Automated beverage pouring device with foam control

A method of dispensing a beverage from a beverage dispensing system having a cradle moveable between a first position and a second position, a fluid valve, and a flow sensor, comprising:

• determining that the cradle has moved from the first position to the second position;
• actuating the fluid valve to dispense the beverage;
• determining, by the flow sensor, that a volumetric flow of dispensed beverage has reached a first volume threshold;
• releasing the cradle from the second position and allowing the cradle to return to the first position;
• determining, by the flow sensor, that the volumetric flow of dispensed beverage has reached a second volume threshold;
• actuating the fluid valve to stop dispensing the beverage;
• and
• determining beverage data associated with the dispensing of the beverage and storing the beverage data;
• wherein the beverage data comprises one or more of an identifier associated with the beverage, a date and/or time of day that the beverage is dispensed, a first elapsed time to reach the first volume threshold, a second elapsed time to reach the second volume threshold, a total volume dispensed, a remaining volume in a beverage storage container, a temperature of the beverage, a number of times the beverage is dispensed, and an indication when a beverage storage container in fluid communication with the beverage dispensing system is replaced.