Head retention on a nitro stout

[Keg]

I have kegged my first beer (Particular Peter Stout - HBC Mashkit), it's being served under 'Guinness' Gas.

I'm wondering if I should be expecting the same head retention as you'd normally get from draught Guinness, can anyone advise?

Its at 38 psi, the gas is the one that Event Bars supply with Guinness kegs.  The head is ok initially but leaves pretty quickly. The beer tastes great but I'd like the nitro effect and I am using a stout tap.

[auralabuse]

It actually needs to be fully carbonated first. So if your just using mixed gas it will take longer as there is only 25% co2 in that. I would say it just needs a bit longer under pressure.

[auralabuse]

Also the glass, try make sure there is no rinse aid on it

[Leann ull]

Carb on 100 percent co2 and serve on your mixed.
How long and how did you carb and at what temp?
Assuming you are fully carbed it should retain down to the end
Can you post recipe?

[Keg]

Thanks for the replies. It's been under pressure around 12 days now, originally at 30psi for 5 days then up to 35 and 38 after a week or so.  I don't have a Co2 cylinder at the moment so just the mixed gas.

Its another HBC Mashkit so I don't have the recipe I'm afraid. One issue might be the temperature, I  have it set up in the garage for the past week, it's between 5-10 degrees there but the keg is not in a fridge.

[Will_D]

And are you using a Guinness tap/spout [with the little plate with the micro fine holes and the plastic yoke just underneath] ?

[auralabuse]

Yeah temp is an issue, the colder the better for carbonating. It would just take a bit longer and the mixed gas also takes longer so it will prob take about another week at that pressure and temp. I did the Peters stout, it's lovely and did retain the head so no probs with the recipe.

[Keg]

Hi Will_D, yes it's the stout tap with the special nozzle.

Thanks auralabuse, I was expecting the temp to be a bit lower this time of year but will make do.  It really is a nice stout.

[Leann ull]

Avg temps are 10 at the mo so you will struggle, try and get yourself a co2 tank somewhere as otherwise you are just wasting your mixed has which is like hens teeth to get hold of, also I lost an entire tank from a small leek so another reason just to turn on an off for serving

[Eoin]

Dishwasher...are you using one on your glasses? If so rinse under a cold tap before filling and see if that makes a difference to head retention.

I see auralabuse has also mentioned this, but got no acknowledgement.

[Keg]

Dishwasher...are you using one on your glasses? If so rinse under a cold tap before filling and see if that makes a difference to head retention.

I see auralabuse has also mentioned this, but got no acknowledgement.

Hi Eoin, cheers for your reply, thankfully it seems to be sorted now. I was able to get some space in a fridge and the keg is in there when it's not in use, the head retention has really improved. 
Apologies to auralabuse if I didn't acknowledge his suggestion about the dishwasher, I must have missed it at the time. I just wash the beer glasses in tap water and leave them drain so the rinse aid etc shouldn't be a problem here.

I was probably naive to set it up without a line cooler or kegarator, I was expecting temperatures closer to freezing at this time of year.  In any case, the stout seems to be a hit, and I've a second keg of St Peters Cream Stout to try after the Particular Peters is finished!

[Eoin]

That's not what I meant at all man lol. I just mentioned it that way and meant it literally. Sorry that you read it like that.

[auralabuse]

And here was me crying all week, ruined my Christmas it did 😝

[Keg]

Ha ha no worries at all!