Glossary
Lacing
The pattern of foam left clinging to the inside of a glass as beer is drunk, taken as an indication of good head retention and a clean glass.
Also called brussels lace, belgian lace.
Commonly misunderstood
Lacing is often read as a mark of beer quality. It mostly indicates foam-positive protein and a properly washed glass, and says little about how the beer tastes.
Related
- Head retention — What lacing is evidence of.
More vocabulary
Astringency · Body · Chill haze · Ester · Head retention · Hop burn · Mouthfeel · Phenol
See every term on the glossary index.
Last reviewed 2026-08-16.