Beer head

Nucleated beer glasses

There are many factors that influence the stability of the foam head. The shape of the glass, the temperature, the raw materials used, and the brewing process are a number of important factors. A narrow lager glass will keep a higher foam head longer than, for example, a wide Trappist glass or a goblet-shaped glass. In a greasy glass, foam disappears like snow in the sun.

Unevenness in the glass causes additional carbon dioxide bubbles to form. Some brewers even deliberately apply 'damage' to their glass, also known as nucleation. Duvel is a good example of this. If you look at the bottom of the glass - where the stem is attached to the glass - you see the logo with the letter D of Duvel. This is deliberate damage. Due to the roughness of the glass, the carbon dioxide bubbles bead upwards and thus nourish the foam head from below.

Beer skimming

There are differences when it comes to the best foam head. Take the Netherlands for example. They skim the beer whilst the foam is still flowing over the edge of the glass. Germans on the other hand, they aim to have the foam head protrude about 2cm above the edge of your glass. Skimming? You won't catch Germans doing that.

It's a whole different story in the UK. Not really foam fans. In fact, if a beer glass isn't filled almost to the top you'll get complaints that "it's only half full". In the UK we like to get our money's worth, so to speak. Having said that, traditional British styles such as bitter, usually have a low carbonation and if served from a hand pump, will not have significant head.

But trust us when we say that foam is good! The head acts as a lid, preventing the carbon dioxide from leaving your beer quickly. Without a foam head, the refreshing tingling will disappear almost instantly.

Practical tips for pouring beer

If you pour beer yourself, for example with The SUB, draughting the perfect foam can be a tricky craft to master. However, follow these practical tips and you shouldn't go far wrong!

• Never put your beer glasses in the dishwasher. Dishwasher tablets are foam killers. Wash your beer glasses by hand. Preferably with lukewarm water with a little soda. Then wash off with lukewarm water and dry with a cloth that does not leave dust and fluff. A normal tea towel often does. 
  
  
• Lager glasses should be rinsed before pouring the beer. These glasses are wet and have a film layer on the inside of the glass after rinsing. It is preferable not to rinse specialty beer glasses. You should pour your beer in a dry glass.

• Fat is an absolute killer. Ever wondered why when you eat fish and chips and your foam collapses? Fatty foods such crisps, chips, cheese, sausage and peanuts are delicious with your beer, but when you touch the glass with your lips, your foam head disappears. Lipstick is bold and has the exact same effect. If you do serve a treat with your beer, rinse the glasses regularly with lukewarm to warm water to remove the greasy deposits.
  
  
• Pour the beer slowly and gradually. Hold your glass at a 45 degree angle and slowly straighten it as the glass fills up. Take your time for this ritual and you will be rewarded with a picture-perfect beer with a creamy head.
  
  
• You should never do the following, but as a 'cheat' nice to mention: are you in need of foam? Grab a rammer; one of those plastic things that you normally use to stamp your lemon slice in your soft drink (no, not in your wheat beer!). Move it up and down a few times in your glass of lager and voilà!