What's a good (neutral) sample beer to spike with a sensory training kit? I recently ordered a sensory training kit from Siebel Institute. In short, glass vials of liquid isolating flavors (including off-flavors and contamination) commonly found in beer.

The instructions explain how to spike samples of beer, but say nothing about how to select a suitable beer:



I'll be hosting a party of six, and our tastes vary wildly: from craft drinkers to macro drinkers, and an enologist (winemaker).

How should I select the base beer(s) to help us get the most out of this experience?


Should we all have the same beer? If so, a macro, even though some dislike them? Or should I pick something like a pilsner?
Or should I have two tiers, a macro and something else? (What kind of ale would be appropriate?)
You want a mildly flavored, low hop beer for something like this. I would suggest a Kolsch or Helles Lager or a Mild. Pilsners can be heavily hopped. I have done a lot of this with wines when I taught winemaking classes at a community college near here. We used very low aroma wines like a warm climate sauvignon blanc. You want the same for this since you don't want anything to get in the way of your samples. Also keep a small cup of coffee beans and water nearby to "reset" your nose and mouth between smelling and tasting. I wouldn't do two different beers it will muddy things. Good luck!