Dealing with Heads and Bubbles

What’s one of the things—if not the first thing—you notice when you pour a beer? You notice the head or foam, which is created by the release of gas bubbles, generally carbon dioxide floating to the surface. This is a product of the fermentation process during brewing.

The head on a beer tells us a lot about the beer, and about the person who served it. Rarely is one too pleased when they are served an ice-cold beer and notice that the head fills two-thirds of the pint glass—it makes you feel a little ripped off. It’s not just about the volume, which is a consideration, but the head lends some insight into the character of the beer itself. Is the head light and fresh or rich and creamy? The appearance of the head ...

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