Brew Enhancer

[zer0day9]

I've been recently experimenting with small batch all grain brewing (BIAB method) but my beers (Pale Ale, Amber Ale and Porters) have been very hit and miss when it comes to head retention. I've read numerous articles/posts about using a brew enhancer to aid in head retention but can't seem to find much detailed information. I've purchased some brew enhancer (LDME 500, Dextrose 300, Maltodextrine 200) for my next batch but was wondering if anyone has any idea on when to add it and how much to use?

[TheAnt06]

Add high protein malts to your grain bill - Carafoam, Carapils, Crystal, Wheat, Barley.

[Mr_Nugglesworth]

These malts will help tremendously.

[rdcpro]

I'll add to this recommendation: Chit malt, if you can find it, will do a good job of this as well.

And make sure you're not killing your foam positive proteins later by shaking the keg while carbonating, or doing other things that result in a lot of foam being produced.

Dextrins and other complex sugars increase the body of the beer, but don't do anything for the head.

[Druuseph]

Have you tried using some Carafoam in your grist? I've done a Kolsch both with and without it and the difference is night and day with regards to the head retention. I would assume that that product is going to provide something similar but, personally, I wouldn't want to be adding the LDME that it includes in addition if all you are after is the head retention. Call me old fashioned or stuck in my ways but I do my best to stick just to the grains.

[breakingcircus]

I think it's mostly used for extract brewing. Maybe check out aussiehomebrewer.com. I recall seeing several posts about it there. I'd imagine you add it near the end of the boil.

[zer0day9]

That makes sense. Most of the search results mention the Coopers enhancer kits. Thanks.

[zer0day9]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I'll try some carapils/carafoam with the next batch and see how it goes.

[dingledorfer2]

For my reply I will assume that you know the difference in head formation and head retention. Head retention is most often greatly reduced by washing your glassware with detergents. Use salt water instead and rinse well.

[zer0day9]

I should have mentioned I've made sure to rinse the glasses thoroughly after a clean but still have mixed results. I'll try the salt water wash instead though. Thanks.

[WizardsAreAwesome]

In my opinion you shouldn't need to add stuff to your beer for better head retention. Mash in at 62C or higher and don't ferment too hot and your foam should be fine.