I want head!!

[GabrielKnight]

Why does a pub served real ale have such a good head, while mine has a few washing up liquid style bubbles that disappear in less than 30 seconds. I've got the flavour perfect but the texture is more like water than the milky texture of a good pint.

I'm just using Youngs Barley Wine kits atm, with Muntons spraymalt 'Beer Improver', but surely this can't be the only problem.

I've thought of recarbonating a little for volume, but the last think I want is a slightly fizzier version of my current brew.

 

[Wez]

Hi GK

How are you serving the beer, is it from a pressure barrel?

 

[GabrielKnight]

A polypin. So most of it's fizz is gone, it still has trapped air when served, like all non-sparkling real-ales, but there was no real head from the start, and it dies quickly into a watery (but tasty) brew.

 

[Wez]

Normally head retention from a kit beer can be improved with some carbonation - not sure how you could do that with a polypin though? :hmm:

 

[arturobandini]

Two words Gabe...

Beer & Engine.

 

[MEB]

It's difficult with kits to improve the head over what you've already done. Bottling might help a bit but then you'll find the carbonation higher too.
A beer engine would certainly help but if your going to that expense you may as well go AG. That would solve your problem. :thumb:

 

[jamesb]

It's all down to dispense.

Have you ever had good head at a beer festival? Doubt it.

As AB said, Beer Engine.

 

[Vossy1]

Another vote for a beer engine here :thumb:

 

[MEB]

Have you ever had good head at a beer festival? Doubt it.

I have, she was a bit of a slapper though. :lol:

 

[jamesb]

Have you ever had good head at a beer festival? Doubt it.

I have, she was a bit of a slapper though. :lol:

Oi! That's my missus you're talking about!

:whistle:

 

[A T]

Have you ever had good head at a beer festival? Doubt it.

I have, she was a bit of a slapper though. :lol:

:rofl: