Yes, nitrogen is used for beer taps. Nitrogen is a naturally occurring element that is a major component of the air we breathe. It is insoluble in water and therefore does not impart flavor like carbon dioxide does when used in beer systems.
When it is added to beer it creates a smoother flavor and enhances the thickness of the head. Using nitrogen helps to maintain the beer’s flavor by reducing oxidation of the sugars in the beer, resulting in a fresher taste.
It also allows brewers to easily control the texture and body of the beer. Because nitrogen is less soluble in liquid than carbon dioxide, it can help to provide a creamier foam head as well as a bolder, more distinct flavor.
The use of nitrogen for beer taps also has the added benefit of being able to create a low-maintenance system that requires less cleaning and maintenance.
Why Does Guinness taste better on tap?
Guinness tastes better on tap for several reasons. Firstly, the nitrogen gas used to pour Guinness on tap helps to create a creamy and smooth texture that is not achievable in the cans or bottles. The nitrogen also helps to enhance the overall flavor of Guinness.
Secondly, pouring Guinness from a draft can help to capture more of the roasted flavors from the malts and hops used in the brewing process. The draft beer also tends to have a richer color and more head than the canned or bottled varieties which helps to create more aroma and taste.
Lastly, draft Guinness tends to be fresher than its canned or bottled counterparts as it is usually served within days of being brewed. This means you can enjoy a beer that incorporates the full flavor profiles designed by the brewers.
All in all, draft Guinness is the preferred option for many beer drinkers who want a fuller and more robust taste.
Does Guinness need a special tap?
Yes, Guinness does require a special tap in order to pour it correctly. The Guinness pour is a combination of modern-day techniques, such as nitrogenation and certain flow restrictions, that have been honed over the years to create a perfect pint.
It begins with a special gas blend of nitrogen and carbon dioxide to produce a creamy, rich texture. Flow from the tap must then be restricted using a restrictor plate or widget contained within the can to create a taste and texture balanced between creamy and crisp.
Finally the mix of gas and fluid have to be in perfect balance to effectively function. All modern Guinness taps have the restrictor plate or widget to help achieve this balance and create the perfect pint.
Does Guinness use pure nitrogen?
No, Guinness does not use pure nitrogen. While nitrogen is a significant ingredient in the mixture they use to produce their iconic Stout beer, the brand primarily uses a mix of nitrogen and carbon dioxide (CO2).
Using a mix of both gases gives Guinness its unique creamy texture and appearance, with nitrogen bubbles of about one-third the size of carbon dioxide bubbles. Pure nitrogen does not have the same foam-creating properties as a mix of the two, which is why Guinness does not use it in their beer.
When did Guinness switch to nitrogen?
Guinness started using nitrogen gas in the brewing process in the mid-1950s. As the brand was beginning to expand its reach further around the world, their focus was on creating a consistent product that could survive the rigours of transit and storage, and be of the same high quality no matter where it was purchased.
Nitrogen was chosen as it created a smooth, creamy and consistent product that showed no degradation over time, as well as allowing Guinness to create a unique and distinctive taste. To achieve this, Guinness introduced the “Widget” in the mid-1980s, which was a device filled with nitrogen gas that converted part of the beer’s carbon dioxide content when the can was opened, creating a creamy and velvety head.
The first use of the widget was a great success, and today, around 70% of all Guinness beer is brewed using this method.
Why is there a plastic ball in my can of Guinness?
A plastic ball is used in many Guinness cans to help create a creamy and velvety smooth taste with a rich and distinctive aroma. The plastic ball, which is commonly referred to as a widget, works together with the beer to create the smooth taste.
When the widget is released, nitrogen is slowly released and creates fine bubbles which blanket the tongue. This in turn creates a smooth creamy head of foam and a rich and distinctive aroma. The widget also helps to keep the beer fresh as it prevents the nitrogen from escaping and helps to maintain the beer’s bubbly and creamy texture.
Is Guinness Nitro in Ireland?
Yes, Guinness Nitro is available in Ireland. This new nitrogenated beer is actually brewed and packaged in the iconic Guinness brewery in Dublin. It has become increasingly popular in Ireland and beyond due to its creamy and smooth texture, thanks to a combination of nitrogen and carbon dioxide gases that are released during the brewing process.
Guinness Nitro is available in pubs around Ireland, as well as online and in most Irish supermarkets.
What country drinks the most Guinness?
The country that consumes the most Guinness is Ireland. Guinness was founded in Dublin in 1759 and continues to be very popular in the Emerald Isle. Nielsen data showed that 1.8 million hectoliters of Guinness were sold in Ireland in 2014.
The brand has become such an integral part of Irish culture that Guinness even ran a successful marketing campaign in the early 2000s that used the slogan “Guinness is Irishness”.
The British Isles as a whole account for one third of Guinness exports, with British exports making up half of that. In 2018, 3.2 million hectoliters of Guinness were sold in the U. K. and 2.4 million hectoliters were sold in Ireland.
On a global level, the U. S. is the second largest export market for Guinness and imports around 1.2 million hectoliters annually.
Enduring popularity in Ireland and in the British Isles as a whole means that Guinness continues to out-compete other international beer brands and has remained the largest stout producer in the world since the 1960s.
Guinness’s shares in the stout market have dropped recently as more craft beers and lagers have flooded the market, however Guinness is still currently the most popular and recognizable Irish beer in the world.
What kind of tap do you use for Guinness?
When pouring or serving Guinness, the ideal tap to use is a nitrogen or a nitrogen-blend tap. This type of tap produces a type of foam known as “the creamy head” that characterized the unique taste and appearance of Guinness.
Since nitrogen is not soluble in beer, nitrogen taps produce a steady stream of bubbles that results in a thicker, creamier head. A nitrogen-blend tap combines nitrogen with carbon dioxide and helps achieve a perfectly balanced pint every time.
Some pubs have a special nitrogen tap dedicated to and designed specifically for Guinness. The ideal pouring time for a Guinness is 119.5 seconds, and the correct temperature of the beer is between 4 to 5 °C (39-41 °F).
With a nitrogen or nitrogen-blend tap, pubs and bars can easily and accurately pour Guinness for a perfect pint.
What do I need to have Guinness on tap?
In order to have Guinness on tap, you will need to be properly equipped with the necessary hardware, as well as enough product to serve. To begin, you will need a refrigerated keg or container where you can store your Guinness beer.
This can either be an insulated keg or a Gundy – also known as a refrigerated keg jacket. Next, you will need a nitrogen or a CO2 gas system to carbonate the beer in the keg. Additionally, you will need a highly pressurized keg coupler, a CO2 regulator, and a silicone line to transport the beer from the keg to the faucet.
If you want to save some money, you can opt for a picnic type CO2 system, as they are cheaper and will work just as well. Lastly, you will need to make sure you have the right type of bonnet/tap faucet to dispense your Guinness.
Aside from the essential hardware, you will also need to understand the different types of Guinness products available, so you can make the right purchase for your venue. For example, you could choose any of the Guinness Draught cans and bottles, or even the special Nitro IPA or Guinness Blonde cans.
Alternatively, you could purchase kegs from a distributor or from Guinness themselves. It is important to note that while Guinness cans and bottles are cheaper than the keg, they require a more complex cooling and draft system to dispense.
Finally, once you have all the necessary hardware and product, you will need to properly install and maintain the system. Depending on the complexity of the system you have chosen, you may even need to enlist the help of a professional.
Nonetheless, with the proper equipment and enough practice, you should be well on your way to having Guinness on tap in no time.
Can I have Guinness on tap at home?
Yes, you can have Guinness on tap at home if you have a kegerator or home draft system. Having Guinness on tap at home is a great way to enjoy the classic Irish stout and save money by not having to buy cans or bottles.
Kegerators allow you to keep a full-size keg of Guinness chilled and pressurized in a specialized fridge, so you can pour yourself a glass or even fill up your own growler whenever you want. Home draft systems are another way to dispense Guinness with a smaller footprint than a full-sized kegerator.
Home draft systems require you to buy two- or three-liter mini kegs of Guinness separately, which you can use to fill up growlers or pint glasses at home. Both types of systems are relatively easy to set up, although you may need to hire a professional to install them if you’re not comfortable with the installation process.
How much does a Guinness tap cost?
The cost of a Guinness tap (or draft beer system) can vary significantly based on several factors. For home use, the most basic system can cost $50-$75 while more advanced systems start at around $200.
For commercial use, the cost ranges widely based on the size and type of system needed, but can be anywhere from $2,000-$20,000 and up. A commercial beer system can include several taps, glycol refrigeration system, keg-cooling systems, and a beer tower or tap system to dispense the beer.
Additionally, there may be other features such as energy efficient motors and insulation included in the cost. Professional installation is often necessary for commercial systems, so the cost of labor should also be factored in.
How long will a keg of Guinness last once tapped?
The shelf life of a keg of Guinness once tapped is typically between 3-4 weeks. This will vary depending on size, environment and the amount of usage. In order to keep the Guinness fresh and at its optimal quality, it is best to consume the contents of the keg within 4 weeks.
Additionally, it is best to store the keg in a cool and dry place that is also away from direct sunlight. If kept in these conditions, a keg of Guinness could last as long as 6 weeks. However, this is not always recommended, as the taste of the Guinness can begin to diminish after 4 weeks.
Can you get Guinness in a keg?
Yes, you can get Guinness in a keg. Guinness is available in a range of keg sizes to suit any occasion, from party kegs of 5L to a 50L keg, so whether you are having a casual get together or a huge celebration, there’s a keg to suit.
Kegs of Guinness are available in most countries, with availability varying by location. Guinness also has a range of ‘party’ kegs, including the five-litre mini keg, with a built-in tap and that provide up to five pints of perfect Guinness Draught.
Guinness also offers Guinness Foreign Extra Stout in Kegs which is a full-bodied and well hopped beer laced with a tinge of sweetness and an aroma of roasted barley.
Guinness kegs can be rented from major supermarkets, pubs, and breweries, with tap hire also available. Delivery is available on some kegs, making it easy to get your Guinness keg to any event.
How do you pour Guinness at home?
Pouring a perfect pint of Guinness at home can be a challenge, but with a few simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy a pint at home.
1. First, chill your can, bottle or draught keg so that it is ice cold. You want to get it as close to freezing as possible.
2. Next, pour your can, bottle or keg into a properly cleaned and sanitized glass. You will want to fill it about one-third full. Then wait about two minutes for the beer to settle.
3. Then top up the glass, pouring gently down the side. Fill your glass up to the top and let it sit for an additional three minutes so that it can settle completely.
4. Finally, take a thin spoon, such as a dessert spoon, and rest it gently across the top of the glass. Slowly and carefully, tilt the spoon while you pour a bit of Guinness into it. This will help keep the head of foam intact.
Now you can enjoy a perfectly poured pint of Guinness with the perfect head of foam. Cheers and enjoy!
How do you set up a beer keg at home?
If you want to set up a beer keg at home, you’ll need a few things:
1. A keg of course! You can usually find one at your local homebrew store, or online.
2. A CO2 tank and regulator. This is how you’ll keep your beer carbonated. You can also find this at your local homebrew store, or online.
3. A tap. This is how you’ll actually get the beer out of the keg. You can find taps at most homebrew stores, or online.
4. A keg cooler. This is optional, but it will keep your beer colder, longer. You can find these online or at some homebrew stores.
5. Some tubing. This is used to connect the tap to the keg. You can find this at most homebrew stores, or online.
To actually set up your keg, follow these steps:
1. Clean and sanitize your keg, CO2 tank, and all of your tubing. This is very important, as you don’t want to contaminate your beer.
2. Connect your CO2 tank to your regulator, and then connect your regulator to your keg. Make sure that all connections are tight, so that no air can get in.
3. Connect your tap to your keg using the tubing. Again, make sure all connections are tight.
4. Fill your keg cooler with ice, and then put your keg into the cooler.
5. Turn on your CO2 tank, and adjust the pressure until it is at about 12-14 psi. This is the ideal pressure for serving beer.
Now your keg is all set up and ready to go!
Does Guinness Make mini kegs?
No, Guinness does not make any mini kegs. However, many retailers that sell Guinness beer may offer mini kegs of the beer. A mini keg is generally a 5 liter (1.32 gallon) can of beer, which is equal to about 14 standard-sized cans or bottles.
Guinness does not offer this size of beer, as all of their kegs are generally much larger (20 or 30 liters) and meant for commercial use only. Additionally, Guinness is a draft beer that is typically poured from a tap, rather than sold in cans or bottles, so they do not traditionally make their beer available in any smaller keg sizes.
How do I tap a Guinness keg?
Tapping a Guinness keg can seem intimidating at first, but with a few simple steps, you’ll easily be able to enjoy delicious, chilled Guinness from the comfort of your own home.
First, make sure your Guinness keg is well-chilled. You can store the keg in your refrigerator or a kegerator. Once you’ve allowed a few hours for the keg to cool, you can begin tapping it.
You can purchase a keg tapping system online or at your local beer or home brewing supply shop. A keg tapping system will have a CO2 tank, regulator, beer line, and faucet.
Once you have your keg tapping system on-hand, follow these steps:
1. Attach the regulator to the CO2 tank. Connect the gas line to the keg coupler, making sure the valve is in the closed position.
2. Attach the beer line to the keg coupler, making sure to use a clamp that securely attaches it to the coupler.
3. Turn on the CO2 once the keg tap is attached. Use the regulator attach point to adjust the pressure according to the beer’s carbonation level – for a Guinness keg, the pressure should be about 11 to 13 psi.
4. Open the spigot and catch a glass of beer pouring from the faucet. Once the line is filled with beer, you’ll be ready to pour yourself a perfect Guinness.
That’s all it takes! With a few simple steps, you’ll be able to tap a Guinness keg and enjoy a delicious chilled beer whenever you please.
What’s the difference between Guinness Draught and original?
The difference between Guinness Draught and original Guinness is the way it is served. Guinness Draught is served from a keg with a nitrogen and carbon dioxide mix that produces a thick, creamy head.
It has a slightly sweeter, maltier taste compared to original Guinness. Guinness Original is a bottled version of Guinness. The bottles are made with a widget, a plastic ball filled with nitrogen that prevents head from forming when the beer is poured from the bottle.
This produces a light, crisp taste and a smaller, less creamy head compared to Guinness Draught.
