When pouring bottle conditioned beer, how much beer should be left in the bottle?

When pouring bottle-conditioned beer, the ideal practice is to leave about a quarter of the beer in the bottle. This approach is particularly important because bottle-conditioned beers contain yeast sediment that settles at the bottom. Leaving this sediment in the bottle helps maintain the clarity and overall flavor profile of the beer being served.

By reserving around a quarter of the beer, the pourer ensures that the yeast and any particulate matter that could cloud the beer or contribute off-flavors do not make their way into the glass. This allows the drinker to enjoy the beer's intended taste and mouthfeel, which can be significantly affected by the presence of yeast sediment.

Pouring too much or all of the beer from the bottle may result in a cloudy appearance and could introduce undesirable flavors that have developed from the yeast during the secondary fermentation process. Therefore, leaving a quarter of the beer in the bottle is the recommended practice for achieving the best drinking experience with bottle-conditioned beers.