How to Taste Beer Like a Pro, Legion Style
By: Legion Brewing Company

Sip with Purpose
At Legion Brewing, we believe beer tasting is about more than hops and malt. It’s about connection — to the craft, to your senses, and to the people around you. Whether you’re sipping with friends, exploring a flight, or joining one of our in-house tours, every pint has a story to tell. We’re here to help you enjoy the moment and maybe learn something along the way.

Look Before You Sip
Before your first taste, take a second to check out what’s in your glass. The color, clarity, and foam can hint at what’s to come.
Take Juicy Jay, our flagship IPA. It’s hazy with a glowing golden hue – a result of oats, wheat, and a fruit-forward yeast strain. The color tells you this one’s full of tropical flavor with a soft, smooth mouthfeel.
Then there’s Sláinte, our Irish stout. Deep and dark with a creamy tan head, it looks bold – but surprises most people with its light body, dry finish, and subtle roasted malt flavor.

Smell What’s Brewing
Aromatics are a huge part of the beer experience. The sense of smell accounts for 80-90% of what is perceived as “taste”. Hop-forward beers like Juicy Jay burst with citrus, mango, and pineapple on the nose. Darker styles like Sláinte bring out toasty, malty notes with a hint of cocoa.
During our guided brewery tours, guests are invited to slow down and savor the scent before diving in. It’s one of the best ways to pick up on the layers of flavor our team builds into each batch.

Taste the Craft
Now for the good part. With every sip, let the beer sit for a moment, notice the way the flavors open up. Juicy Jay delivers bright fruit notes with a crisp finish that balances the softness of the haze. Sláinte is a malt-forward brew that’s easy drinking and clean.
If you’re newer to craft beer, pay attention to the little things: how it feels on your tongue, how the taste matches (or contrasts) the smell, and what flavors linger. It’s all part of understanding the style and appreciating the approach our brewer’s take to craft something really good.

Legion Pro Tips (From Behind the Bar)
After years of pouring, tasting, and talking beer in our taprooms, we’ve picked up a few things and we’re always happy to share. Here’s what we’ve learned from thousands of pours, countless flight boards, and conversations with both curious first-timers and longtime beer lovers:
- Curiosity Over Comparison
Every beer we craft is brewed with intention. Even if a certain style isn’t your usual pick, try approaching it with curiosity instead of comparison. That open mindset has led to more “wait, I actually love this” moments than we can count. - Flavor First, Style Second
We always tell guests: Don’t worry so much about the beer type — instead, ask what flavors feel right for your mood or your meal. Maybe you’re craving something citrusy and bright, or something rich and roasty to wind down with. Let flavor be your guide. - Food Pairing Basics
You don’t need to be a chef to get pairings right, just keep balance in mind. The beer and food should complement one another, not compete. Light beers (like our Penguin Pils or a Kölsch) pair beautifully with delicate dishes like salads, seafood, or roasted chicken. Bolder beers (think stouts, IPAs, or malt-forward brews) tend to shine next to rich, flavorful foods like grilled meats, barbecue, spicy bites, or anything with creamy textures. Pro tip from our bartenders: When in doubt, order a flight and pair each mini pour with a different menu item. You’ll get to explore without committing to a full pint, and you might just discover your next favorite combo.

Legion Pro Tips (From Behind the Bar)
Every Legion taproom has its own vibe and its own rotating beer list. Join us at any of our Charlotte locations for a tasting, a tour, or to celebrate something new.
Right now, we’re raising a glass toCarolina Feather, our beer of the summer brewed to celebrate 10 years of Legion’s craft and community. Keep an eye out for more seasonal releases as the year unfolds.
Follow @legionbrewing on Instagram to stay in the loop and check out our full beer lineup or book your tour at legionbrewing.com/drinks.