Pouring from bottles (bottle conditioned)

[Patrick]

Hi there

I am trying to work out the best way of pouring my home brew to get enough head without it overflowing everywhere, while being careful not to disturb the sediment. What I have been doing is getting 2 x 375ml glasses and filling both in one go so that the bottle is never put upright until it is nearly empty. (leaving about 1cm of beer in the bottom). This seems to be working OK. As far as the head goes, I usually deliberatley agitate the first bit by pouring it straight onto the bottom of the glass, then tilt the glass so the rest of the beer sort-of slides 'under' the head. This seems to work quite well although I sometimes over-do the first part and end up with 2" of head, unable to pour the whole bottle without getting beer everywhere. Suggestions welcome! Cheers.

[Matthew]

I bought myself a 1L glass jug from moore wilsons for a couple of dollars. Pour the entire bottle into the jug very slowly, I don't want any head when I pour into the jug. This works really well and leaves the majority of the yeast in the bottle. I then pour from the jug into my glasses.

[James P]

Ditto.

I also make sure my jug is cold, and my glasses too.

[Patrick]

Yes I have been meaning to get a jug, might get one on the weekend. I want a large one that will fit 2 bottles, good for summer sessions with the boys :)

[Ron]

Another thing to watch is how the vessels are washed. You don't want any detergent residue on the glass, it effects the head.
Rinse them well or the dishwaser does the trick.

[denimglen]

Agree with the above but rinse aid in the dishwasher can be a head-killer too, so that's worth watching out for.

I clean my beer glasses in the dishwasher every now and then, but usually I'm using napisan and hot water, works really well.

I pour my beer the other way - start with the glass on an angle and then come upright near the top, I find it easy to control the head this way. I've tried pouring the way you described, and had the same problem, uncontrollable head.