Draft Beer Hangovers: Worse Or Just Different?

Drinking draft beer is often believed to cause worse hangovers than drinking bottled beer. Some people attribute this to the larger serving size of draft beer, making it easier to drink more and thus experience worse hangover symptoms. Others speculate that bacteria in draft beer tap lines may be the culprit, with claims that dirty tap lines can contribute to bacterial infections and subsequent hangover symptoms. However, there is conflicting evidence regarding the role of bacteria, with some sources refuting the idea that bacteria in draft beer has a significant impact on hangovers. Ultimately, individual experiences vary, and factors such as dehydration and the quality of alcohol consumed also play a role in the severity of hangovers.

Drinking draft beer may expose you to bacteria in tap lines

However, it is important to note that KPRC 2's investigation could not find any proof that unintended bacteria in draft beer cause hangovers. The spokesman for the nationwide Brewers Association also expressed skepticism, stating that hangovers are a result of alcohol poisoning and that the by-products of bacterial reactions do not contribute to hangover symptoms.

While there may be anecdotal evidence and speculation, the exact cause of hangovers from draft beer remains uncertain. Some people believe that the size of the serving or the speed at which they drink draft beer could be factors in experiencing worse hangovers. Additionally, individual differences in dehydration, sensitivity to tyramine, or reactions to specific types of alcohol may also play a role in the severity of hangovers.

Draft beer is served in larger volumes, leading to overconsumption

There is a common belief that draft beer causes worse hangovers than bottled beer. However, this is not necessarily true. While some people may experience worse hangovers after drinking draft beer, it is not due to the beer itself but rather other factors that come into play when consuming draft beer. One of the main reasons why draft beer is associated with worse hangovers is that it is typically served in larger volumes, leading to overconsumption.

When ordering a draft beer, it is common to receive a pint or even larger sizes, whereas bottled beers are usually around 12 ounces. As a result, it is easy to lose track of how much alcohol you have consumed, leading to drinking more than intended. This is often referred to as "beer math", where people count one draft beer as one bottle when, in reality, they are consuming larger amounts. This is especially true when drinking from a pint glass, as it is more difficult to gauge the amount of beer compared to a bottle or can.

The larger serving sizes of draft beer can lead to a faster consumption rate, as it takes longer to finish a bottle or can. This faster consumption rate can contribute to overconsumption, as people may not realize how much they have drunk until it is too late. Additionally, draft beer is often served at bars or social gatherings where people tend to drink more than they normally would. The social setting and easy availability of draft beer can encourage overconsumption, leading to worse hangovers.

It is important to note that the alcohol content and type of beer also play a role in hangover severity. Different beers have varying alcohol percentages, and higher-alcohol beers will generally result in worse hangovers. However, this is not unique to draft beer and applies to any type of alcoholic beverage. Therefore, while draft beer may be served in larger volumes, it is not the cause of worse hangovers; rather, it is the result of drinking more than one intends due to the larger serving sizes and the social setting in which it is typically consumed.

Dirty tap lines and equipment can cause bacterial infections

While drinking draft beer does not cause worse hangovers, it can be the cause of bacterial infections. The tap lines and equipment used to pour draft beer can become dirty and contaminated with bacteria, which can then end up in the beer that is served to customers.

The entire draft system, from the keg to the spigot, can be affected by bacteria and mould. The cellar floor that the keg sits on and the beer lines that run along it are particularly susceptible to contamination. Connection points in the lines can allow bacteria and mould from the cellar floor to enter the system. The couplers, or the pieces that join the air and beer lines to the keg, are also areas where residue can quickly build up.

Bacteria can enter beer tap lines in several ways. If the lines are not cleaned regularly, bacteria can build up inside them. Cracks or holes in the lines can expose the tubing to oxygen, causing the residual ingredients to oxidize and mould to form, which then encourages the growth of bacteria. Even small scrapes in the lines that don't puncture them can create places for bacteria to collect and grow, making it difficult to clean them effectively.

The most common types of bacteria found in beer tap lines are Pediococcus and Lactobacillus. Other types, such as acetic acid bacteria, Obesumbacterium, Pectinatus, and Zymomus species, have also been detected. While most bacteria are harmless to humans, certain types can cause unpleasant side effects, such as diarrhea. In addition, bacteria in beer can produce off-flavours, such as buttered popcorn, vinegar, baby vomit, and sour milk.

To prevent bacterial contamination of beer tap lines, it is important to regularly inspect and clean the lines. Lines should be checked for any cracks, punctures, or scrapes, and replaced if necessary. Routine cleaning with an alkaline detergent cleaner, circulated through the lines at high speed and for a minimum of 15 minutes, is recommended. Implementing clean-in-place (CIP) protocols can also help ensure that proper chemicals and cleaners are used to sanitize the equipment. Regular testing of the beer for bacterial levels is also advised, as it can help identify any issues early on.

Draft beer is linked to dehydration, a common cause of hangovers

There are several reasons why draft beer is linked to dehydration, a common cause of hangovers. Firstly, the size of the servings may be larger than bottled beer, with draft beer typically served in pints or larger quantities. As a result, consuming the same number of "drinks" in the form of draft beer may result in a higher total volume of alcohol consumed compared to bottled beer. This can contribute to dehydration, as individuals may not adequately compensate by drinking a proportional amount of water.

Secondly, the social setting in which draft beer is consumed may also play a role. When drinking draft beer, individuals often go to bars or social gatherings where they may be more likely to drink excessively or forget to stay hydrated. In contrast, when consuming bottled or canned beer at home, individuals may be more mindful of their consumption and remember to drink water in between alcoholic beverages.

Additionally, the carbonation level of draft beer can contribute to dehydration. Carbonation is created by injecting carbon dioxide into the beer, which forms carbonic acid when it comes into contact with water. This acid can have a diuretic effect, causing increased urination and subsequent dehydration. While bottled and canned beers are also carbonated, the level of carbonation in draft beer may be higher, potentially enhancing this effect.

Furthermore, the alcohol content of draft beer can vary, and some establishments may serve stronger beers on tap. Higher alcohol content can lead to increased dehydration, as alcohol is a diuretic and promotes fluid loss from the body. This can further exacerbate the dehydration associated with alcohol consumption.

Finally, the presence of bacteria in draft beer lines, as mentioned by John Torrentino, owner of Houston Draft Solutions, could also be a contributing factor. While there is no direct link between bacteria and hangovers, the body's response to fighting off a potential bacterial infection may divert resources away from maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte balance, making individuals more susceptible to dehydration and, consequently, hangovers.

Individual differences in yeast tolerance may contribute to hangovers

There are a variety of reasons why drinking draft beer may result in a worse hangover. Firstly, it is suggested that draft beer is served in larger volumes, such as pints, compared to bottled or canned beer, which typically come in smaller sizes. As a result, consuming the same number of draft beers as bottled or canned beers means a higher overall alcohol intake, which can lead to a more severe hangover.

Another factor is the potential presence of bacteria in draft beer tap lines. John Torrentino, owner of Houston Draft Solutions, a company that cleans draft beer lines, claims that the bacteria in these lines can contribute to a bad hangover, describing it as a "bacterial infection" that the body has to fight off. However, KPRC 2's investigation could not find any proof to support this claim, and the spokesman for the nationwide Brewers Association believes there is no correlation between dirty lines and worse hangovers.

Individual differences in yeast tolerance may also play a role in hangovers. Some people suggest that drinking draft beer, which may contain live yeast, can lead to a worse hangover due to a potential allergy or sensitivity to yeast. Additionally, the type of yeast and fermentation conditions can influence the presence of other alcohols in the beer beyond ethanol, which may impact the severity of a hangover.

Furthermore, the hygiene and maintenance of draft beer equipment can be insufficient, leading to the growth of bacteria that can negatively affect the beer's quality and potentially contribute to hangovers. Proper cleaning of draft beer lines is essential to mitigate this issue.

Lastly, personal experiences and anecdotes shared by drinkers suggest that they tend to experience worse hangovers after consuming draft beer compared to bottled or canned beer. However, it is important to note that hangovers can also be influenced by factors such as dehydration and the overall quality of the alcohol consumed.

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