bierkraag

Bierkraag is a Dutch term that refers to the foam crown that forms on top of a beer when it is poured. The word combines bier (beer) and kraag (collar), and in everyday use it describes the head or froth that sits above the liquid.

The term is common in Dutch-language beer culture and tasting notes, rather than in formal brewing literature. A description such as een stevige bierkraag (a sturdy beer collar) typically denotes a thick, creamy head with good persistence and lacing around the glass. Some tasters also use the word to refer to a ring of foam that clings to the inside of the glass as the beer level drops, which relates to foam retention and aroma release.

Factors that influence a bierkraag include beer style, ingredients, and brewing processes, as well as glassware and serving temperature. Proteins from malt, hops, and other brewing components contribute to foam stability, while carbonation level and the cleanliness of the glass affect how well the head forms and persists. Different styles yield different foam characteristics: ales often produce stronger heads than some lagers, though technique and glass choice can modify the result.

In tasting and evaluation, the bierkraag is part of visual assessment and aroma perception, since a stable head helps retain volatile compounds and enhances mouthfeel. While not a formal measurement in all brewing contexts, it remains a useful descriptor in Dutch-speaking beer discourse. See also: Head (beer), Foam (beer).