Malt contributes the principal backbone component to foam, namely polypeptides. However, there are foam-inhibiting materials in malts. It is the balance of the positive and negative entities that will play a critical role in determining the excellence of the head. In this presentation, the “Pope of Foam” will unravel the complexities of the situation and will explain why the brewer should congratulate the maltster on their role in this important quality area and seldom blame them when head retention problems arise.

About Our Speakers

Charlie Bamforth 

UC Davis/Sierra Nevada Brewing Company

Dr Charlie Bamforth has been part of the brewing industry since 1978. Formerly with the Brewing Research Foundation and Bass in the UK, he was lead professor of brewing at UC

Davis for 20 years from 1999. He is Distinguished Professor Emeritus at UC Davis and Honorary Professor with the University of Nottingham in England. He was President of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling from 2014 to 2016. Charlie is Senior Quality Advisor to Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. He is the author of numerous articles, papers, and books on beer. Charlie has received numerous awards for his contributions to the industry and has featured extensively in the media. He has also written profusely for 40 years on football (soccer).

When: Wednesday, June 18, 2025