I want head!!

[GabrielKnight]

Why does a pub served real ale have such a good head, while mine has a few washing up liquid style bubbles that disappear in less than 30 seconds. I've got the flavour perfect but the texture is more like water than the milky texture of a good pint.

I'm just using Youngs Barley Wine kits atm, with Muntons spraymalt 'Beer Improver', but surely this can't be the only problem.

I've thought of recarbonating a little for volume, but the last think I want is a slightly fizzier version of my current brew.

[cwrw gwent]

Try pouring a bottle of ale carefully into a jug then tip it from about six inches into a glass. This works particularly well if your beer is a bit fizzy as it transfers the CO2 into the head as well as improving the body. It's the same technique i use for bottle-conditioned ales from the supermarket.

[Benson_JV]

Make sure there is no remnants of washing up liquid or grease on the glass as this will destroy any head.

[mattfuzzy]

i noticed when using the corni keg id always get decent head, from the plastic barrels, not so much, body and head retention are more about using less sugar i think, as that makes it go thin, ie: using sugar over spray malt equels less head and thinner body, my lagers and not so strong ales dont have amazing head, but the 5% plus ales and stouts (wherry and such) were amazing in terms of head and body.

[Black_Sheep]

Since I've started adding 500g or more of malted grains to any single or two can kit I've got good, thick creamy head that stays until the end of the glass. All with a budget barrel too. Get a muslin/mesh bag and stick 500g of malted grains, which ever suits your brew, crystal or pale ale are good all rounders, when you're cooling your wort, before adding to the FV, steep the bag in the wort at least 20mins, once the wort is down to 30c wring out as much as you can, watch out you will get burnt. Then carry on as normal, a week in carbonation, drink after two to three weeks in a cooler place, bingo - big head.

[rollin danny]

Do you keep your beer somewhere cold.? If you do try pouring some into a big jug preferably with a lid on.Then move into room temperature for a couple of hours before pouring into a clean glass .If that dosen,t work go see Gillian Taylforth.Then youll get really good head