Bottled Draft Beer: Is It Available?

The term draft beer refers to beer served from a cask or keg rather than from a bottle or can. It is also known as draught beer, with the former being the more common spelling in North America. Draft beer has a reputation for tasting better than bottled beer, with some people preferring it due to its freshness, mouthfeel, pressure control, and foamy head. However, canned beer can be better than draft under certain circumstances. For instance, cans provide a proper seal, preventing oxygen and light from getting in, which are the enemies of beer. So, while draft beer is typically considered superior to bottled beer, canned beer may be a better option for preserving freshness and quality.

Differences between bottled, canned, and draft beer

Bottled beer

Beer bottles are typically made of green or brown glass, with the latter being better at protecting the beer from ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun. Ultraviolet light compromises the hops in beer, significantly impacting its smell and flavour. Beer bottles are also susceptible to oxygen leaks, which can affect freshness. Bottled beer is also slower to cool down than canned beer.

Canned beer

Cans are increasingly being used for craft beer, with over 500 craft breweries now canning beer. Cans are popular because they block out UV rays, preventing the beer from being compromised by sunlight. They also cool down more rapidly than bottles, and they can be flushed with carbon dioxide to seal in freshness. However, some people associate cans with mass-market beers and claim that they impart a metallic flavour to the beer.

Draft beer

Draft beer is served straight from a tap and is considered by some to be superior to bottled beer. This is because kegs are stored in a way that protects the beer from light and maintains a consistent temperature. Draft beer is also likely to be fresher because it is served from kegs that are replaced frequently. The pressure and temperature of draft beer can be customised, resulting in a different carbonation level and mouthfeel. However, draft beer is more susceptible to bacteria that can affect the flavour, and the quality depends on the cleanliness of the tap lines.

The best way to drink beer depends on various factors, including the type of beer, the bar or brewery, and personal preference. Bottled beer is susceptible to sunlight and oxygen leaks, while canned beer is often associated with mass-market beers. Draft beer can be fresher and have a better mouthfeel, but it may be more prone to bacteria. Ultimately, each person should decide which type of beer they prefer, as there are benefits and drawbacks to each option.

The history of draft beer

In the early days, beer was transported and served directly from the barrels. The earliest record of draft beer in America dates back to the 1600s when English settlers began brewing beer in the colonies. Over time, the popularity of draft beer grew, and it became one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the country.

During the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933), the production and sale of alcohol, including draft beer, were outlawed. This led to a decline in the availability and consumption of draft beer. However, after Prohibition ended, the production and sale of draft beer resumed, although it faced competition from the rising popularity of canned and bottled beer in the 1950s and 1960s.

The 1980s witnessed a revival of draft beer with the emergence of the craft beer movement, which brought renewed interest in this beverage. Today, draft beer remains a popular choice in the United States, known for its fresh taste, fuller flavour, and smoother texture compared to canned or bottled beer.

The development of draft beer has played a significant role in the history of beer in the United States, with innovations such as the beer engine, pasteurisation, refrigeration, and mass-marketed kegs shaping the industry.

The science behind draft beer systems

Components of a Draft Beer System:

• Kegs: The keg is the container that holds the beer and is usually stored in a refrigeration unit or a walk-in cooler.
• Keg Coupler: This device attaches to the keg and allows the beer to flow out by connecting to the keg valve.
• CO2/N2 Tanks: Carbon dioxide, or a blend of carbon dioxide and nitrogen, is used to pressurize the keg and push the beer through the system.
• Beer Lines: These are the tubes that transport beer from the keg to the tap. They can be made of vinyl or other suitable materials.
• Draft Towers: Located on top of the bar, this is where the beer is dispensed from.
• Faucet: Also known as a draft faucet or tap, this is the valve where beer is served to the customer.
• Regulators: These control the pressure applied to the kegs, ensuring proper carbonation and flow rate.

Types of Draft Beer Systems:

There are three main types of draft beer systems categorized by their setup and cooling method:

• Direct Draw Systems: Found in kegerators, these are suitable for short distances between the keg and faucet, often using the same fridge for storage and dispensing.
• Glycol Systems (Glycol-Cooled Remote Beer Systems): Used for long-draw installations where beer needs to be transported over longer distances. These systems use a glycol coolant solution to maintain optimal beer temperature.
• Air-Cooled Beer Systems: These systems use circulating cold air to keep the beer cool and are typically used for shorter distances between the keg and tap, usually up to 25 feet.

Scientific Principles:

• Temperature Control: The ideal temperature for most beer types is between 38-42 degrees Fahrenheit. Glycol systems use a propylene glycol mixture to maintain a steady temperature, while air-cooled systems use forced air.
• Pressure Regulation: CO2 or a blend of CO2 and nitrogen is used to regulate pressure, maintaining proper carbonation and preventing foaming.
• Sanitation and Cleaning: Proper sanitation and regular cleaning of the system components are crucial to avoid the buildup of bacteria, off-flavors, and other impurities that can affect the taste and quality of the beer.

Benefits of Draft Beer Systems:

Draft beer systems offer several advantages over traditional packaging methods:

• Freshness and Quality: Draft beer is known for its freshness and quality, as it is dispensed directly from the keg, maintaining ideal carbonation levels and protecting the beer from light exposure.
• Customizability: Draft systems can be tailored to the unique needs of a venue, including serving capacity, variety of beers, and aesthetic appeal.
• Profitability: Draft beer systems can increase customer satisfaction and generate higher profits for establishments due to the popularity of fresh, cold beer.

In conclusion, the science behind draft beer systems involves a combination of temperature control, pressure regulation, and sanitation to deliver a consistently delicious and well-balanced pint of beer. Proper installation, maintenance, and attention to detail are key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable beer-drinking experience for customers.

Pros and cons of bottled beer

Pros

• Taste: Some people believe that bottled beer tastes better than draft beer because it is less likely to be contaminated.
• Convenience: Bottled beer is easy to transport and store, and it doesn't require special equipment to serve.
• Shelf life: Bottled beer has a longer shelf life than draft beer, so it can be stored for longer periods.
• Aesthetics: Bottles are considered to have more aesthetic appeal than cans.
• Drinkability: Many find it easier to drink from bottles due to their necks.
• Environmental impact: Bottles are more environmentally friendly than cans, being cheaper to recycle and reusable.
• Taste tests: Studies, including blind taste tests, have shown that many people favor the taste of bottled beer over canned beer.

Cons

• Cost: Bottled beers are often more expensive than their draft counterparts.
• Environmental impact: Bottled beers create more waste than draft beer due to requiring extra packaging.
• Freshness: Bottled beer may lack freshness as light and oxygen can pass through the bottle and affect the beer.
• Breakability: Bottles are breakable, which can be hazardous.
• Weight and space: Bottles take up more space and weight than cans.
• Seal: The seal on a bottle is not airtight, which may lead to skunking of the beer.

Pros and cons of canned beer

While the packaging of beer may seem like a small matter, there are some essential differences in what bottles and cans can do for beer, meaning that certain beers do better in one vessel or another.

Pros of Canned Beer

• Cans block out all UV rays, preventing the beer's flavours from being compromised and the beer from becoming skunked.
• They cool down more rapidly than bottles, reducing shelf-to-serving time.
• They are more lightweight and stackable, making them easier to store, transport, and fit into a cooler.
• They are allowed in many public places that don't allow glass bottles, like beaches, parks, and camping sites.
• They require less packaging material and energy and resources for labelling.
• They are completely airtight, preventing oxygen from getting in.
• They are more practical, especially for outdoor recreation, as they don't shatter, never require an opener, and are easier to store and transport.
• They are better for the environment, as they weigh less and require less packaging, reducing breweries' overall carbon footprint and expenses.
• They are unbreakable.
• They are cheaper.

Cons of Canned Beer

• They are not as environmentally friendly as bottles and some can be harmful to the environment.
• They may contain the chemical BPA, which has been shown to be carcinogenic.
• They are more expensive to recycle.
• They are associated with a "'bad quality beer' stigma".
• They don't feel as sophisticated as bottles.
• They don't stay cold as long as bottled beer.

Frequently asked questions