Tasting Flights at a Brighton Taproom: The Beginner's Guide to Finding Your Favourite Pint

Craft beer can feel like a whole new language when you’re just getting started. Hazy? Hoppy? Malty? Dry? Sessionable? And what on earth is a tasting flight?

Don’t worry. You don’t need a finely tuned beer palate, a notebook full of tasting notes, or a favourite style already lined up. You simply need curiosity , and a friendly place to begin.

At Lost and Found, our cosy craft beer taproom on Ditchling Road in Fiveways, we make discovering independent Sussex beer easy, relaxed and genuinely enjoyable. A tasting flight lets you explore several styles in smaller pours, compare what you like, and find your next favourite pint without committing to a full glass of something that might not be your thing.

That’s the joy of a taproom Brighton beer lovers can visit for discovery rather than rules.

What is a craft beer tasting flight?

A tasting flight is a selection of smaller beer pours served together, usually chosen to show a range of flavours, aromas and styles. Depending on what’s available, you might try four or five tasters, moving from crisp and refreshing beers through to hoppier, darker or more full-bodied options.

Think of it as a guided wander through the world of craft beer.

You can compare a bright lager with a soft pale ale, notice how a hazy IPA brings out tropical fruit flavours, or discover that darker beer is much smoother and more chocolatey than you expected.

The important thing is that there is no correct answer. You are not being tested. You are simply finding out what makes you want to take another sip.

Why tasting flights are ideal for craft beer beginners

Ordering a full pint of an unfamiliar style can feel like a leap. A tasting flight takes away the pressure.

Small pours give you room to experiment. You can try something outside your comfort zone, ask questions, and move on if it’s not for you. You might discover a new favourite style , or simply confirm that crisp, refreshing beers are more your speed.

Both outcomes are useful.

Tasting flights are also a brilliant way to understand the difference between beers that may sound similar on a menu. Two pale ales can have completely different personalities. One might be light, floral and gently citrusy, while another is juicy, hazy and bursting with tropical fruit.

At an independent taproom, the selection changes regularly too. Our taps are carefully curated from independent Sussex producers, so every visit can offer something different. Check our live tap list before you arrive, or ask the team what they recommend when you get here.

A beginner-friendly beer flight: where should you start?

There are no strict rules, but tasting from lighter flavours to bolder ones usually helps your palate notice the differences. Here’s a simple route for your first flight.

1. Lager: crisp, clean and refreshing

A lager is often an excellent starting point, especially if it’s the style you already know best.

Independent lager can be a revelation. Look for a clean finish, gentle malt sweetness and a refreshing snap of bitterness. It should be easy-drinking, but not lacking in character.

A well-made lager gives you a useful reference point before you move into more expressive styles.

2. Pale ale: familiar, with more flavour

Pale ale is often the bridge between lager and IPA. It usually has a little more body and a stronger hop aroma, with flavours that might remind you of citrus, herbs, flowers or stone fruit.

It’s approachable but interesting , the sort of beer that rewards a slower sip.

If you’re exploring craft beer Brighton style for the first time, a pale ale can be a lovely place to begin. It has enough flavour to feel special without overwhelming your palate.

3. Hazy pale ale: soft, juicy and aromatic

Hazy pale ales are often rounded, fruity and soft on the tongue. Depending on the hops used, you may notice flavours of mango, peach, grapefruit or passion fruit.

They tend to be less sharply bitter than some traditional hop-forward beers, making them a popular choice for newcomers who enjoy fruitier flavours.

This is where you may start thinking, “Oh, I see what all the fuss is about.”

4. IPA: bold, aromatic and full of personality

IPA stands for India Pale Ale, but you don’t need to remember the history lesson to enjoy one.

In the glass, an IPA might be resinous and piney, zesty and bitter, or soft and tropical. Alcohol strength can vary, so it’s worth checking the ABV and asking the bar team for something approachable if you’re new to the style.

A session IPA or lower-strength IPA can offer plenty of hop character without feeling too heavy. A larger IPA can be saved for later, once you know which flavours you enjoy.

5. Porter or stout: dark, smooth and roasted

Dark beer can look intimidating, but colour does not always tell you how strong or heavy a beer will taste.

Porters and stouts can bring notes of coffee, cocoa, caramel, toast and roasted malt. Some are rich and indulgent; others are surprisingly dry and light on the finish.

If you usually reach for darker drinks, this might be the style you want to try earlier in the flight. If you normally choose lager, leave it until later so the roasted flavours don’t dominate what comes before.

How to taste your flight without overthinking it

You don’t need specialist equipment. You don’t even need to use the words “mouthfeel” or “finish” if they don’t feel natural to you.

Just take each beer one step at a time.

Look. Notice the colour, clarity and head. Is it pale gold, amber, copper or deep brown? Is it bright and clear or softly hazy?

Smell. Bring the glass towards your nose and take a couple of gentle sniffs. Can you pick up citrus, fruit, flowers, caramel, coffee or spice?

Sip. Let the beer sit on your tongue for a moment. Is it crisp, creamy, bitter, sweet, light or full-bodied?

Notice the finish. What stays with you after the sip? A clean bitterness? A fruity hop note? A roasted coffee flavour?

Compare. Which beer would you happily order as a full pint? Which one surprised you? Which one would you pair with food?

And remember: your favourite beer is the one you enjoy. Not the one someone else tells you is the most sophisticated.

Ask our team to build your route

If you’re new to craft beer, tell us. Really : it helps.

You might say:

• “I usually drink lager, but I want to try something different.”
• “I like fruity flavours but not too much bitterness.”
• “Can you recommend something light and refreshing?”
• “I’m curious about IPA, but I don’t want anything too strong.”
• “I usually drink wine. What beer would you suggest?”

That gives us something to work with. Our aim isn’t to steer everyone towards the same style. It’s to help you find the flavours that make sense to you.

Because Lost and Found is an independent taproom Brighton locals can return to, we’re proud to champion the people making exciting beer in Sussex. Our rotating taps focus on independent producers from across the county, including Brighton-based names and makers from places such as Lewes, Firle, Rye and beyond.

We’re the counter-culture to big-label beer. Independent, local and rooted in craft.

What should you eat with a tasting flight?

Food can change the way beer tastes, which makes it a brilliant partner for a flight.

A crisp lager can cut through rich, savoury flavours. A juicy pale ale can work beautifully with spicy food. Darker beers can complement smoky, roasted or slow-cooked dishes.

At Lost and Found, food is provided by independent weekend street food vans and external partners rather than from an on-site kitchen. Offerings vary, so check What’s On to see who is joining us.

Some days call for a tasting flight and loaded street food. Some call for a pint and a quick bite. There’s no wrong way to do it.

A welcoming place to start your craft beer journey

If you’ve been searching for taprooms in Brighton, a fiveways pub brighton locals can call their own, or an independent Brighton venue for a relaxed drink, Lost and Found is ready to welcome you.

We’re a neighbourhood taproom for seasoned enthusiasts, complete beginners, curious wine drinkers and anyone who simply enjoys good company. Children and dogs are welcome too, and you don’t need to know your IPAs from your pale ales before walking through the door.

Come for the tasting flight. Stay for the conversation. Leave with a new favourite : and perhaps a bottle or can from our fridges to continue the discovery at home.

Like what you’ve tasted? Want to try some more?

Drop by Lost and Found at 298 Ditchling Road, Brighton BN1 6JG. We’re open seven days a week, and there’s no need to book a table.

For birthdays, celebrations and larger gatherings, we’re also a relaxed Brighton party venue available for private hire for up to 80 guests inside. Find out more about venue hire, or get in touch to start planning.

Your next favourite pint could be the smallest one you try first.