Beer is carbonated because it contains dissolved carbon dioxide gas. The gas is produced when yeast ferments the sugar in the beer. Carbonation gives the beer its fizzy texture and helps preserve it.
Carbonation enhances the taste of beer by making it more refreshing and lively. It can also mask undesirable flavors in the beer.
Is Beer Considered a Carbonated Drink?
Yes, beer is considered a carbonated drink. When you drink beer, it contains dissolved carbon dioxide gas, which makes it effervescent or bubbly.
Is Beer Carbonated Like Soda?
Beer is carbonated like soda in that it is pressurized with CO2 to create carbonation. However, the method of introducing CO2 into beer differs. Mass-market beers have CO2 forced into them under pressure, with the level of fizziness regulated by the applied pressure. Bottled microbrews introduce CO2 through brewer’s yeast and a small amount of sugar, resulting in less initial carbonation that builds over time.
Are Any Beers Not Carbonated?
Yes, there are various non-carbonated beers. Cask ales, for instance, lack additional carbonation and often have a smoother mouthfeel. Some high-alcohol beers like barleywines and Belgian lambics skip the secondary fermentation process that produces carbon dioxide gas. Nitro beers are brewed with nitrogen gas to achieve a creamy, smooth mouthfeel.
Why Is My Beer Not Carbonated?
There are a few reasons why your beer may lack carbonation. One possibility is forgetting to add priming sugar when bottling or kegging and not creating a proper seal. Another reason could be incorrect storage temperature. Storing beer below or above the recommended range affects carbonation levels. Excessive agitation or oxidation can also result in insufficient carbonation.
What Makes Beer Flat?
When beer is carbonated, it means carbon dioxide gas is dissolved in the liquid, giving it bubbles. If your beer is flat, it means there isn’t enough dissolved carbon dioxide gas. Several factors can cause this:
Not allowing sufficient time for carbonation in the bottles (we recommend a minimum of 2 weeks).
Insufficient priming sugar used in the beer. Adding sugar before bottling is the most common method of carbonating beer, with table sugar (sucrose) being the most popular choice.
