When it comes to pouring a Black and Tan, there are a few different methods and opinions on what to pour first. As a sommelier and brewer, I have my own personal preferences and techniques that I find work well.
One popular method is to pour the pale beer first, followed by the dark beer. This allows for a more pronounced layering effect, with the dark beer settling on top of the lighter beer. To achieve this, start by tilting your glass slightly and slowly pour the pale beer down the side. The tilt helps to minimize splashing and agitation, which can disrupt the layering process. As you near the top of the glass, gradually straighten the glass and continue pouring until you have filled about two-thirds of the glass.
Next, it's time to add the dark beer. This is where the layering effect really comes into play. Using a spoon or a specifically designed Black and Tan spoon, hold it just above the surface of the pale beer and slowly pour the dark beer over the back of the spoon. The spoon helps to disperse the flow of the dark beer, preventing it from mixing too much with the pale beer below. This allows the dark beer to settle on top, creating that visually appealing contrast of colors.
Another method, which I personally prefer, is to pour the dark beer first and then top it off with the pale beer. This creates a slightly different effect, with the lighter beer cascading down into the darker beer. To achieve this, start by pouring the dark beer into your glass, following the same technique of tilting the glass and gradually straightening it as you pour. Fill the glass about two-thirds full with the dark beer.
Once the dark beer is poured, it's time to add the pale beer. Again, tilt the glass slightly and pour the pale beer down the side, allowing it to cascade into the dark beer below. This creates a beautiful swirling effect as the two beers mix together, with the pale beer gradually dispersing into the darker beer. The result is a visually stunning Black and Tan with a unique presentation.
Ultimately, whether you pour the pale beer first or the dark beer first is a matter of personal preference and the desired visual effect. Experiment with both methods and see which one you prefer. It can also be fun to try different beer combinations to create your own unique version of a Black and Tan.