Expert: Matt Dick - 9/1/2009

Question
Hi,

I have only ever made 2 batches of homebrew using a kit from Coopers (Australian-based). I used new brown pet (plastic) bottles and the recommended amount of sugar.

When I open the bottles the brew seems to taste ok, but it is very fizzy (much like coca-cola) and it does not hold a head.

Any ideas?

Answer
Sure... head retention is a really desirable trait in a beer, and I can understand your wanting to get a nice, solid head on your beer.

It's all about keeping a strong surface tension on the bubbles.  There are a lot of factors, but most are going to be controllable only if you can control the ingredients you use.  So minus the ingredients, one biggie is detergent.  If any of the soap or detergent you use to clean the bottles is still in there... even a little amount, you'll get no head at all.

So make sure you rinse everything *extremely* well.

Aside from that, if you could add some stuff during brewing you could achieve some better results.  If you have access to a brewing supply store, go in and ask about what you can add to the boil to help with head retention.  Often a little wheat malt can help.  I've read up on just a throw of flaked barley can do it, as long as it is at the very end of the boil.

I hope that helps!