6 Items to Consider For Your Beer Tap System

Beer tap systems are more popular in bars and restaurants now than they have been across the country. There are a few key components  you need to be aware of. When installing or upgrading your draft beer system.

In this post, we will discuss the right type of gas to use, the serving temperature of draft beer, keeping draft beer lines cold, the three types of beer systems and how to protect your investment.

By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of what it takes to serve a perfect pint. Also, maintaining the longevity of your beer tap system.

Choosing The Right Type of Gas-Mixed Gas vs Co2

When it comes to gas for your draft beer system, there are two main options: mixed gas or Co2. So which is the right type of gas for you? Well, it depends on a few factors, including the type of beer you are serving, and the type of beer system you will be using.  Mixed gas is a blend of Co2 and nitrogen, while Co2 is just carbon dioxide. Remember there are different blends for different beers, and blends to push beer longer distances. 70/30, 75/25 and Guinness gas 25/75 Co2 to Nitro.

Check this post out about more information regarding blended gas for dispensing beer.

So why use mixed gas? Well, it’s ideal for most types of beer. Nitrogen also helps keep beer in solution. While increased pressure needed for longer beer runs without over carbonating the beer. A blended gas of 70 percent C02 30 percent Nitrogen set at 22 PSI. Is probably the go-to blended gas you can use on remote systems or direct draw systems. Mixed gas also helps a beer system if you are walking in and out of a cooler all the time. The Temp fluctuations will hamper a Co2 Driven system.

Regarding Co2, this is an ideal gas to use on short direct draw systems. Kegerators and wall mount beer systems hanging off a beer walk-in.

Serving Temperature of a Beer Tap System

The recommended serving temperature for draft beer varies depending on the type of beer. Lagers and light beers served cold, between 36 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Ales and stouts served a bit warmer, between 40 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to keep in mind that the temperature of the beer will rise as it travels from the keg to the tap. So you will want to adjust the temperature accordingly.

One way to keep your draft beer at the perfect serving temperature is to use a glycol chiller if you are on a remote beer system. Glycol is a type of food-grade antifreeze that can be used to keep your beer lines and taps cold. This is a great option if you want to serve a variety of different types of beer.

Keeping Draft Beer Lines Cold

One of the most important factors in ensuring that your draft beer tastes great is keeping the lines cold. Draft beer lines should be kept at 38 degrees Fahrenheit at all times. If they are not, the beer will start to act funny. If it's too warm we will get a lot of foam pouring from the beer faucet. If it's too cold there won't be much flavor in the beer.

One way to keep your lines cold is to use a glycol chiller, as we discussed earlier. Another option is to use an air-cooled draft beer system. This type of system uses fans to circulate cold air around the beer lines, keeping them at a consistent temperature.

3 Types of Beer Tap Systems

There are three main types of beer systems: direct draw, remote system, and air-cooled.

Direct Draw-A direct draw system is the most common type of beer system. It is a simple system that uses a CO2 tank to push the beer from the keg to the tap. This is the ideal system for home kegerators and small bars with wall mount towers.

Remote System-A remote system is a more sophisticated system that uses blended gas to push the beer from the keg cooler. Which then sends the beer to the beer taps. This type of system is ideal for larger bars and restaurants needing to pour beer at locations other than the beer cooler.

Air-Cooled System-An air-cooled system is similar to a remote system, but it uses fans to circulate cold air around the beer lines. This keeps them at a consistent temperature. This type of system is ideal for bars and restaurants that want to serve a variety of different types of beer. Close to a cooler.

Additional Draft Quality Factors

There are a few additional factors that you should keep in mind when serving draft beer. Draft beer should always be poured into a glass and bartenders should know how to pour a beer properly.

Draft beer should also be served with a head on it. The head is what gives the beer its flavor and aroma, so you want to make sure that you are pouring enough of it into each glass 3/4" -1" is ideal.

Cleanliness is also an important factor to consider using a draft beer system. Draft beer lines should be cleaned. This will help to prevent high pour costs and ensure that your beer tastes great every time you pour it. Beer cleaning should be done every 2 weeks according to the Brewers Association.

Use stainless steel dispensing equipment. This includes your beer faucets, shanks, and couplers. The investment will be worth it and your beer system will last a long time.

Protect Your Investment and Maximize Your Profits

Beer is a food product and susceptible to contamination from a bunch of organisms. Nonetheless, anything that touches beer needs to be cleaned regularly.

Line cleaning every 2 weeks. Use the recirculation method with pumps. Which is 80X more effective than static cleans. Beer equipment scrubbed clean after soaking in a 2-3 percent caustic solution.

Acid clean your beer system once a quarter. Disassemble all other beer equipment and clean as well. If you want to have a system that pours great you need to take care of it regularly.