The Magic Of Beer Randall: Infusing Beers With Flavors

A Randall is a device that connects to the tapping system of a keg, allowing beer to flow through a vessel holding ingredients that infuse flavours and aromas. Invented by Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head in 2002, it was originally created to add fresh hop flavours to beer. However, it can be used to infuse a variety of ingredients, such as fruit, herbs, spices, and even bacon. The device is placed between the keg and the faucet, and as the beer passes through, it extracts flavour compounds from the added ingredients. The alcohol in the beer acts as a solvent, absorbing the flavours. The two-chambered design of the Randall allows for foamy beer to settle, resulting in the perfect pour.

The history of the beer Randall

The Randall is an inline flavour infuser for a draft beer system. It is a chamber located between a keg and a faucet that can be filled with various ingredients. As the beer passes through, the alcohol extracts flavour compounds from the added ingredients, infusing the beer with unique flavours and aromas. This process allows for endless flavour possibilities, enabling brewers to experiment with different ingredients and create innovative beer flavours.

The original Randall had two chambers and was designed to enhance the flavour of draft beer with hops, herbs, spices, or other desired additives. Over time, the Randall gained popularity, and its use expanded beyond the initial creation of pale ales. Breweries began experimenting with different ingredients, infusing beers with everything from strawberries to bacon.

Today, the Randall has become a staple in many breweries, allowing them to explore new flavours and create unique craft beer experiences for their customers. It has revolutionized the beer industry by providing a simple and low-risk way to experiment with different flavours without ruining an entire batch of beer.

How to build a beer Randall

A Randall is an inline flavour infuser for a draft beer system. It is a chamber located between a keg and a faucet that can be filled with ingredients. As the beer passes through, the alcohol infuses with the added ingredients, giving the beer a unique flavour.

To build a beer Randall, you will need the following parts:

• 1 x Pentek 1/4in. #10 Slim Line Clear Filter Housing
• 1 x Stainless Steel 316L Tubing, 1/2″ OD, 12” Length
• 2 x Stainless Steel 1/4″ Male Flare Threads for quick disconnects or 1/4″ Hose Barb Connectors
• 1 x PVC or silicone hose, 1/2″ ID, 3/4″ OD, 1” Length
• Two standard 3/16″ ID beer lines about 5′ each, one with a beverage out connection and the other with a faucet or faucet connection
• Measure and cut the stainless steel tube: Place the tube in the top and bottom ports of the filter housing and take a conservative measurement. Cut the tube to size, ensuring it is not too short or too long.
• Drill holes in the tube: Drill approximately 20 holes that are 1/8" in diameter in the lower half of the tube. Smooth out the tube to remove any sharp metal filings.
• Attach the fittings: Insert the PVC or silicone tubing into the centre well of the filter cap. Wrap the flares or hose barbs with Teflon tape and screw them into the cap threads. Connect the faucet line to the Randall's OUT port and the keg line to the IN port.
• Prepare the ingredients: Choose your desired ingredients for infusion, such as whole leaf hops, fruit, spices, or even candy.
• Assemble the Randall: Insert the stainless tube holes-down into the well at the bottom of the filter housing. Place your chosen ingredients around the tube in the filter housing. Carefully screw on the cap gasket, ensuring it aligns correctly with the tube.
• Prime the Randall: If using quick disconnects, send beer into the Randall through the OUT port to avoid leakage. If not using quick disconnects, use the red pressure release valve to regulate the flow.
• Infuse and enjoy: Wait a few minutes for the infusion to occur, then open the faucet and pour your freshly flavoured beer!

Note: The single-chamber Randall design may cause foaming. To reduce foaming, chill the Randall and ingredients, adjust the PSI to a gentle cascade, and fully open the faucet when pouring. For more effective foam reduction, consider adding a second "de-foaming" chamber, as seen in the Randall 3.0 design.

The science behind how a beer Randall works

A beer Randall is a device that infuses beer with flavours and aromas from various ingredients. It was invented by Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head in 2002 and was originally intended to infuse hops, though it can be used with any ingredient that will transfer flavour.

The Randall is a two-chambered filtration device. Beer enters the first chamber from the bottom, where it filters through the chosen flavour infuser. The design of the first chamber allows for maximum interaction between the beer and the flavour infuser. The beer then exits through the top into the second chamber, which allows any foam to settle. The beer then goes through a filter to remove any particles before being poured into a glass.

The infusion that the device is designed for is carried out by the alcohol content of the beer. The alcohol acts as a solvent that picks up the flavour. This means that low-strength beers won't absorb as much flavour.

The Randall is connected to the tapping system of a keg, allowing ready-to-drink beer to flow through a vessel holding ingredients. While the device was originally created to add fresh hop flavours, it has since been used to infuse everything from fruit to bacon. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients to use in a beer Randall

A Randall is an inline flavour infuser for a draft beer system. It was invented by Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head for a hop festival in 2002. The chamber sits between a keg and a faucet, and can be filled with any number of ingredients. As the beer passes through, the alcohol extracts flavour compounds from the added ingredients.

The Randall was initially developed to house hops, but it has since been used to infuse everything from strawberries to bacon. Here are some ingredients you can use in a beer Randall:

• Hops: Whole-leaf hops are generally used instead of pellets or plugs. Choose a hop variety or blend that will complement the beer being infused. The beer will primarily take on the oily aromas and flavours, rather than bitterness.
• Coffee: Pick a roast that is not overly burnt or bitter and don't grind the beans. Ground coffee can make the beer gritty and clog the Randall.
• Peppers: A versatile ingredient that can add heat, flavour, or both to your beer. Half or quarter the peppers and remove the seeds if you want more flavour and less heat.
• Herbs: Try to find fresh herbs such as basil or mint, which can add a crisp, refreshing characteristic to your beer.
• Fruit: Most fruits work great in a Randall! Firmer fruits like apples and pears should be sectioned to allow more contact with the beer, while softer fruits like berries can be left whole or sectioned for a more intense flavour.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to ingredients for a beer Randall. Just remember to avoid ingredients that could gum up or clog the system, such as cream cheese or small particles that could slip through the filter.

Alternatives to using a beer Randall

A Randall is a device that infuses flavours and aromas from various ingredients into a finished beer as it travels from the keg to your glass. It is an inline flavour infuser for a draft beer system. It is placed between a keg and a faucet, and can be filled with any number of ingredients.

Late Additions, Whirlpool, Dry Hopping or Fruiting

These methods involve adding ingredients directly to the beer during the brewing process, rather than using a Randall as a separate infusing chamber. While these methods will affect the entire batch of beer, they can be effective in infusing flavours and aromas.

Hop Festival

The Randall was originally invented for a hop festival, so attending or organising a similar event could be a fun alternative to using a Randall. At a hop festival, you can experiment with different types of hops and brewing techniques to create unique flavours.

Homebrewing

Homebrewing is a great way to experiment with different ingredients and create your own unique beer flavours. While it may not have the same precision as a Randall, homebrewing allows for creativity and customisation.

Using a Cask

Adding ingredients to a cask of beer is another alternative to using a Randall. This method allows for infusing flavours and aromas, although it may not be as fresh as using a Randall.

Infusing Beer with Spirits

Instead of using a Randall, you can try infusing beer with spirits such as whiskey, rum, or tequila. This method adds a unique flavour profile to the beer and can be a fun alternative to using a Randall.

Frequently asked questions