Heady matters

No matter the style of glass, the proper pour is essential

If you thought enjoying a beer was as simple as opening a bottle, you may also have believed it was as simple as emptying the bottle into a glass. But there is a right way and a wrong way to pour beer. First thing: No matter what style of glass you use, don’t use one with lingering traces of soap suds or oils. You want a clean glass, both to better taste and better see the beer. Now, tilt the glass at a 45-degree angle and pour vigorously. This aerates the beer and helps create a thick head of foam. RateBeer.com‘s Joe Tucker says to never pour a beer to the top of a glass. Having space at the top of the glass, on top of an inch or so of foam, creates a space for the beer’s freshly released aromatics.