
head retention
head retention
Hi fellow brewers, particular beers I brew in Coppers pet bottles and in recent batches the head retention is poor. The beer otherwise is great, just the same. Whats changed? 1) I now using a non rinse sanitizer, 3 hours before bottling therefore not completely dry. 2) used non rinse for my beer glasses. 3) May have brewed at the higher end of the allowable temp range. Any thoughts? Still enjoying the beer, just want head. 

A barrel a day keeps the doctor away. Drink more piss.
- billybushcook
- Posts: 539
- Joined: Friday Nov 09, 2007 10:10 am
- Location: Hunter Valley
Re: head retention
I have, & never will, like beer, in PET bottles but each to their own.
If it were me, I'd be paying my attention to my glasses.
Store them at the same temp as the beer (Super, bloody, cold, but that is just me)
Only wash with soap when they begin to get a slight stain, most of the time it is just a hot rinse & straight back in the fridge.
There is no need to sanitize your glasses because they do not sit long enough for bacteria to become a problem if they are kept clean & in the fridge.

Remember......Soap or oils, kill head retention.....
Edit:-
Your last line-
We all want more head..............
cheers, mick
If it were me, I'd be paying my attention to my glasses.
Store them at the same temp as the beer (Super, bloody, cold, but that is just me)
Only wash with soap when they begin to get a slight stain, most of the time it is just a hot rinse & straight back in the fridge.
There is no need to sanitize your glasses because they do not sit long enough for bacteria to become a problem if they are kept clean & in the fridge.

Remember......Soap or oils, kill head retention.....
Edit:-
Your last line-
We all want more head..............






cheers, mick
Home brew my Arse, get that Shit to forensics!
Re: head retention
Ta Mick, you might be right. I've dedicated my beer glasses to the shelves in the freezer door and change glasses after 2 pours however a think a good soapy clean and rinse could do the trick. I'll have to test all 12 pints. The sacrifices one has to make.
Regards bb
Regards bb

A barrel a day keeps the doctor away. Drink more piss.
- billybushcook
- Posts: 539
- Joined: Friday Nov 09, 2007 10:10 am
- Location: Hunter Valley
Re: head retention
You may have missed my point
Mick.
I don't use soap on mine unless they really need it.barrelboy wrote: a think a good soapy clean and rinse could do the trick.
Mick.
Home brew my Arse, get that Shit to forensics!
Re: head retention
Your spot on, must read a bit slower. Understand now.
Ta
Ta
A barrel a day keeps the doctor away. Drink more piss.
-
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Thursday Mar 17, 2011 4:30 pm
Re: head retention
I keep mine the same as you barrelboy in the door of the freezer had no problems with comercial beer . I only rinse mine out in hot water and straight backin . mind you you have to have 2 glasses on the go , but as far as glasses go with home brew i wouldn't know .got a couple of months to wait untill I've got some to poor in 1 .... so will let you know then . good luck ....
Re: head retention
Its awful waiting for your first batch. Have you got another fermenter to follow up with and build up your stock?
A barrel a day keeps the doctor away. Drink more piss.
-
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Thursday Mar 17, 2011 4:30 pm
Re: head retention
no have to sit here and drool, but patience is a virtue so they say




Re: head retention
Just a quick note to let you know everything back to normal.may not be a big deal to some but ta Mick, a good wash in hot water did the trick.
A barrel a day keeps the doctor away. Drink more piss.
Re: head retention
PS. Once you've had good head you want to keep it.
A barrel a day keeps the doctor away. Drink more piss.
Re: head retention
Mick didn't let you in on his other little secret to good head...
He's cheating and using a headmaster glass!!!

He's cheating and using a headmaster glass!!!



Re: head retention
So what does he drink out off!!!



A barrel a day keeps the doctor away. Drink more piss.
- billybushcook
- Posts: 539
- Joined: Friday Nov 09, 2007 10:10 am
- Location: Hunter Valley
Re: head retention
I have a few handled glasses too, it makes no difference which one I use!matr wrote:Mick didn't let you in on his other little secret to good head...
He's cheating and using a headmaster glass!!!![]()
![]()
Mick.
Home brew my Arse, get that Shit to forensics!
Re: head retention
As a side note, I was in my local Coles yesterday and they had 4packs of headmaster glasses (425ml I think) for $20. Not sure if thats a good price but it might help someone out who's looking for glasses.
Re: head retention
I think that's a standard price. Paid the same at Target.earle wrote:As a side note, I was in my local Coles yesterday and they had 4packs of headmaster glasses (425ml I think) for $20. Not sure if thats a good price but it might help someone out who's looking for glasses.
On closer inspection I do realise they are a shit glass with a sandblasted bottom.. I could have done it myself at work..

-
- Posts: 171
- Joined: Thursday Feb 15, 2007 7:27 pm
- Location: Adelaide
Re: head retention
Put a couple teaspoons of bicarb soda in some hot water, say 3-4 ltrs
Wash your glasses and rinse with clean hot water.
Then back in the fridge
Wash your glasses and rinse with clean hot water.
Then back in the fridge
All Grain - Still learning with Every Batch.
- billybushcook
- Posts: 539
- Joined: Friday Nov 09, 2007 10:10 am
- Location: Hunter Valley
Re: head retention
I pay about the same for 4 full ones at the Local, Earleearle wrote:As a side note, I was in my local Coles yesterday and they had 4packs of headmaster glasses (425ml I think) for $20. Not sure if thats a good price but it might help someone out who's looking for glasses.







Call me BAD but every now & then I feel the need for a new one!!



Mostly because that is the only place I thought they were available, maybe I should visit Coles again?
Mick.
Home brew my Arse, get that Shit to forensics!