In addition to flavor, what other attribute do you assess while beer is in your mouth?

When assessing beer while it is in your mouth, mouthfeel is a crucial attribute to consider alongside flavor. Mouthfeel refers to the physical sensations that the beer produces in your mouth, including aspects like carbonation level, body (whether it feels light or heavy), texture (creamy, silky, or watery), and smoothness. This attribute can significantly affect your overall enjoyment and perception of the beer.

For instance, a beer may have a rich, creamy mouthfeel that enhances the flavor profile, making it feel more fulfilling or robust. Conversely, a watery mouthfeel might diminish the overall enjoyment, even if the flavors are excellent. Understanding mouthfeel allows you to appreciate the complete experience of the beer, beyond just its taste.

In this context, while other attributes like aroma contribute to the overall experience and assessment of beer, they are primarily associated with sensory evaluation that occurs before the beer reaches the mouth. Color is visible before tasting and does not change as the beer is experienced in the mouth, and bitterness can be a part of flavor but is not a distinct aspect you assess while actively tasting. Thus, mouthfeel is the most relevant attribute to focus on during this phase of tasting.