Nitrogen Beer: A Fresh Homage to the Past

In a culture taken over by foodies, nitrogen beer—also known as nitro-beer—is increasing in popularity. Nitro-beer differs from a classic carbon dioxide beer in color, flavor, and texture. The thick foam floats like a cloud atop the smooth mix of nitro-beer, while the brew underneath remains smooth. Nitro-beer is an ode to beer of an earlier era, but has increased flavor due to the refined methods of the 2000s.

What is Nitrogen Beer?

Nitrogen beer is named for the gas used to create the bubbles in the beer. Normally, modern breweries use carbon dioxide (CO₂) in beer. But, when nitrogen is dissolved into beer, the beer is altered in foam and in flavor, thus creating nitro-beer. Nitrogen beer has its roots in English Ales. These ales were designed before refrigeration and were served with a hand pump that pumped air into the barrel of beer, forcing the beer to move from the barrel to the taps upstairs in bars. Air used in these methods consisted of about 78% nitrogen. This original process has inspired modern breweries to add nitrogen to beer in order to restore it to its traditional roots.

What’s the Difference?

There are distinct differences between nitrogen beer and classic carbon dioxide beer. Because CO₂ highlights the existing flavors within beer, regular beer is brewed with fewer flavorful ingredients overall. Nitro-beer on the other hand, includes softer hints of a greater variety of ingredients. The most distinct difference between nitrogen beer and others is in the way in which it is served. Typically, nitro-beer contains 70 percent nitrogen and 30 percent carbon dioxide, as opposed to “normal” beers with mostly carbon dioxide in them. This returns beer to its smooth flavor with a thick head and small velvety bubbles.

 Unique Flavor

Nitrogen beers have a unique taste that is often reminiscent of pale ales. New nitro beers are less bitter. This is because carbon dioxide is acidic, which creates a bitter taste, and nitrogen beers have less carbon dioxide. Typically, nitrogen beers include more porters and stouts. This is because the nitrogen interacts well with grains. Nitro-beers tend not to be as hoppy as classic CO₂ brews. The extra creamy bubbles in the thick heads of Nitro-beers give the beer a smooth rich taste, especially when compared to the frothier taste of a traditional beer. The creamier aspect of the nitrogen beer also makes the beer taste thicker and smoother. The smoothness of the beer is not limited to just the texture. It translates to the overall taste as well, creating a drink that has its flavors more evenly distributed, rather than a traditional beer that has aggressive flavors and aroma.

To learn more about beer, be sure to read our blog, or attend any of our educational beer tastings at Julio’s Liquors in Westborough, MA. Our staff will use their expertise to help you find the right beer, no matter the occasion!