Beer taps are typically referred to as keg taps or draught taps. These are devices which allow for the dispensing of beer from kegs or barrels. Keg taps usually come in different styles such as horizontal (or “straight draw”), vertical (or “gravity fed”), and wall-mounted.
Horizontal keg taps are considered to be the most popular style of tap, as they are the easiest to use and typically require few modifications to be fit to most kegs. Vertical taps, on the other hand, require a greater investment in parts and require the assistance of a draft technician in order to properly install.
Wall-mounted taps are popular in restaurants and bars, and allow for the kegs to be stored out of sight.
What are the parts of a keg called?
The parts of a keg, also known as a Barrel, include the following:
(1) Head – This is the lid of the keg, usually banded or bolted on with 2 or 3 hoops, and can be either a ‘slap lid’ that is designed to be easily removable or a ‘doming’ type lid that requires additional mechanical opening.
(2) Body – This is the main part of the keg, which is usually made from stainless steel and can range from 10 gallons to 15.5 gallons in size. The inside of the body is specially treated to resist corrosion and oxidation.
(3) Top Chime – This is the top of the body of the keg which is designed to have the lid sealed on it.
(4) Bottom Chime – This is the bottom of the keg, which holds the mounting hardware that connects the keg to a tap system.
(5) Universal Puncture Plate – This is located at the bottom of the keg and holds the keg connectors and valves.
(6) Valve – This is the part of the keg responsible for the flow of product. The valve is usually held in place by a universal puncher plate but can also be held by a special clip.
(7) Filling Valve – This is the valve which is used to fill the keg with product.
(8) Pressure Relief Valve – This is a safety feature which prevents over-pressurization and bursting of the keg.
(9) Connectors – These are used to connect the taps and couplers to the keg when in use.
(10) Washers – These are used to make sure your taps and couplers are properly sealed to the keg when in use.
Do kegs have different taps?
Yes, kegs have different taps. Keg taps are specially manufactured for different sizes and varieties of beer. Depending on the type of beer and the keg size, different keg taps are available for use.
For example, the most common type of tap is a Sankey tap, which is specifically designed for U. S. domestic kegs. This tap is the most common type of tap and the most widely used for the majority of beer kegs.
There are also other types of taps available for certain specialty keg sizes or craft beer brands. For example, the European Sankey keg is a different type of tap designed for the particular sizes of European beer kegs.
Ball-lock taps and long-reach taps are also available for use in specialty applications. In addition, there are also barbed and threaded style taps available depending on the type of keg used.
What is the most common keg coupler?
The most common keg coupler used in bars and restaurants is the American Sanke “D” coupler. This type of coupler is designed with a single lever that not only opens the flow of beer, but also releases the pressure off of the keg.
The American Sanke “D” coupler can be identified by its “D” shaped design. It is the most commonly used coupler because it is used to dispense most commercial American beers such as Budweiser, Miller, and Coors.
Other types of couplers are European Sanke, U System, and G System couplers. European Sanke couplers are used for more specialty beers from Europe, such as Heineken, Grolsch and Becks. The U System and G System couplers are used for beers from the United Kingdom and Germany, such as Bass and Guinness.
Are keg tap handles universal?
No, keg tap handles are not universal, and vary depending on the type of keg being used and the chosen dispensing system. Keg tap handles can be made of plastic, wood, or metal and come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors.
They may also vary in style, with some using traditional lever arms, while others featuring flat platforms and a variety tap dispense heads. The type of tap handle used also depends on the type of keg being used, as different keg types require different tap options.
These include straight-pulls, coupler taps, and dispense taps that fit into the spout of a keg. Keg couplers, too, come with different features, such as forward-seal, reverse-seal, and Sankey taps. Finally, understanding if a keg is beer, cider, or soda, as these will require different types of taps and dispense systems, such as Nitro Draught, Homebrew, and Party Tap.
Ultimately, as there is no universal keg tap handle and various keg types and dispense systems, it is important to consider both before purchasing a tap handle.
Are beer taps interchangeable?
Yes, beer taps are interchangeable. The most common type of beer taps are those that screw onto a keg. These taps come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and designs. With the right adapter, a different beer tap can be screwed onto the same keg.
Some beer dispensing systems may require different types of taps, and manufacturers typically stock adapters that fit most taps. If you’re unsure which adapter you need, contact the manufacturer. Keep in mind that not all taps are reversible, so check the instructions before trying to use a different one.
There are also different types of beer taps, such as the gun tap, cask tap, and beer engine tap, which require specific adapters for use.
Are all beer tap handles the same size?
No, not all beer tap handles are the same size. The first being the volume of the beer in the keg. Smaller kegs require smaller tap handle sizes and taller kegs require larger tap handles. The size of the tap system or faucet is also a factor, as a small tap system will require a smaller handle than a larger one.
Additionally, some breweries may choose to have different shapes and sizes of handles to better represent their brand or logo. Therefore, the size of beer tap handles can vary greatly depending on the brewery, keg size, and type of tap system being used.
How do you put a tap on a keg?
Putting a tap on a keg requires a few specific tools and supplies. First, you will need a tap and a coupler, a device that connects what is called a “party pump” (the hoses and spout) to the keg. The type of keg you choose will determine what type of coupler you need, as they vary in size and shape.
For example, American keg couplers have a spear on the end, while European couplers have bayonet style spears that look like a mountain shaped object. You’ll also need a hose with a beer line regulator and other fitting and connectors to attach the tap your coupler.
Once you have all the supplies necessary to put a tap on a keg, you can start by loosening the coupler collar with a wrench and then inserting the coupler into the valve opening on the keg. Push the coupler in firmly, making sure that the spear is mounted snugly in its seat.
Once attached, you can attach the beer line regulator to the coupler, the regulator to the beer line hose, and then the hose to the tap. To start the flow of beer, attach the party pump to the tap and press firmly.
When it’s time to remove the tap from the keg, simply loosen the coupler collar and disconnect the coupler from the keg.
How do you tap a keg without a tap?
Tapping a keg without a tap can be done in a few ways. The most common is to use an air compressor to force the beer out of the keg. You’ll need an air compressor with a hose, a pressure regulator, a few feet of clear tubing, and a keg coupler.
First, attach the coupler to the keg. Next, connect the pressure regulator to the air compressor’s hose. Place one end of the tubing onto the coupler, and the other end into a holding container. Turn the pressure regulator to the pressure that corresponds to the beer you are serving (usually around 10-15 PSI) and start the air compressor.
When the beer stops flowing, turn off the compressor, tamp the coupler and move the container out of the way. You can also use a CO2 tank for the same method as an air compressor, just switch out the compressor for the CO2 tank, and set the pressure regulator to the appropriate PSI.
Depending on the size of keg, you may need a CO2 tank with a higher capacity. Finally, another option is to use gravity to pour a keg without a tap. You must remove the entire lid of the keg, use a siphon or pump to remove the beer, and fill cups or other containers with the beer.
This is complicated and a time consuming process, but it is possible.
How soon before a party should you tap a keg?
It is important to allow enough time for the keg to be properly cooled before tapping it for a party. Generally, a keg should be refrigerated for at least 24 hours before it is tapped into the beer tap.
This will ensure that the beer is cold enough to enjoy. It is also important to allow enough time before the party to ensure that the keg is properly set up and tapped. If you are using a keg tap, it is typically recommended to attach it to the keg about an hour before your guests arrive, as this will allow the gas pressure to settle and regulate.
In addition, you should make sure you have the necessary supplies (such as the beer tap, beer lines, and CO2 tanks) on hand before the party. By doing so, you can ensure that your party will go off without a hitch and that everyone will have a great time!.
How long does a tapped keg last?
The amount of time that a tapped keg of beer will last depends on a number of factors, including the type of beer, the size of the keg, the temperature of the keg, and how well it is handled. Generally, most tapped kegs will last anywhere between 8-12 weeks.
At colder temperatures, the beer in the keg will stay fresh longer, while warmer temperatures will cause the beer to spoil more quickly. Additionally, if kegs have been roughed, mishandled, or not kept upright, that can also affect the amount of time that a tapped keg will last.
The tap itself can also impact the longevity; if not properly taken care of, bad tasting beer can result from the oxidation that builds up within the lines of the tap. Taking further care to make sure that the lines of the tap are regularly purged will help to keep your beer fresher, longer.
How long does a keg last without being tapped?
A keg of beer can last indefinitely if it is stored at the proper temperature, between 36-38F, and is not tapped. The beer inside the keg is basically in suspended animation and can remain in the same condition for an extended period of time.
The average lifespan of an untapped keg is 6 to 8 weeks before the deterioration of the beer quality occurs. Factors that will affect the lifespan of an untapped keg are exposure to light and extreme temperatures.
The beer in a keg can start to oxidize after 8 weeks, or even sooner if the keg is exposed to high temperatures or too much light. In order to keep your beer fresh, it is important to store the keg in a cool and dark place.
Once the keg is tapped, it will only last up to 14 days if stored correctly.
Why is my keg so foamy?
There could be a number of reasons as to why your keg is so foamy. The most common culprits are:
1. The Keg is Over-Carbonated: If your beer has been over-carbonated, it can cause excessive foaming. This happens when too much carbon dioxide has been absorbed into the beer, which makes it much more volatile.
To fix this, adjust the keg’s regulator to lower the psi and relief some of the carbonation levels.
2. Keg Not Properly Purged: You need to make sure that you purge your keg of oxygen prior to filling it. If there is still oxygen in the keg when you fill it, it can cause foaming. To ensure that your keg is properly purged, you need to supplement your keg with CO2 and keep the lid open for a few minutes.
3. Dirty Lines: Beer lines that aren’t properly cleaned and sanitized can create bacterial growth. This can create foam, and a sour taste and smell from the beer. To avoid this, clean your keg lines regularly with a cleaning solution.
4. Old Beer Line: If your beer line is too old, it can become brittle and cause the beer to foam during the pouring process. To avoid this, you should replace your beer lines every three months to ensure that they stay in good condition.
How many beers are in a keg?
The amount of beers in a keg varies depending on the size and the alcohol content. Kegs come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 5 liters to as large as 58.6 liters. A general rule of thumb to calculate the number of beers in a keg is to divide the total volume of the keg by the size of the individual cans or bottles.
For example, if the keg is 30 liters and the individual cans or bottles are 12oz (354mL), the number of beers in the keg would be 53. Additionally, the alcohol content of the beer should also be factored into the equation in order to get an accurate count.
A beer with 4.5% alcohol would yield more beers than a beer with 7% alcohol, as each unit of alcohol will take up more volume. Ultimately, the number of beers in a keg will depend on the size of the keg, the size of the cans or bottles, and the alcohol content of the beer.
