The first obstacle to the full enjoyment of beer writes Michael Jackson, is the idea that it all tastes the same.

The second is the notion that beer is exclusively a thirst quencher. Just as wine can be consumed at any time, so can beer, but like the grape, the grain does have its flavored moods and moments. The tests of a good beer are aroma, flavor and finish. As a great beer is enjoyed, its character seems to develop, so that the drinker notices new flavors and finds constant interest. Nor do the flavors suddenly vanish. The drinker looks forward to the beer; enjoys the experience and is left with a lingering memory. A good beer delivers the style it promises on the label. If it says Pilsner, wheat beer, ale or stout, it truly has the characteristics of that style. A great beer combines aroma, flavor, finish and fidelity to that style with its own distinctive balance and memorability.