THE BEERTENDER GUIDE

SERVING PACKAGED BEER

Serving Packaged Beer
• Bottles and cans are best when served at 38°-40° F.
• If beer is too cold, it can gush when opening and has less flavor.
• Periodically check your cooler temperatures.

Opening the Bottle or Can
• Rough handling causes beer to foam or gush when opened.
• Hold bottles by the shoulder, NOT BY THE BOTTOM, or they will foam over.
• Check for worn bottle openers to prevent damaging the bottles.

Pouring
For the smoothest taste, pour beer to produce a nice head or collar of foam.
• Place the neck of the bottle or lip of the can over the edge of a clean glass or cup.
• Quickly raise the bottom of the bottle or can to a high angle, causing the beer to agitate into the glass.
• Lower the bottom of the bottle or can to reduce the flow until the foam rises to the rim.

Open bottles or cans at the bar or tableside to prevent foaming over when walking
to the customer.

Don’t pour the beer by the "down-the-side" method. This minimizes the foam, and the beer looks flat and will taste gassy. CO2 is retained in the beer and swallowed, so your customers fill up faster – and they may not have room for snacks or a meal.