The Beer Essentials

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1.    How long will a keg of beer last?
Real draft beer is not pasteurized. It must be kept refrigerated between 35°F. and 40°F. Above 44°F. a beer will become wild, turn sour & cloudy in a day or two. Below 44°F. a keg of draft beer should last 20-30 days before it loses its fresh brewery taste and aroma. Craft beers (micro brews) tend to have a shorter shelf life and you should contact the brewery for their recommendations.

2.    What is the physical size of a keg?

3.    How many glasses of beer are in a beer keg?

4.    How much beer is in a beer keg?

Storage Temperature- At higher temperatures, especially approaching 100° Fahrenheit, the aroma and flavor of beer deteriorate rapidly. At lower temperatures, below 32° Fahrenheit, there is always the danger of freezing. If beer is frozen or exposed to multiple freezings, ingredients break down and separate, rendering it unfit for sale.

Draft system cleaning and maintenance- Cleanliness and proper settings on all draft equipment is essential in assuring your beer taste the way the brewer intended.

Pouring and Serving Draught Beer- A properly handled and served beer creates customer loyalty and results in future sales.

• When pouring beer from a tap, open the faucet all the way with a quick, smooth motion by grasping the tap handle at its base. Pulling the tap handle at the top opens the faucet too slowly, and beer will draw foamy. At the beginning of the pour, tilt the glass slightly and don't let the glass touch the beer faucet. Then straighten the glass as you poor, and top it with a collar of ½ inch to 1 inch of foam.

Pressure and Gas Source- The right balance of gas pressure assures the proper flow so that the beer dispenses correctly.

• Do not use an air system - when air mixes with the beer it will oxidize and create off flavors.
• Most systems should use straight CO2.
• For long draw systems a 70/30 Nitrogen/CO2 blend should be used.
• To set the proper system pressure balance use the following formula: Pressure = length of beer line(feet) x line resistance + lift(feet) x 0.5