How To Master The Perfect Pour

Our beer-pouring masterclass is officially in session

There’s really something about popping open a cold Gilly’s at the end of a long day and taking the first sip straight from the can. But, pouring that crisp, classic glass of beer with a satisfying amount of foam on top comes with its own rewards. If you opt for the latter, we’re here to show you the proper beer-pouring technique.  

Perfecting the way you pour beer will not only ensure the end result tastes incredible and looks amazing but will also score you some brownie points from your beer-lovin’ guests (or at least give you confidence when pouring for a social gathering). 

So next time when you’re kicking back a few cold ones while entertaining guests or looking to indulge yourself after picking up a six pack from the store, keep these pointers in mind. 

Get ready to pull up your sleeves, it’s time to get this crash course in beer-pouring started.

Why drink beer from a glass?

Anyone who has drunk beer from a glass can agree that it’s the best way to enjoy its taste. But why is that? 

Turns out that the secret lies in the frothy foam on top of the beer. When you pour the beer, the gas bubbles rise to the top and create the head. As the head sets, the bubbles constantly burst open to release the aromatics of the beer which you inhale as you drink. The aroma affects how we process the beer’s flavor in our brain (how’s that for science!). 

Having the correct head size can make all the difference. Too much will be a waste of glass space while too little will take away that smooth and creamy sensation when you drink. Plus, who can resist the beautiful sight of a perfectly-formed head of beer?

Does it matter what beer glass you use?

Technically, you can drink beer out of a coffee mug or red sippy cup — it doesn’t really matter, if your goal is to get tipsy. However, if you’re after better flavor, the proper glassware will give you the best-tasting experience. There are many glass styles to choose from depending on the beer but for a lager we recommend you use a pilsner glass. Its tall, slender shape is designed to maintain a certain level of froth, carbonation, temperature, and boost the aromas of your beer.

Be sure that you’re using a clean glass! Any sticky residue inside the glass will cause the carbonation to stick to the side and prevent the foam head from forming.

Let’s get down to business 

1. Hold your glass at a 45-degree angle

After popping open your beer, tilt the glass at a 45-degree angle below the opening of the can. Aim for the side of the glass near the middle, so that when you start pouring, the beer will flow smoothly down the glass without splashing back up the side. 

2. Level the glass to a 90-degree angle

When the beer reaches the midway point, slowly turn the glass upright. By now, a thin layer of foam should have formed. 

3. Finish pouring in one smooth motion

Aiming for the center, continue pouring beer into the upright glass until a nice, foamy head of about  ½-1 ½ inches forms.  

4. Sip and enjoy

Our favorite part. Drinking from the top of the glass will help you to avoid taking in too much of the head in one mouthful. As you sip, take a moment to appreciate how the flavors and the aroma come together. 

Most of our Legends would be happy to kick back a refreshing frothy straight from the can. But, sometimes it’s really worth slowing down for it. Because we could all use a little more perfection in our lives, too, we thought it might be a good idea to show you how to pour a beer. If you’re a beer newbie, go ahead and give it a shot. If you’re a seasoned drinker, be sure to share this article with a terrible beer pourer so they can learn how to do it properly.