Sparklers

[WelshPaul]

What's a sparkler?
Clearly not what I thought of at first - I must say I was initially surprised to hear of beer being served with a sparkler - usually they reserve little indoor fireworks for hideous over-priced cocktails on the Costa del Sleaze...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/502 ... 74e76e.jpg

Plastic adapters that fit on the end of a beer tap. They add a bit of head to a pint but many drinkers, myself included, do not like them. They're almost impossible to avoid in Wales and in the North of England, which is kind of odd when you think about it: you're trying to charge a Yorkshireman over £1.50 for a pint which isn't even filled to the top!

 

[Pearlfisher]

My local near to where I used to live served beer with a "Taffy top" for their Welsh customers.

 

[Steve R]

Sorry excuse my ignorance, but why do you need them, is it due to low levels of carbonation in the beer, so this is how a head is created during the pour.

 

[PD]

They are not needed, its purely cosmetic..... unless you live in the North of England. Here the bar man would get thumped on the nose if he didn't use one. :grin:

 

[Darcey]

When I was at Marstons doing some BIIAb course in some beery thing this I discussed this with one of the 'brewing scientists' he was of the opinion that the sparkler realised some of the hop oils from the beer slightly reducing the bitterness of the liquid and improving the initial aroma. I have always just believed this. if you compare a pint from a cask then the same beer thru the line and beer engine then you will notice the difference. Also note how 'bitter' the head on your beer is next time you get severed a 'proper pint'.

I have always agreed with this anecdote and stick by it. I would love someone to confirm or deny it, even if its not true its a good excuse to get to the pub or dig out that beer engine and have a pint.

Personally I really dont like gravity poured beers, I like a nice mid/tight sparkler and the beer to be poured PROPERLY :twisted:

D

 

[Hawks]

Well, the sparker was there, but no chance to use it.

the beer being served was conditioned for around 8 weeks and was serving with nearly an inch of head just coming through the beer engine - you northerners would have been proud :thumb:

 

[PD]

My Hero !

 

[Hawks]

My Hero !

:rofl: after I put wheat in it and everything.. this is what I get..

 

[PD]

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