Presentation of Tap Beer

When dispensing tap beer the correct head size in the glass should be 5mm to 10mm. An under sized head will make the beer appear flat and unappetising. An over sized head will cause wastage and over fill making the presentation of the beer look unprofessional and the glass look partially filled. A good head will assist the beer by acting as a barrier to the air reducing oxidisation and protecting the beer while it is being consumed enabling the beer to retain its visually appealing characteristics.

After the beer has been dispensed there should be a steady stream of bubbles rising through the beer as the C02 in solution reverts to gas as the beer gradually warms. This reaction helps the beer retain and replenish the head as the beer is being consumed. C02 gas bubbles clustering on the side of the glass after dispensing is generally a sign of a dirty glass with mineral build up.

To experience·quality tap beer in hygienic conditions a fresh clean glass should always be used for every new serving. Using pre used glassware will be detrimental to the quality of the freshly dispensed beer in both taste and presentation but also in terms of hygiene. Fresh clean glassware will generate a superior head and the aroma will be clearer because no stale beer residue will be present in the glass.

Beer is a food product and should be treated as such to ensure optimum quality is consistently delivered to consumers. The beer tap should never be dipped into the beer to prevent cross contamination of oxidised beer and other proteins. Overflowing the glass when dispensing beer will make the glass wet and sticky to use and ultimately unhygienic. When dispensing beer always keep fingers below the rim of the glass to avoid contamination of the beer and the glass. Food grease and other common compounds can be detrimental the beer head and longevity of quality after dispensing.

To learn more about the recommended dispensing techniques for Lion BSW beers, Guinness and Stella Artois refer to the 'Pouring Great Beer' brochure. This brochure has the step by step process on how best to·dispense various beers to the high standards intended their brewers.