What's happening to my beer?

[cjw744]

About a year ago, I bottled a imperial stout (9% ABV, aged with oak chips, bourbon, and vanilla extract). Here is a photo after I poured the beer into a glass and let the (very little) head settle. Now there is a strange bit of head constantly forming in a circle that looks to be flowing up from the bottom. The glass is clean. Any ideas? Also, is it safe to drink?

 

[muels]

Lord of the rings infection?


Sent from my iPad using Home Brew

 

[OscarBrau]

The glass may have a nucleation point (small etching) in the bottom.

 

[KangerBrew6]

You have a witch living nearby who has cast the evil eye on you. Have rum chasers with your beer and all will be cool.

 

[lowtones84]

You're completely fine. If you desire more carbonation, carbonate to higher volumes next time. I actually prefer my higher gravity darker beers to not be highly carbonated. (Chimay glasses do have a small etching in the bottom centered on the stem to intentionally create nucleation points, as OscarBrau suggested.)

 

[drainbamage]

The glass may have a nucleation point (small etching) in the bottom.

This. If you want to confirm, pour a bottle into a standard shaker pint glass and observe the results.

 

[cjw744]

Thanks for the tips! It's strange, I have used this glass with many beers and have not seen this effect before

 

[shortyz]

formation of the brown starfish. the worst.