The Infamous Milko Pour

Well, we’re finally doing it….. we’re finally doing a milko pour beer review. (And not just one… but two… as another will be coming soon, from Fourscore Beer Co). Is this us jumping the shark? Chasing a fad? A little bit of all of that? Who knows really. Is this just the latest marketing craze or fad or ‘new idea’ in brewing that everyone is trying out?

Its been popularized by several breweries in the area (to us) (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, etc.). Breweries in PA (the page and group) have really tried pushing it as well.

Got to try this one from Gusto Brewing when we had our trip to Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey. This was a great brewery and fun place with a wonderful talkative, upbeat, and cool staff. Outside of the beer I had on the ferry (Cape May IPA) the milko pour was my first of the day, before hitting a few other breweries in New Jersey on our way back to PA. You can read about our trip here: The Trip Home – Delaware, Cape May, and New Jersey. (Make sure to check out our travelogue section for more trip articles.)

So what exactly is the “milko” pour or a milk pour? Well, I covered some of that in a previous article here on the blog – about Human Robot’s 1st Ever Milk Tube Race. You can read that full article here: “Human Robot: The First Milk Tube Race in the World – USA vs. The World – Oktoberfest Invitational World Beer Fest“.

But let’s break it down a bit more for this article as well, and I think a great starting point is provided by Pilsner Urquell. Straight from possibly the best source on the topic:

The Mlíko is a special treat. It’s not the kind of beer you’d order again and again while you’re at the pub with friends. In traditional Czech pubs in the 19th and early 20th centuries it was served as a dessert, or as an elegant drink for women who weren’t big beer drinkers. Sometimes the bartender would give a Mlíko as a nightcap after the bill was paid.

These days, Tapsters at our Tankovna bars often give out a round of Mlíkos at the start or end of a shift. It’s something fun to change the mood, and it’s a different way to enjoy the Saaz hop aroma and the smooth, refreshing sweetness of Pilsner Urquell.

To pour a Mlíko, the Tapster opens the tap just slightly, letting the glass fill to the top with foam. Some of this foam settles, becoming beer – you get a full glass but you only pay for a half.

The History of the Milko Pour – Pilsner Urquell

A fun little discussion forum pop-up on the milko pour, courtesy of the BeerAdvocate’s Forum Pages:

• What’s up with the milko (milk) pours?

The person’s post reads:

There’s a new trend in American craft beer: the mlíko (or milk) pour.

I’ve seen breweries from Pennsylvania to Utah promoting these on Instagram in recent weeks, but first encountered the phenomenon at Human Robot, which serves a roughly 95%-head pour of one of their Czech-style lagers in a stange and calls it a “Milk Tube.” It’s meant to be chugged.

Whats up with the milko pours?

The comments on the five page post varies from “no ways” and “f* that” to “I love it, its so creamy, so delicious”, etc. One of the first comments posted in reply reads:

I had my first Milk Pour on a small brewery’s (outstanding) Bohemian Pils last week. Tried it because I knew it was a Czech tradition.

Gotta say, the special tap really makes a creamy and delicious head — not at all like a bad AAL pour with too much foam.

FWIW — I had already tried the Pils with a regular pour and knew it was a great take on the style. Not sure the pours change up the flavor of the beer itself (once you get thru the head), but the mouthfeel of the head was nice.

This is definitely a ‘mileage may vary’ type of thing, especially for the craft beer community at large.

Another interesting article on milko pours is by Atlas Obsucura (Gastro Obscura): Czech Milk Beer Milko Pilsner.

Alright Already… Get to the Beer Review

When will they ever get to the fireworks factory?!!!!? (…..if you get that, you get it, if you don’t, you don’t.)

Ok, let’s finally get to this beer review and tackle it. Firstly, though, let me say, this won’t be quite like a normal beer review, primarily because it was a chug. In the sense, that we both CHUGGED it… because thats “what you do” with this style (the milko pour) – or so we’re told. The bartender told us its best to chug, so chug we did. So I won’t quite be able to give the same kind of review as I do of a normal beer pour and beer review. But lets get down to it!

Beer: Everyday Balloons
Brewery: Gusto Brewing Company
Style: Pilsner – Czech
Pour Style: Milko Pour
ABV: 5%
IBU: None
Untappd Description: Crispy, glimmering, and the liquid reward for a lawn well mowed — this is a Czech-style Pilsner brewed with Pilsner malt and hefty additions of Saaz. Upon reaching terminal gravity, it lagered at near freezing temperatures for one month. Notes of unsalted crackers, floral stuff, and earthy noble hop jazz.

As per Untappd, Gusto Brewing Company is a nano brewery in North Cape May, New Jersey. They have 148 unique beers and a total of 15,600 ratings as of 1.7.22. They have a global average rating of 3.91. Their Untappd description reads: We aim to cultivate something truly unique, to give like crazy, and whip up really swell beers. [something small + something weird].

Lets jump into this with the aroma, it smells malty, pilsner like, and beer like. There’s not a whole host of descriptors I can give for the aroma on this beaut, because I think its pour style kind of dilutes it all. The foam certainly changes a lot of aspects of this beer I imagine (really makes me wish I had gotten it regularly afterwards for a style comparison). This smells like a malthouse but muted a bit, or dampened (but obviously not wet dampened, just like a lesser version).

Appearance is… foam. Ever been to a foam rave? Where they just douse you in foam and its everywhere, and it comes up to your knees, then up to your chest, and everyone is partying and jumping around, losing their ever loving minds? ….Just me? …Nobody else? No… well… ok… but anyhoo….. the appearance is similar to that. You can see why it has the nickname ‘milk’ or ‘milko’ pour, because the foam legitimately turns the beer into looking like your drinking a glass of milk. (Though if you notice, you can still see some of the regular pilsner looking liquid at the bottom, which looks like your typical pilsner – clear, golden light yellow, blond, beer looking beer).

Like I said, we both picked up our glasses, and chugged! I was able to completely down mine in the single chug, my friend had to do it in two. (Not bragging…. just stating). It goes down pretty easily, but it goes down like foam too, not like a pure liquid, so it kinda goes down ‘weird’. It tasted like what a good pilsner (a well crafted pilsner by a craft brewery, not like a Miller Lite or Coors or the similar) but doused so heavily in foam, that it tampers it so greatly. I could taste the pilsner while chugging, but the foam just overwhelmed everything. And here is where I will admit to not understanding the craze behind this, other than what certain groups and parties and pages have put out to make people more interested in them. I feel like its more ploy and noise than bang for your buck or interest. Yes, the pour was cheaper than a regular of the pilsner, and it was certainly a different style, and interesting to try something ‘new’ or innovative (even if it its an old technique brought back), but it just… felt more novelty than good, and was not my cup of tea (or beer if you will). I’d love to be able to talk to people back in the Old Countries and see their perspectives; both as customers and as brewers; about this style, and what their thoughts are on it. I believe some people and pages have a vested interest in trying to make it more of a thing than it is, and therefore the popularity explosion (especially in Pennsylvania), and especially when novelty for novelty’s sake is more important than the quality. But then again, I think its a case of mileage may vary and can be different dependent on the person. As seems to be the case with that BeerAdvocate’s discussion forum post on the subject. Personally, I don’t think its my cup of beer. Personally, if I’m gonna drink a Pilsner, I’d rather have it the way I’ve always drank it – like a normal beer. But, I also think Pilsner is on the lower side of the spectrum of beer styles that I enjoy, so there is that as well. I’m much more of a stout, porter, and barleywine kind of guy than the light, lite, airy, summer time mowing the lawn style beers. So take it for what its worth on that alone. I do think this somewhat contributed to me getting a bit sick later in the day; doing a chug of this straight foam side-pull milko pour with nothing else in my stomach after riding a ferry (where, admittedly I did have a small can of Cape May IPA, and I did take a single sip of my friend’s wine at the winery we visited); but I think filling my belly with a chug of pure foam, certainly did it no small favors. But I don’t know nor really worried about it now anymore.

I do think it would be interesting to do a side-by-side comparison with the same beer, one with the side pour milko pour, and one regularly. I imagine I will like the regular better, but don’t know for sure.

My Untappd Rating: ***.75
Global Average Untappd Rating: 3.87 (and this is for all pour styles of the Everyday Balloons) (as of 1.7.22)

Your Thoughts?

Whats everyone else’s thoughts on the milko pour? Enjoy it? Hate it? Keep it? Leave it? Let us know in the comments section below. Or let us know on our social media pages!

Thank You For Reading

Thank you for reading everyone. Hope you enjoyed reading, let us know if you have any thoughts, questions, comments, or concerns. We got a lot of stuff coming here on the blog, so make sure to follow, like, subscribe, and keep tuned for what we got to show!

-B. Kline

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

How Did We Get Here?

We started the day off in Delaware at Rehobeth beach, and at 8:45AM we were on the Lewes – Cape May ferry to get over to New Jersey. It was very choppy (was told it was choppier and windier than its been in a long time). Made for a certainly interesting venture.

Had a Cape May IPA at 9:01AM on the trip (when they opened the alcohol sales) and then we began our day in New Jersey by visiting the Cape May Bird Observatory, took a small stroll, then went to the Cape May Beach and visited the lighthouse, Battery 223, and watched swans, ospreys, and hawks.

We then stopped at Willow Creek Winery, and then moved on to Gusto Brewing where we got to try a milko pour (my first time having one). After that was Cape May Brewery. The next stop after this was planned out to be Bucket Bridge, but we saw 7 Mile Brewery while at a redlight and swerved in.

After 7 Mile Brewery where we ran into someone who went to LVC (Lebanon Valley College) – the same college my parents graduated from, and as it turns out, she graduated the same year as my dad. (She didn’t know him though.) we visited Bucket Brigade Brewing as planned.

Unfortunately…. we didn’t get to really finish out the rest of my adventurous trip itinerary. I definitely overplanned and expected to get a lot more done (I still wanted to hit Slack Tide, Bonesaw, Death of the Fox, and Flying Fish, before even entering Philly where we were then going to hit Humanrobot, Crime and Punishment, Fermentary Foam, and Monk’s).

But unfortunately, a member of the crew ended up getting sick, and at about 4:45PM yesterday (after Bucket Brigade) we ended up calling it, and made the 4 hour drive home. Where we got home after a few stops, at around 10PM.

So yesterday, we hit:

• Willow Creek Winery
• Gusto Brewing
• Cape May Brewing
• 7 Mile Brewing
• Bucket Brigade Brewing

I’ll write up a bigger two-day story of the trip in the days ahead. Meanwhile here’s a few pictures from yesterday:

Tonight (after work) I’ll do a total trip recap, and then in the following days I’ll write up my usual beer travelogue and brewery tour visit whatever you want to call it. So be on the lookouts for those two articles!

Cheers!

-B. Kline

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Lukr Side Pull in Action(photo courtesy of Lukr Faucets)

Discover the Side Pull Tap: Revolutionizing Your Craft Beer Experience

If you’re not yet familiar with the side pull tap, you’re not alone. While it’s starting to make its mark in a few breweries in Pennsylvania, it hasn’t quite hit the mainstream craft beer scene just yet. But that’s about to change.

What is a Side Pull Tap?

A side pull draft beer faucet, often referred to as a Czech beer faucet or Lukr faucet, is a unique tool that transforms the way we pour and enjoy beer. Unlike traditional taps, the side pull tap is designed to create a creamy, silky head, which is the traditional way of enjoying a Czech pilsner. The faucet is submerged into the mug, resulting in a sweet, velvety foam that enhances the beer’s flavor and aroma.

The Mechanics of a Side Pull Tap

Lukr Faucets (photo courtesy of Lukr)

At first glance, the side pull tap might look like a standard tap turned on its side, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. The handle is much more delicate than a traditional tap. Each slight movement of the handle changes the flow of beer; every degree of change increases or decreases the amount of liquid being poured into the glass. This precision allows for perfect control over the pour, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable drinking experience.

The Side Pull Tap in Pennsylvania

While the side pull tap may not have fully permeated the Pennsylvania craft beer market, some innovative breweries are leading the charge. These breweries are embracing the side pull tap and its ability to elevate the beer-drinking experience. We recently spoke with two Pennsylvania breweries that have implemented the side pull tap to learn more about its benefits.

Some Pennsylvania Breweries Using the Side Pull Tap:

• Human Robot
• Fourscore Beer Co.
• Stick City Brewing Company
• Wishful Thinking Brewing
• Warwick Farm Brewing
• Bright Path Brewing Company

Benefits of the Side Pull Tap

1. Enhanced Flavor and Aroma: The creamy head created by the side pull tap releases the beer’s aromas and enhances its flavor profile, providing a richer tasting experience.
2. Aesthetic Appeal: The beautiful, silky head of foam adds a visual element to the beer, making it more enticing and enjoyable.
3. Traditional Experience: For fans of Czech pilsners and traditional beer pouring methods, the side pull tap offers an authentic and nostalgic experience.

Spotlight on Lukr and the Milko Pour

One brand making waves with the side pull tap is Lukr, known for its precision and quality. Additionally, the Milko pour—a technique that involves creating a dense foam head that makes up the majority of the glass—is gaining popularity among beer enthusiasts. This method, made possible by the side pull tap, provides a unique and delightful way to enjoy your favorite beers.

The Milko Pour: A Unique Beer-Drinking Experience

Milko pours at Human Robot

The Milko pour is a fascinating technique that’s gaining traction among beer enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate the nuances of traditional beer pouring methods. Originating from the Czech Republic, the Milko pour is made possible by the side pull tap and is a testament to the artistry involved in serving beer.

(See Also: Human Robot Milko Pour)

What is a Milko Pour?

Milko pours at Gusto Brewing in New Jersey

A Milko pour involves creating a dense, creamy foam head that occupies the majority of the glass. Unlike a standard pour, where the beer and foam are evenly balanced, the Milko pour prioritizes the foam, which can make up to 90% of the glass. This technique transforms the beer-drinking experience, offering a unique texture and flavor profile.

How is a Milko Pour Achieved?

The Milko pour is achieved using the side pull tap, specifically the Lukr faucet, known for its precision and control. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Submersion of the Faucet: The faucet is submerged into the mug, allowing the beer to flow gently along the sides.
2. Controlled Pouring: By carefully adjusting the handle, the bartender controls the flow of the beer, ensuring that a thick, creamy head of foam is produced.
3. Patience and Skill: Achieving the perfect Milko pour requires patience and skill. The bartender must be attentive to the handle’s movements to create the desired foam consistency.

Why Try a Milko Pour?

1. Enhanced Creaminess: The dense foam head adds a rich, creamy texture to the beer, making each sip smooth and velvety.
2. Intensified Aromas: The foam head captures and releases the beer’s aromas more effectively, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
3. Visual Appeal: The thick, white foam is visually striking, making the beer look as good as it tastes.
4. Traditional Experience: For those who enjoy traditional beer-drinking methods, the Milko pour offers an authentic way to appreciate a Czech pilsner.

Where to Find Milko Pours

A milko pour at Bright Path Brewing Company

As the side pull tap and Lukr faucets become more popular, more breweries are starting to offer Milko pours. Check with your local breweries to see if they provide this unique pouring method. It’s a delightful way to experience beer, offering a fresh perspective on how beer can be enjoyed.

Incorporating the Milko pour into your beer repertoire not only broadens your appreciation for different pouring techniques but also deepens your enjoyment of the craft. Cheers to discovering new ways to savor your favorite brews!

Conclusion

The side pull tap, along with Lukr faucets and the Milko pour technique, is set to revolutionize the craft beer experience. As more breweries adopt this method, beer enthusiasts can look forward to an enhanced and traditional way of enjoying their favorite brews. Keep an eye out for these innovative taps at your local brewery and prepare to elevate your beer-drinking experience.

Stay tuned for more updates on the latest trends and innovations in the craft beer world right here on our blog. Cheers!

More Links and Information

• Craft Beer Hot Toddies
• Raising the Stakes: Gambling and Alcohol Correlation
• Top Popular Beer Brands
• Embark on a Culinary Adventure: Cooking and Craft Beer
• Philosophy and Craft Beer: A Confluence of Thought and Taste
• Craft Beer Meets Keto
• Unraveling the Brews: The Distinctive Worlds of Lager and Bock
• What is Bock Beer? Exploring the Bock Beer Style: A Journey from Einbeck to Munich
• What is Lager Beer? Exploring the World’s Most Popular Beer Style
• Information on Milko Pours
• The Rise of Craft Lagers in Pennsylvania Brewing
• The Craft Beer Conundrum: Navigating the Troubled Waters of the Craft Beer Industry
• Mastering the Art of Craft Beer Tasting: Your Ultimate Guide to Flavor and Aroma – How to Describe Beer Like a Pro
• Human Robot Milko Pour – Human Robot Milko Pour Invitational (And Information on Milko Pours)
• Discover the Side Pull Tap: Revolutionizing Your Craft Beer Experience

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