How to pour the perfect pint
Pouring beer is an art, and definitely part of the overall tasting experience. Here are three essential tips to pouring the perfect pint:
- Start with a clean glass since any leftover residue can leave an off-taste and ruin the beer drinker’s experience. Low-temperature dishwashers are not ideal for cleaning because they sanitise with chemicals rather than high heat which doesn’t always remove grease or fingerprints. They can also leave chlorine deposits on the glass that will kill the beer’s foamy head.
- When pouring a beer, hold the glass at an angle close to 45 degrees. Open the tap quickly and fully, allowing the beer to flow freely. The beer should hit the middle of the glass, causing the beer to slide down to the bottom. This prevents too much head from developing too quickly. Once you get about half to two-thirds of the way full of beer, straighten the glass out and hold it upright.
- Try to achieve the right amount of foam. A little head on a beer can help the drinker notice the flavours and aromas as he or she takes the first sip. You should aim for about a half-inch of head in a pint glass. By adding distance between the tap and the glass, you’ll create more of a foamy head.
