Behind every great tap list is someone who knows how to read the room, chase what’s next, and build a beer board that feels intentional without feeling predictable.
So let’s talk about it. In honor of Craft Beer Week, here’s how to curate a lineup that speaks to connoisseurs, comforts the casuals, and leaves no beer lover behind.
Start with the Basics — But Do Them Beautifully
Think of your taps like a capsule wardrobe. You need a few timeless pieces in the right categories to build a solid foundation. Here’s what to always have on hand:
- Crisp & Clean: A light lager or pilsner for the “I just want a beer” crowd.
- Hoppy: An IPA (or two, especially in summer) for the fans chasing bitterness and big flavor.
- Malty & Smooth: A brown ale, amber, or red that gives depth without heavy ABV.
- Wheat or Belgian-style: Something cloudy, citrusy, and a little spicy.
- Dark & Roasty: A porter or stout that feels like dessert in a glass.
Once you’ve got your essentials covered, it’s time to get playful.
Rotate with Purpose
Seasonal swaps and limited runs keep your menu exciting, but rotation is just a much about change a it is about rhythm. Know what sells in spring (saisons, citrus-forward pale ales), what cools guests in summer (hazy IPAs, fruited sours), and what people reach for once flannel reappears (hello, strong Belgians and milk stouts).
Rotate often enough to keep regulars curious, but not so fast that favorites vanish before they’re loved.
Support Local, Sip New
Beer drinkers love a story. Featuring up-and-coming local breweries builds community, and gives you fresh angles for staff pitches, social media, and guest engagement. Build relationships with brewers. Go to tastings. Ask about what’s in the tank now, and what’s coming next.
And when it comes to choosing new beers, don’t just chase the hype. Try it. Tap it. If it’s good, people will talk.
Don’t Skip the Staff Tasting
Your team doesn’t need to memorize hop varietals, but they do need to describe a beer without sounding like they just read the label. Host tastings with every new arrival. Discuss flavor profiles in plain terms. Is it bright? Bitter? Funky? Crushable? Let them fall for a beer and they’ll sell it with heart.
One More Sip of Advice?
Your beer list should feel curated, not crammed. Guests get overwhelmed when there are 40 beers with no clear guide. Organize by style, ABV, or even “mood.” Include tasting notes. And don’t be afraid to recommend a flight for the indecisive.
At EyeSpy, we help restaurants and bars shape drink menus that don’t just pour, they perform. Whether you’re refreshing your lineup for Craft Beer Week or rethinking your entire beverage program, we’re here to help you build a board that guests talk about long after the tab is closed.
Because in the world of beer, confidence is everything. Choose boldly. Tap thoughtfully. And always leave room for something new.
