.

Expert Tip – If your team includes beginners, choose a tasting with four to five beers instead of eight or more. Smaller flights encourage discussion without overwhelming participants.

5. The DC Signature Brewery Tour – City Brew Tours

No. of Participants: Customizable

Duration: 3.5 hours

Pricing: $110

City Brew Tours introduces teams to DC’s independent breweries through guided tastings and VIP behind-the-scenes access. During the tour, participants visit three local breweries, sample twelve curated craft beers, and learn brewing techniques, beer styles, and more. The experience includes round-trip transportation and a locally inspired snack to keep the outing convenient and stress-free for teams. 

What do teams get? Visits to three breweries, 12 beer tastings, VIP production access, round-trip transportation, and a local snack.

Best for: Team outings, client entertainment, company off-sites, and workplace celebrations.

6. Atlanta Brewery Tours – SweetWater Brewing Company

No. of Participants: Customizable

Duration: 30 minutes (Standard Tour) or 1.5 hours (High Gravity Tour)

Pricing: $10-$30

SweetWater Brewing Company offers brewery tours with tastings, giving teams plenty of time to learn and socialize together. Hosted at the brewery’s flagship Atlanta taproom, the experience includes beer samples throughout the tour rather than a single tasting at the end. Teams can choose between a standard brewery tour or High Gravity experience, which explores the brewhouse, fermentation areas, packaging line, and barrel-aging facility. Make sure to wear closed-toe shoes while taking the tour to ensure hygiene. 

What do teams get? Guided brewery tour, beer samples during the tour, and behind-the-scenes access with the High Gravity Tour. 

Best for: Company off-sites, team outings, client entertainment, and workplace celebrations.

7. Craft Beer Tasting Events – Your Beer Friend

No. of Participants: 10-1000

Duration: 60 minutes 

Pricing: Customizable

Your Beer Friend specializes in customizable beer tasting experiences for virtual, hybrid, and in-person teams. A Certified Cicerone® leads the session, guiding participants through seasonal craft beers while sharing tasting techniques, brewing insights, and food pairing recommendations. Teams can also personalize the experience with preferred beer styles, themed tastings, or optional pairing upgrades.

What do teams get? 4-6 seasonal craft beers, tasting glass, tasting cards, and beer snacks. 

Best for: Hybrid team events, employee appreciation, and company happy hours.

🍺 Beer Etiquette Tip: Hold the glass by the stem or base when possible to avoid warming the beer too quickly. 

Beer and Food Pairing Classes for Teams

Explore beer pairing classes that combine curated tastings with complementary foods for an elevated tasting experience.

🍺 Pairing Tip – Hoppy IPAs pair well with spicy foods, while stouts complement chocolate desserts.

8. Beer & Cheese Pairing Experience – Unboxed Experiences

No. of Participants: 5-500

Duration: 60 minutes

Pricing: Starts at $90

With Unboxed Experiences, teams can explore craft beers and artisan cheeses in a guided tasting session. A beer expert guides participants through the flavors, textures, and techniques behind pairing different beer styles with cheeses and gourmet accompaniments. Teams can also learn how to pour the perfect pint while discovering what makes each pairing work. You can request to customize the tasting box with custom pint glasses, koozies, or any other item for a nominal fee.

Kit inclusions: 2-4 craft beers, 2-4 gourmet cheeses, smoked meat sticks, assorted mixed nuts

dried fruit, and an Unboxed koozie.

Best for: Team happy hours, food-focused team events, client appreciation events, and company celebrations.

9. Virtual Beer & Cheese Pairing – City Brew Tours

No. of Participants: Customizable

Duration: 60 minutes

Pricing: Customizable

Gather your team for a gourmet tasting experience with Virtual Beer & Cheese Pairing by City Brew Tours. The session is led by an engaging host who guides participants through beer and cheese tastings while sharing pairing tips and techniques along the way. You can also tailor the experience with seasonal themes, branded merchandise, custom note cards, and non-alcoholic beverages to match your team’s preferences. 

Kit inclusions: Custom tasting box with 3-5 craft beers and cheeses, with options to add artisanal chocolate, smoked meats, branded merchandise, and other gourmet items.

Best for: Employee Appreciation Day events, virtual happy hours, client appreciation events, holiday celebrations, and company milestones.

10. Craft Beer and Craft Chocolate – Gourmet Boutique

No. of Participants: Customizable

Duration: 60 minutes

Pricing: $70 

Gourmet Boutique pairs globally sourced craft chocolates with curated beer selections to help teams explore unique flavor combinations together. A sommelier guides participants through the tasting, sharing insights about the makers, flavors, and pairing choices behind each selection. You can customize their experience by choosing their preferred beer options or following expert recommendations for a one-hour guided session.

Kit inclusions: Four full-size artisanal chocolate bars and ground shipping. Beer is purchased separately based on the curated pairing recommendations.

Best for: Client appreciation events, virtual team celebrations, holiday gatherings, and food-focused team experiences.

Bonus Beer Tasting Party Games and Activities

Add these beer party games to make a guided tasting more interactive and memorable for the team.

• Beer trivia: Test your team’s knowledge of beer styles, brewing methods, famous breweries, and fun beer facts in multiple fast-paced rounds.
• Beer bingo: Create bingo cards with tasting-related prompts like “tried an IPA” or “prefers dark beer” to encourage conversations and team participation.
• Blind beer tasting challenge: Let teams guess beer styles, ingredients, or flavor notes without seeing the labels to sharpen their tasting skills.
• Guess the Beer: Challenge participants to identify lagers, ales, stouts, or IPAs based only on appearance, aroma, and taste.
• Paint Your Own “Brew-tiful” Beer Stein: Give teammates a creative break by decorating their own beer steins with personalized designs while enjoying the session. 
• Never Have I Ever: Players take turns sharing “Never have I ever…” statements, and anyone who has done that action takes a sip of their beer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some beer tasting ideas?

Beer tasting ideas can include themed beer flights, interactive brewery tours, and beer and food pairing sessions. These creative concepts make for engaging and enjoyable beer tasting experiences.

What is a vertical beer tasting?

Vertical beer tasting involves sampling multiple vintages of the same beer to compare how it ages and develops over time.

How do you professionally taste beer?

Professional beer tasting involves a systematic approach. Start by examining the beer’s appearance, move on to assessing its aroma, taste it while considering flavors, and finally, evaluate the finish and overall impression.

How long does a beer tasting last?

A beer tasting class typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes, though some experiences may run up to two hours with food pairings or interactive activities.

What are some unique tips for hosting a beer tasting at work?

Here are unique, practical tips instead of the usual “choose good beer” advice:

• Serve beers from lightest to darkest to avoid overwhelming the palate.
• Use small tasting pours (3–5 oz.) so everyone can sample multiple styles responsibly.
• Include a blind tasting round and reveal each beer after participants guess the style.
• Pair every beer with a small bite like pretzels, cheese, or chocolate to highlight flavor changes.
• Give everyone a tasting scorecard to rate aroma, appearance, mouthfeel, bitterness, and finish.
• Offer palate cleansers like water and plain crackers between tastings.

Name some platforms that offer virtual beer tasting events​ for teams.

Some platforms that offer virtual beer tasting events​ for teams include Hooray Teams, Avva Experience, Unboxed Experiences, and Gourmet Boutique.