This is the first time I've visited this group and I suspect my question may well be one that has been discussed previously, so please excuse me if this is the case.
My query relates to to 'measured ' pints. When I query as to why my 'lined' glass is not filled to the line with actual beer/ lager etc I am told that it has been 'pulled' using a 'beer meter' ( implying that it must be correct) and just needs time to stand at which time "the frothy top will eventually settle into liquid and bring the beer up to the line on the glass"
But this doesn't happen in practise, however long I leave the beer untouched it never raises the actual 'beer' up to the line on the glass, in fact it appears not to raise the actual beer level at all.
My own understanding is that when the drink is served to the customer, then the acual beer should reach the line, with the space above the line being reserved for froth.
Am I correct? Is there a Legal or Authoritive statement existing that I can refer to?
Here in the US, I've never seen a lined pint glass. But, I can still relate to your concern. We can be shorted just the same, line or no. One of the tricks I see here is different pint glasses. I have a couple examples here at home. One is ~440ml. Another is ~390ml. A true pint is ~473ml. As you can see, both these glasses are considerably short of a full pint, with absolutely no allowance for foam. I can't say with certainty these are the same glasses used in bars and pubs. They are probably not, they being promotional beer branded glasses. But, the glass with the lesser capacity (390ml) looks about the same size as the glass with more volume. How can this be? The difference is accomplished by more glass in the base. The thickness of the botton of this "cheater" glass is about 3 times that of the other glass. I've seen these type glasses used in pubs and taverns. And, now that I've measured my glasses and found them both lacking, I'm wondering what I'm really getting at my local tavern.
To address your foam question, I've seen the same problem at different taverns. Despite having no visible lines, I can still see if I'm getting a full glass or not. Some places will serve an overly tall head, but most (in my experience) let the head settle a bit and then fill the glass. If I think I'm getting shorted, I'll say so. I've never heard the metered beer line and am unaware of such a device. But, I would not be surprised if they existed. Mechanically metered spirits are commonplace, here.
As for the foam itself, let's face it, you want somewhat of a head on your beer. For one thing, it indicates a clean glass. A rapidly disappearing head or almost no head usually indicates an dirty or greasy glass. An adequate head on your beer also serves the purpose of providing a cap and preventing the evaporation of flavorful esters and aromatics and other beer chemically thingies of which I can't remember right now. Lastly, it shows the beer has been properly brewed. A well brewed beer will not only have sufficient head, it will maintain this head all the way down the glass. Even as beer is consumed and the head is ingested and adheres to the side of the glass (so called Belgian Lace), the head will persevere. So, as you can see, having some "foam" on your beer is a good thing and I definitely want some on mine. Just not too much. ;)
Makes sense to me. Plus, it sounds like that's the point of the lined glass. Beer below, foam above. Why else would such a device exist? Do you have a bureau of measurements and standards you can turn to? We have them here. If you think you're being shorted, call the agency that's supposed to monitor this sort of thing. That or find someplace else to give your business. That's what I do. If I think I'm being shorted, I don't patronize that business. I go where I'm served my money's worth. It's that simple. ;)
I can see both points here. Here in Aus they have standardised the beer measures but not the names. In South Australia 425ml is a Pint. 285ml is a Schooner and 170ml is Butcher (not used much these days) In New South Wales 425ml is a Schooner and 285ml is a Middi In Victoria, I don't think they have 425ml glasses but 285mls is a Pot In other states, who knows? You can get genuine imperial pints at some pubs, usually reserved for micros though. Still, it's confusing enough for us countrymen so it must be a nightmare for overseas visitors.
And if you want to know how to become a brewer in Australia,
Hi Notbob, thanks for your illuminating contribution!!
Having read your comments as well as Steve's from Aus, I realise that my problem in the UK is perhaps not as remote as I imagined. I guess there is no simple answer wherever one is partaking of the available alcoholic beverage.
Just one thing though, I note you choose to ' go elsewhere' if you feel you are being 'shorted' Well I guess I could support that view, although I choose not to as I would miss playing snooker inasmuch as my current watering hole is the only one in the area that has a 'snooker' room.
Still, that shouldn't mean short measures!!
Ah well ......... Many thanks to yourself and Steve for taking an interest.
I wonder where you drink your beer that it is served in lined glasses and secondly what kind of beer it is? Lined glasses in the UK are by far the exception rather than the rule. Even if you commonly find lined glasses surely you have come across brim measure ones unless you have been strangely out of touch with pubs?
No. In the UK legally, the froth is part of the pint though you should expect 95% liquid.
Check the Brewers and Licensed Retailers web site.
Hi Peter, I thought this thread had ended but I just saw your comment today.
I live in Cheshire and lined glasses are pretty much common place, although at my local watering hole it's pot luck (no pun intended) Barmaids choice as to just what type of glass is served, whatever your choice of beer/ lager/Guinness etc.
Yep, brim glasses are common but you would have a losing argument with my wife in inferring that maybe I'm out of touch with Pub culture:-))
That really is interesting Peter, is this really the law? If so have you any idea where can I find it in writing? Assuming it is law have you any idea as to why I should only 'expect' 95% of liquid as a pint, because when beer prices go up they go up on a price per pint basis, so why should one 'expect' only 95% liquid? And further, if as you say the froth is part of the pint just what would stop any publican serving a pint glass half filled with liquid and the remaider as froth? Or even, just to make the point, serving a full glass of froth as a pint of beer!!!
Thanks for identifying this site for me Peter,I checked it briefly but I didn't spot anything specific relating to my original question.
Thanks for your interest, and I'm not really aiming my questions at you, just posing questions as they occur to me. I would be pleased however if you can point me specifically to just where I might find some of the answers :-)
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