The amount of beer in a standard pitcher varies depending on the size and who is pouring it. A typical pitcher holds 60-72 ounces of liquid. Since draft beer is about 95% liquid and 5% foam, this means a full pitcher poured properly will contain around 56-68 ounces of actual beer. However, factors like pouring technique, glass shape, and beer type can affect the actual amount of beer you get in a pitcher.
Standard Pitcher Sizes
There are a few common sizes for beer pitchers:
60 oz Pitcher
A standard 60 oz pitcher holds approximately 56-60 oz of beer when full. This is enough to pour around 7-8 glasses containing 16 oz each. 60 oz pitchers are popular at many bars and restaurants.
72 oz Pitcher
A large 72 oz pitcher holds about 68-72 oz of beer when completely filled. This pours around 8-9 glasses of 16 oz beer. 72 oz pitchers allow you to buy beer in bulk for a group.
64 oz Growler
A growler is a 64 oz jug often used to transport draft beer from a brewery or pub for off-site consumption. Filled properly, it will contain about 60-64 oz of beer. Growlers allow you to continue enjoying draft beer at home.
Factors Affecting Amount of Beer in Pitcher
While a full 60 oz pitcher is designed to hold 56-60 oz of beer, several variables affect the actual amount you receive:
Foam and Head
Draft beer is composed of 95% liquid and 5% foam and head. A properly poured pitcher will have 1-2 inch foam head, reducing the actual liquid beer. Pitchers with excessive foam can lose several ounces.
Pouring Method
The pouring technique impacts foam. Gentle, angled pours produce less foam. Fast, straight pours create more foam and bubble loss, reducing beer.
Glass Shape
Conical, round pitchers retain less foam than flat-bottomed pitchers. More foam means less beer.
Beer Type
Some beer styles and brands are naturally more carbonated, promoting bigger foamy heads in the pitcher. Overly carbonated beers generally have less actual liquid per pour.
Rinsing Pitcher
Many bars rinse pitchers with water before pouring, which can cling to sides and take up volume meant for beer. Rinsing pitchers leads to less beer.
Tips for Getting More Beer in Pitcher
Here are some tips if you want to maximize the amount of actual beer you get in a pitcher:
– Request a flat-bottomed pitcher instead of a rounded one. The flat bottom minimizes foam.
– Ask the bartender to pour gently and angle the glass to reduce splashing and over-foaming.
– Order beer styles with moderate carbonation like amber ales and lagers to limit foam buildup. Avoid over-carbonated styles like IPAs.
– Ask the bartender to skip rinsing the pitcher before pouring to save those extra ounces of water displacement.
– Politely ask the bartender to stop pouring before the foam reaches the rim to leave more room for liquid beer.
– Allow the foam to settle before topping off the pitcher to fill it with mostly beer instead of foam.
Standard Pour Volumes
In the United States, typical pour sizes for draft beer are:
| Glass Size | Typical Pour Volume |
|---|---|
| Pint glass | 16 ounces |
| Tulip glass | 12-14 ounces |
| Beer mug | 12-16 ounces |
| Beer flute | 4-6 ounces |
Bars and restaurants usually advertise pint glasses at 16 oz. However, allowing for foam and head, actual beer received is generally 14-15 oz.
Factors Impacting Pour Volumes
While standard pour volumes exist, what ends up in the glass can vary based on:
Pouring Style
A heavy-handed bartender will top off a pint with foam, while a light pour may not completely fill the glass.
Glass Size
Oversized “pint” glasses allow room for more than the traditional 16 oz, while smaller true pint glasses reduce the pour.
Foam and Head
More foam means less beer. Big foam heads take up precious volume in a glass.
Bartender Accuracy
In a busy bar with eyeball pours, volumes can be inconsistent compared to using measuring cups.
Keg Near Empty
As kegs drain, increased carbonation from less beer pumps out more foam, cutting beer volume.
Getting Your Money’s Worth
To get what you pay for in a beer pour:
– Order in a reputable establishment that pours properly sized glasses. Avoid places known for skimpy pours.
– Examine your glass and make sure it is filled to a proper point, about an inch below the rim with a 1-2 finger foam head.
– Ask for your beer without much foam to maximize fluid volume. But don’t expect or demand zero foam either.
– If you suspect you received less than a full pour, politely point it out to the bartender who may top you off or serve you a new glass.
Conclusion
The amount of beer you actually get in a pitcher or glass will vary based on pouring factors. But in general, a properly filled 60 oz pitcher will contain 56-68 oz of beer, while a pint pour nets around 14-16 oz in liquid volume. Pay attention to foam, glass size, pouring style and ask for light foam to get your money’s worth. With smart ordering, you can ensure you receive the full beer volume you pay for.