With or without foam, how should beer be served?

Many times, the world is divided into two: black or white, bitter or sweet, with or without alcohol. While these divides are part of reality, today we want to set aside one that splits beer lovers: how should beer be properly served? With or without foam?

In case you didn’t know, foam is a key component in preserving beer’s aroma and flavor. That’s right, foam is essential for fully enjoying your Imperial beer, no matter the variety. This small white layer is the result of carbon dioxide released during fermentation, which protects the beer from external oxygen.

A foam for every style

The style of beer and its alcohol content determine the characteristics of the foam

For example:

• An Imperial Stout will have a creamy layer with fine, compact bubbles,
• while an Imperial IPA will display a denser surface due to its higher gas content,
• an Imperial Extra Lager will be known for its white foam that quickly disappears,
• and an Imperial APA will offer a consistent and persistent foam.

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Another characteristic to note is the color of the foam: white for the last two styles, ochre for the first, and caramel-colored for the Imperial Red. If these characteristics aren’t met, the pour might not have been good.

How to properly serve an Imperial Beer

• Tilt the glass at a 45-degree angle, gently. Once two-thirds of the glass is full, return it to a vertical position.
• Leave two fingers of foam and wait for it to form once poured.
• The temperature should be between 2 and 16 degrees Celsius, as colder or warmer won't showcase its qualities.

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If you're eager to challenge your friends, we recommend visiting Datazo—the recommendation platform from Imperial—where you can find places offering 2-for-1 beer deals. Invite your friends and see who can achieve the best foam. You could also encourage them to try new pairings, like desserts with an Imperial Cream Stout.

So, with or without foam? Always with! It’s like the “cherry on top”—not only does it look great for photos, but it's also there to make the beer-drinking experience more enjoyable.