http://www.salon.com/food/beer/index.html?story=/food/feature/2011/06/04/how_to_taste_beerA tutorial on how professionals teach others to taste and judge beer. Yes, there are now beer sommelier programs and certifications for beer judges. For the rest of us, there are four general guidelines:
1) Pour it into a glass and use the aroma as much as the flavor.
2) Pay attention to every detail, drink slowly.
3) Verbalize what you taste (this may require building your vocabulary).
4) Try lots of beers (my favorite one).