Why Do I Want a Head on My Beer?

[bracconiere]

Are we looking for a finger’s worth or more of head to remain throughout the entire pint?

being it takes me over an hour to finish a glass, that would be impressive!

 

[mcmeador]

being it takes me over an hour to finish a glass, that would be impressive!

Yeah, I also take my time with mine. I would think that much head on a beer from start to finish would indicate overcarbonation, but I’m genuinely curious with what is considered good head retention. I know a beer with absolutely no head would be considered bad, but what is ideal?

 

[bracconiere]

but what is ideal?

subjective? i like it when i just have a dusting of foam on top. largley for calorie counting reasons, i have my glass marked for oz's, and when i have to guess how much the head will settle to actual beer in the glass it f's me up....

 

[Golddiggie]

Best head retention, so far, has been my stout on nitro/co2 mix. I did add a pound of flaked barley to the recipe (for head retention of course). I plan to pull some of my latest IPA batch through one of the stout taps (putting it on nitro mix) to see how that comes out. I can already see myself getting another (or more) stout taps and changing the regular ones over. One of the reasons I'm glad I have six taps in the keezer collar.

For the record, I do enjoy some good head. Both for my beer and other things.

 

[bracconiere]

Both for my beer and other things

i'm the opposite, i hate getting excited to seal the deal...then having to wait!

 

[Golddiggie]

i'm the opposite, i hate getting excited to seal the deal...then having to wait!

I guess I'm much more patient than you are.
IME, too many things go sideways when you attempt to rush things. Or there's far greater chance of things going sideways. I do my best to be patient in all things. Of course there are exceptions, but not many. For my day job, it pays to do things right the first time. Better to spend a bit more time for that, then need to spend even MORE time soon after to fix things.
I have zero issue waiting for the beer cascade (from the nitro mix pour) settle. It's like watching beer pron...

 

[pacman]

I read somewhere last year that many British ale recipes call for 5% - 10% of the grain bill to consist of torrified wheat to promote head retention. So about 3 months ago I adopted the same approach, and it wasn't long before the brewer at my LHBS picked up on what I was aiming for, and assured me I was on the right track. This guy is an award winning brewer, quite possibly best in the state. He also asked if I could detect the subtle change in the taste profile. I think I can, and will discuss with him at our next meeting.

BTW, I bottle condition all my beers.

Cheers.