[dlihcsnatas]

[QUOTE=basskisser;12771]I've got a great tasting red ale, with added finishing hops that has
been bottle conditioning for 12 days. It is getting carbonated although
I wish it were a tad more carbonated. The trouble is, there is very
little head. Clean glass, etc. so I'm kind of at a loss. Perhaps a few
more days in the bottle will help?[/QUOTE]

Every once in a while I get a batch that just doesn't seem to get a good head on it. Kind of like what you are saying, there is just a very small amount ouf head usually around the edge of the glass. Other times I get a nice thick foamy head that lasts the entire duration of the mug. I have researched this on the web and there are various theories as to what causes wimpy head. One is temp variations while ferminting and another is bittering hops.

Temp variations are supposedly a culprit because it makes for weak yeast and can cause yeast cell count to be irratic. When bottled the yeast is not strong enough to really cause that head power that healthier yeast can produce. At least that is one theory.

Hops are said to do more than just bitter a beer. Supposedly if the hops are fresh and have just the right chemical balance they can make or break a good head. Again this appears to be nothing more than theory.

From previous posts I would take it that some are saying it all has to do with how well the beer is carbinated and by kegging you are guaranteed good head. I have been a bottle man for years and have a batch ferminting that will be going into my first keg in about 2 weeks. Bad part is that from my past experience if this batch gets a good head, is it from the keg or would it have had good head even if I had bottled? Only time will convince me of the CO2 theory.

If after many batches in kegs ALL coming out with nice heads then I may jump on the band wagon and say, "Yep it is all about good carbination that makes a good head". Untill then I still have yet to hear anyone with a definate answer on the subject. Even left a post on it once. Not sure if anyone ever replied but will be checking here soon to see.