Foam explained
Foam is created from the bubbles of gas in our beer. This gas, known as carbon dioxide, is produced during the fermentation, bottling, and kegging processes, where the beer is pressurized and condensed. When a beer is opened or poured into a glass, the gas bubbles rise to the top and form a foamy layer filled with proteins, yeast, and hoppy residue. Scientists refer to this as “nucleation.”
Nucleation is a complex concept, but we’ll try to simplify it. In any beer, there are two types of proteins: large protein groups and small protein groups. Both of these act as foam aggregators, meaning they help create foam. Lipid Transfer Protein 1 (LTP1) is a protein commonly found in the grains used for brewing beer.
These LTP1 proteins dislike water. So, when they find themselves in a glass of beer, they either rise to the surface or sink to the bottom. To rise to the surface, they attach themselves to carbon dioxide bubbles and travel upward. Once there, they form a protective shield around the bubble, maintaining the foaminess. Hops also contribute to this process by creating a light cloudy coating with the help of iso-alpha acids.
The amount of LTP1 present in a batch of beer can be influenced by the climate in which the grains were sourced. Both climate and LTP1 content impact the taste, quality, texture, and retention of the foam.
More about foam and flavor
Why does beer taste different with a foam head?
There are three main reasons why foam affects the taste of beer:
First, the physical texture of the foam provides a unique tasting experience. The light, frothy foam can soften our palate.
The second and third reasons involve a combination of taste and scent. Foam carries various aromatic components from the liquid state to the semi-solid state through oxidation. This leaves behind traces of hops and sweetness, enhancing the beer’s flavor.
When your senses are fully engaged, the combination of foam and liquid creates the ultimate beer-tasting experience.
ACE 10HL Microbrewery Equipment
Why do some beers have more or less foam?
There are numerous factors that can influence the amount of foam in a beer. It could be the beer itself, the pouring technique, or even the type of glassware used. Here are seven main reasons for variations in foam:
Technique:
The way you pour a beer, whether it’s from a tap, pitcher, or bottle, can impact the foam. Pouring the beer into a glass at an angle will result in less foam, while a more upright or higher pouring distance will create more foam. For the best of both worlds, start with an inclined pour and adjust accordingly based on your desired foaminess.
Glassware:
Using clean glassware is essential, but residue from detergents and cleaning agents can remain on the inside of the glass, leading to less foam. To prevent this, give your glass a quick rinse before pouring.
Lip balms and lipsticks:
The stability of foam can be affected by the presence of lip balms and lipsticks. Waxes and fats found in these products can interfere with the interaction between proteins and carbon dioxide.
Fatty foods:
Consuming fatty foods can leave grease on your lips, which can also affect the foaminess of your beer, similar to the way lipsticks do.
Alcohol percentage:
Alcohol actually reduces foam. Therefore, beers with higher alcohol (ethanol) content will have foam that dissipates faster.
Temperature:
Higher temperatures not only affect the taste of beer but also impact the quality and content of the foam. Warmer temperatures cause smaller bubbles to be absorbed by larger ones, especially noticeable in warmer climates.
Nitrogen:
Nitrogen is a relatively new concept in the beer industry. Nitrogen-infused beers offer a rich creamy taste and often come with a thick, pillowy layer of foam. Nitrogen brews have some of the most stable foams due to the high density of very small gas bubbles.
There are many more reasons, tips, and tricks when it comes to beer foam. It is clear that beer foam is much more complex than it seems. The same can be said for many other aspects of this mythical amber beverage.
Next time you have a pint with your friends, impress them with some fun facts about beer foam.
Cheers!
