Why is it that look/appearance is so fluky?

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by SerialTicker, May 2, 2015.

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  1. SerialTicker

    SerialTicker Pooh-Bah (2,815) Jun 18, 2012 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah

    I could have a six pack and each time I pour the beer I'll get a big head, a small head, tons of lacing, no lacing... why is it that the same beer can look so different, even if it's poured the same way, and at the same temperature?

    I bring this up because I'm watching a KBS review on YouTube while drinking it (yes, I'm one of those people), and it looks like a completely different beer.
     
  2. Dravin

    Dravin Initiate (0) Apr 27, 2014 Indiana

    Are you pours into glasses of the same consistent cleanliness? I'm not talking clean versus filthy but clean versus beer clean. Things like soap or oil residue will have a huge impact on head retention and lacing.
     
  3. JMS1512

    JMS1512 Initiate (0) Feb 18, 2013 New Jersey

    I came here to say exactly this.
     
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  4. BBThunderbolt

    BBThunderbolt Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,282) Sep 24, 2007 Kiribati
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Glass cleanliness could be a contributor. There might be minor variations in the CO2 levels in the bottles, and maybe you're doing something a little different each time.
     
  5. Hoos78

    Hoos78 Maven (1,303) Mar 3, 2015 Ohio

    Does temperature factor in?
     
  6. hopnado

    hopnado Initiate (0) Aug 13, 2014 Michigan

    Did you pour the KBS right after the 4.2 magnitude earthquake? Never shake a beer
     
  7. Moose90

    Moose90 Initiate (0) Nov 25, 2012 Washington

    A clean glass can make all the difference.
     
  8. SerialTicker

    SerialTicker Pooh-Bah (2,815) Jun 18, 2012 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah

    I use the same glass in the same dishwasher with the same soap and it's still inconsistent. Obviously not a big deal at all, just a curiosity.
     
  9. chipawayboy

    chipawayboy Pooh-Bah (1,977) Oct 26, 2007 Massachusetts
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Level of intoxication contributes too.
     
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  10. drtth

    drtth Initiate (0) Nov 25, 2007 Pennsylvania
    In Memoriam

    Try hand washing the glass and being sure there is a thorough rinse and an air dry. (Using a towel to dry the inside of the glass can leave small particles of fiber in the glass.) IIRC not all places in the dishwasher are created equal.
     
  11. Monkeyknife

    Monkeyknife Grand Pooh-Bah (5,199) Jan 8, 2007 Missouri
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    The cleanliness of the glass and the pouring make a huge difference in the appearance.
     
  12. Shroud0fdoom

    Shroud0fdoom Initiate (0) Oct 31, 2013 Maryland

    Each batch of beer isn't truly the same (Molecular Speaking). It could be the brew itself, with like others say clean glassware does makes a World of difference. I hand wash all my glassware moments before I drink a brew. I let them air dry and make sure there's no detergent streaks on the inside of the Glassware. When I wash my vessel I shake all the excess water from the glass before I imbibe.
     
  13. Moose90

    Moose90 Initiate (0) Nov 25, 2012 Washington

    You don't hand wash your beer glasses? Give it a try and see if it helps. Most dishwashers (in my experience), tend to leave food particles, soap residue, etc... Hand wash with HOT water and a tiny bit of soap, rinse very well, and let air dry. Works best for me.

    Yes, this right here.
     
  14. joelwlcx

    joelwlcx Initiate (0) Apr 23, 2007 Minnesota

    Are you pouring beers into the same glass over and over again in sequence?
     
  15. Beerandboards

    Beerandboards Initiate (0) Nov 6, 2012 New Mexico

    Contributes too what?
     
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  16. lambpasty

    lambpasty Initiate (0) May 3, 2013 New Hampshire

    Yes.
     
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  17. Greywulfken

    Greywulfken Grand Pooh-Bah (5,731) Aug 25, 2010 New York
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    I also.
     
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  18. M_C_Hampton

    M_C_Hampton Initiate (0) Oct 9, 2012 Georgia

    The mere presence of residual water in a glass can reduce the head. I've seen heffewizen served in damp glasses to reduce the excessive foaming.
     
  19. hopnado

    hopnado Initiate (0) Aug 13, 2014 Michigan

    it contributes to overall enjoyment of life
     
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  20. loafinaround

    loafinaround Initiate (0) Jul 16, 2011 New York

    the other stuff washed in the dishwasher contributes to glass cleanliness. Just cooked a greasy meal and had an over-packed dishwasher? There may be more residue leftover... Dishwashers aren't flawless if challenged too much. Even the good ones.

    if you're a perfectionist, hand wash. If you're like me, shrug your shoulders, appreciate your pint glasses with sandblasted images (because they're dishwasher safe), pop the top, and enjoy life.
     
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