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Many bars struggle to achieve that creamy, cascading stout pour. The wrong gas blend kills the texture. But the solution lies in the right mix—here’s how to get it.
The ideal gas blend for a perfect stout pour is a 25% CO2 and 75% nitrogen mix. This ratio delivers a smooth, creamy mouthfeel, stable head, and the signature cascade effect.
If your stout still isn’t sitting—or flowing—right, chances are it’s not the beer, but the gas blend. Let’s break it down.
Why the Gas Blend Matters
Ever poured a stout that looked flat or overly fizzy? That’s a gas ratio issue.
The gas mix controls mouthfeel, texture, and appearance. CO2 alone brings sharpness and fizz. Nitrogen brings creaminess, foam stability, and that iconic cascade. That’s why stout is in a class of its own compared to lagers or IPAs.
Nitrogen’s low solubility creates smaller, tighter bubbles, which results in a denser, creamier head. This behavior is well explained in brewing resources like Northern Brewer’s nitro beer tutorial, which highlights the effectiveness of a 70/30 or 75/25 nitrogen-to-CO2 blend in both home and commercial draft systems.
For those sourcing gas supplies, our customizable beer CO2 cartridges are specifically built to support this blend, and are compatible with both bar and portable setups.
What Happens If the Ratios Are Off?
A relentless bite or a flat pour? That’s poor gas balance.
Too much CO2 leads to aggressive carbonation, harsh texture, and excessive foam. Too little results in a lifeless pour that lacks visual appeal.
Professional draught guidelines, such as those from the Brewers Association, reinforce that a 25/75 blend maintains ideal head retention and mouthfeel, especially under high-pressure serving conditions. They also warn that using 100% CO2 for stout can disrupt the intended drinking experience by over-carbonating the beer.
Additionally, gas equipment specialists like Micromatic explain how higher nitrogen content in stout blends allows the beer to be pushed through restrictor faucets to create the signature cascading effect—without over-carbonating it.
Can You Use CO2-Only Cartridges?
Technically, yes. But practically, no—you shouldn’t.
Using only CO2 may work for lagers or sodas, but not for stout. It removes the rich texture and cascading visual that defines nitro beer. Mixed-gas cartridges, especially those with a 25/75 CO2 to nitrogen ratio, are designed to replicate that signature pour whether you’re in a bar or using a portable draft system.
If you’re managing kegs, distributing craft stouts, or building out a mobile bar setup, choosing the right cartridge matters. At Alizeemetal, we provide food-grade, blended gas cartridges tailored to your specific needs—whether you prefer 25/75, 30/70, or even custom ratios.
Just reach out to us at in**@*******as.com and let us know your setup. We’ll match you with the gas solution that makes your stout unforgettable.
Conclusion
For that smooth, cascading stout that keeps customers coming back, stick with a 25% CO2 / 75% nitrogen gas blend. It’s trusted by professionals—and proven by the perfect pour.
