Learning hour to pour a beer properly is not hard, but is worthwhile as a properly poured beer adds to the flavor and experience. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Hold a clean glass at a 45 degree angle.
2. Pour the beer on the slope formed by the angle at which you’re holding the glass.
3. At around half way, tilt the glass to a 90 degree (vertical) angle.

The key to pouring a beer lies with appropriate head formation. A well formed head should be 1” to 1.5” inches tall, not only does this aid in presentation, but it releases the beers aromas. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to judge the correct height to hold the beer at whilst pouring to make for a perfectly formed head.

Different pours for different beers

Some beers require a slightly different pour in order to maintain the beers unique characteristic. Not much changes if you’re drinking an ale, however the ideal head size is smaller than normal (around half an inch), so you’ll want to keep the glass tilted longer than normal. A stout on the other hand requires a thick head, pour the beer slowly until about half way and then let it settle before you pour the rest. Finally, for pilsners the preferred method of many is to simply pour the beer directly into a vertical glass.