Jason Wagner
There are a variety of ways to buy draft beer. You can purchase it from a store, such as The Open Bottle, which offers fresh draft beer to-go in 32oz crowlers and 8oz mini-growlers. Alternatively, you can invest in a draft beer machine for your home, such as the PerfectDraft Machine or the Draftmark Tap System, which allow you to pour draft beer straight from your countertop or refrigerator. These machines offer features such as precise cooling, easy keg changes, and the ability to customize your draught experience. Additionally, you can explore commercial draft beer solutions from companies like KegWorks, which provide equipment for dispensing draft beer at outdoor events or in establishments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dispensing method | Keg, tap, or countertop keg machine |
| Temperature | 32ºF-45ºF or 32°F-53°F or 32°F-54°F |
| Serving size | 8oz, 32oz, or 202oz |
| Portability | Portable machines available |
| Cleaning | Some machines require cleaning, others don't |
| Maintenance | Some machines require zero maintenance |
| Availability | Available for delivery or pickup |
What You'll Learn
Home draft beer systems
There are a variety of home draft beer systems available on the market, ranging from small, portable mini-keg dispensers to full-size kegerators. When choosing a home draft beer system, it's important to consider the desired level of convenience, the available space, and the desired features and customizability.
Mini-Keg Dispensers
Mini-keg dispensers are a popular option for those seeking a compact, portable, and affordable home draft beer system. These dispensers typically hold between 64 and 128 ounces of beer and are designed to fit easily in a refrigerator or cooler. They feature a pressurized system that helps to maintain carbonation and freshness, ensuring that your beer stays tasty and crisp. Many mini-keg dispensers come with additional features such as cooler jackets, detachable faucets, and regulator systems, allowing for customizable pour and temperature control. Some popular options include the TMCraft 64oz Growler Tap System and the NutriChef Pressurized Growler Tap System.
Kegerators
Kegerators are a more permanent solution for dispensing draft beer at home. They are refrigerators designed specifically for storing and dispensing kegs of beer and offer a range of features for the ultimate beer-drinking experience. Kegerators come in various sizes, from slim, single-tap models to full-size, dual-tap dispensers, and can accommodate different types of kegs, including 1/6, 1/4, and 1/2 barrels. They offer precise temperature control, ensuring that your beer is always served at the perfect temperature. Additionally, kegerators often include features such as drip trays, CO2 cylinders, and shelves for additional storage. Some high-end models even offer digital temperature displays and remote glycol systems for the ultimate in temperature control and convenience. Notable kegerator brands include EdgeStar and VEVOR.
Draft Beer Accessories
In addition to the dispensing systems themselves, there are numerous accessories available to enhance your home draft beer experience. These include beer line cleaning equipment, keg couplers, drip trays, and towers. For those who enjoy outdoor gatherings, jockey boxes and keg pumps provide easy solutions for pouring fresh pints away from home. For the adventurous types, there are even conversion kits that allow you to pour wine, cocktails, or even coffee from your draft system.
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Commercial draft beer systems
Glycol-Cooled Systems
Glycol-cooled systems are the preferred solution for most dispensing systems. They are designed to deliver cold draft beer at a consistent temperature over long distances using a glycol power pack. The power pack maintains the temperature of the beer by circulating a glycol mixture alongside the beer lines to the faucet.
Direct Draw and Kegerator Systems
Direct draw and kegerator systems are a good option when space is limited or for a more cost-effective solution. These systems are self-contained, thermostatically controlled refrigeration units that store kegs at an optimum temperature of 38°F (3.3°C). The beer is consistently cooled at the same temperature as the cooler, making this approach economical and low maintenance.
Choosing a System
When building your system, consider where you will store your kegs and how far it is from the dispensing area. This will determine the type of dispensing system you need. For example, direct-draw systems are easy and quick to install but may not work well in high-volume bars as they offer a limited number of keg spaces.
Customisation
Custom draft beer towers can be designed to fit any theme or design, making the bar stand out. Additionally, companies like Easybar offer various options and can customise every beer system to fit the individual property.
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Draft beer temperature
The ideal temperature for draft beer is 38° Fahrenheit (3.3° Celsius). This is the optimal temperature for storing and serving most ales, and it applies whether the beer is domestic or imported, pasteurized or unpasteurized.
Temperature is critical to the performance of a draft beer system. When the beer gets warm, it foams, and the retailer loses profits because foam is approximately 25% beer. If the beer gets too cold, the carbonation stays in the beer, which can make it taste flat and lead to glass overfilling, resulting in lost profits.
When using a kegerator, or a home draft beer system, it is essential to keep the temperature uniform at all times. A thermometer should be kept in the kegerator to monitor the temperature and adjust the cooling when necessary. A keg should be refrigerated for at least a full day before serving to allow it to reach the optimal temperature.
To ensure the quality of the beer and maximize profits, it is crucial to maintain a consistent temperature and prevent temperature fluctuations. This can be achieved by using a dedicated cooler for kegs, installing a glycol system, and taking precautions during transportation and storage to minimize temperature changes.
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Draft beer portions
When buying draft beer, it's important to consider the portion sizes that are suitable for your needs. Draft beer is typically sold in larger quantities, such as kegs, which can range from a few litres to several gallons.
For example, the PerfectDraft Machine offers kegs that hold 202 ounces of beer, which is equivalent to about 18 bottles of beer or up to 18 servings. This can be a great option for gatherings or if you simply want to enjoy draft beer at home without having to worry about refilling for a while.
On the other hand, some retailers offer smaller portions, such as 32-ounce crowlers and 8-ounce mini-growlers. These options are perfect for those who want to try different varieties without committing to a larger quantity. They also allow you to mix and match, creating your own variety pack.
If you're looking for a happy medium, the Draftmark Tap System offers 1-gallon refills, providing 11 generous servings of beer. This system also allows you to choose your favourite beer brand and customize your drinking experience.
When it comes to draft beer portions, it's all about finding the right balance for your needs. Whether you're stocking up for a party or simply enjoying a beer at home, there are options available to suit your preferences.
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Draft beer freshness
The freshness of draft beer depends on a variety of factors, including the type of beer, how it is dispensed, and how it is stored.
Dispensing Methods
The way in which draft beer is dispensed can have a significant impact on its freshness. Using a manual pump, for example, can introduce oxygen into the keg, causing the beer to become stale and altering its flavour. This method generally gives you eight hours to finish the keg before the beer starts to taste stale, with a maximum of one day.
On the other hand, using a kegerator with CO2 to dispense the beer will help to keep it fresher for much longer. This is because the keg remains pressurised and avoids oxidation. With this method, your beer can remain fresh for months, depending on the type of beer and how it is stored.
Storage Temperature
The temperature at which you store your keg is also crucial to maintaining freshness. The recommended storage temperature for kegs is 38°F. If the temperature rises too high, the beer may become foamier as carbon dioxide is liberated too quickly, leading to stale beer. Additionally, warmer temperatures can promote bacterial growth, which will spoil the beer.
Conversely, storing the keg too cold will cause the beer to retain its carbonation, hindering the true flavour and aroma from coming through. Therefore, maintaining the ideal storage temperature is essential to preserving the freshness and quality of your draft beer.
Other Factors
In addition to dispensing methods and storage temperature, other factors can influence the freshness of draft beer. These include the beer style, whether the beer is pasteurised or not, and the cleanliness of the draft service equipment.
Kegged beer is typically fresher than bottled or canned beer because it is not pasteurised and is stored at cold temperatures throughout its life. However, kegged imported beer is often pasteurised to increase its shelf life, so this freshness advantage applies mainly to domestic draft beers and those from Canada and Mexico.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy draft beer from a variety of places, including specialist beer stores, bars, and online retailers. Some stores even offer delivery services.
Draft beer should be stored cold. Some retailers will store your beer cold until you pick it up. You can also purchase a home tap system to store and serve draft beer at home.
To serve draft beer, you will need a tap system, which can be purchased online or in-store. Basic tap systems include a keg, tap, and glassware. More complex systems may include additional parts such as keg couplers, drip trays, and beer line cleaning equipment.
Setting up a draft beer tap system at home is straightforward. First, unpack and assemble the tap system according to the manufacturer's instructions. Then, insert a keg of your chosen beer into the system and allow it to cool to your desired temperature. Finally, pull the tap to pour your first pint of beer.
