Measurement and Characterization of Bubble Nucleation in Beer

A new method has been developed for characterizing the rate of bubble formation in beer. The method consists of forming bubbles in beer in a standardized glass using a controlled source of nucleation, then photographing the glass. The extent of bubbling is compared with that displayed in a set of reference standards to give a measure of the rate of nucleation. Comparisons were made among commercial beers to determine which physicochemical factors influence nucleation, and to what extent. Surface tension, density, and carbon dioxide content all influence the appearance of bubbles in the glass.