What is typically assessed first when evaluating beer?

When evaluating beer, the appearance is typically assessed first because it provides important visual cues that can impact a taster's overall perception and expectations of the beer. The appearance includes aspects such as color, clarity, and head retention, which can indicate the style and quality of the beer.

The color of the beer can give insights into the type of malts used and can hint at flavors that may be present. Clarity indicates how well the beer has been filtered and can reflect the brewing process. Additionally, the presence and stability of the beer's foam (head) can reveal carbonation levels and freshness.

By starting with the appearance, evaluators set a baseline for what they might expect in terms of aroma and taste, making it a critical aspect of the overall sensory evaluation process. This initial assessment can assist brewers and tasters in determining the beer's quality and style before diving into the more intricate elements of aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel.