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Author Topic: Head retention advice  (Read 5103 times)

Offline erockrph

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Re: Head retention advice
« Reply #15 on: June 26, 2014, 10:09:25 pm »
I know it's been said, but you absolutely need to rule out glassware before changing around your recipes/process. In my experience this is the #1 (and most easily avoided) culprit.
Eric B.

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Offline majorvices

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Re: Head retention advice
« Reply #16 on: June 27, 2014, 06:04:22 am »
Yes, do you use a no-rinse agent in your dishwasher? That could be the problem.

Also, make sure you have enough carbonation. That may seem obvious, but you can't float a good head without it.

While I don't have a problem with the use of cara-pils, cara-foam, flaked grains in particular these should not be necessary to hold great head retention. There are great examples of beers with fantastic head renention out there that are 100% pils malt.

Offline Jimmy K

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Re: Head retention advice
« Reply #17 on: June 27, 2014, 06:51:05 am »
OK. Probably not yeast or fermentation.  So since you say "head retention" - does it pour with a nice head that falls quickly?
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Offline trapae

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Re: Head retention advice
« Reply #18 on: June 27, 2014, 07:28:31 am »
The head forms great but then I watch it disappear .  I am betting on glassware and am going to check it this weekend before I start changing other things.
I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.

Offline majorvices

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Re: Head retention advice
« Reply #19 on: June 27, 2014, 08:23:50 am »

The head forms great but then I watch it disappear .  I am betting on glassware and am going to check it this weekend before I start changing other things.

I'll bet that's your problem as well. Get a bottle brush and wash with hot water and regular dish soap. Rinse well and see if the problem doesn't go away.

Offline denny

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Re: Head retention advice
« Reply #20 on: June 27, 2014, 09:05:27 am »
The head forms great but then I watch it disappear .  I am betting on glassware and am going to check it this weekend before I start changing other things.

This article will help you diagnose what's happening...

http://byo.com/stories/article/indices/35-head-retention/697-getting-good-beer-foam-techniques
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Offline bluesman

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Re: Head retention advice
« Reply #21 on: June 27, 2014, 10:40:13 am »
Healthy yeast and temperature control do wonders for head retention. Are you doing that?

+1

The right protein is best...also some good info. here as well.

https://byo.com/stories/item/621-fabulous-foam

http://byo.com/stories/item/693-getting-good-beer-foam-techniques
Ron Price

Offline bluesman

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Re: Head retention advice
« Reply #22 on: June 27, 2014, 10:41:22 am »
The head forms great but then I watch it disappear .  I am betting on glassware and am going to check it this weekend before I start changing other things.

This article will help you diagnose what's happening...

http://byo.com/stories/article/indices/35-head-retention/697-getting-good-beer-foam-techniques

Didn't see your post...you beat me to it! :)
Ron Price