For ages, beer has been a popular beverage in many cultures around the world. It’s popular at parties, celebrations, and as a daily treat. With the advent of craft breweries, there’s never been a better opportunity to sample the broad spectrum of flavours that these beverages provide. But what distinguishes one pint from another? The answer is found in the simple but essential piece of equipment known as a beer tap. In this post, we’ll look at the art and science of pouring the ideal pint and the various varieties of beer taps available today.
Beer taps date back to mediaeval times, when wooden barrels were used to transport and serve ale. These barrels featured basic spouts made of wood or metal that allowed liquid to pour out. However, sophisticated beer taps did not arrive until the late 1800s.
At their essence, beer taps serve two functions. For starters, they make it possible to dispense beer without being contaminated by external sources such as airborne bacteria or debris. Second, they help regulate the rate at which beer flows, reducing excessive foaming and ensuring a smooth and constant pour.
There are various different types of beer taps in use today, each with its own set of features and benefits. Let’s have a closer look at some of them.
Faucet Taps (or Pull Tabs)
Pull tabs, or faucet taps, are the most prevalent form of beer tap seen in taverns and restaurants around the world. They are made out of a long handle connected to a valve mechanism located inside the keg. When the handle is dragged downward, the valve opens, releasing pressure from the keg and allowing beer to flow out via the spout. This design ensures a controlled flow of beer while reducing foam and waste.
Push Taps.
Push taps work similarly to faucet taps, except instead of pulling the lever, you must push it to release the drink. Push taps, while less popular than pull tabs, have grown in favour due to their convenience and sanitary benefits. Unlike faucet taps, where dirt and grime can develop over time, push taps stay cleaner since users do not need to touch anything other than the tab.
Electronic Taps
Electronic beer taps blend cutting-edge technology with classic utility. They have computerised displays that provide information such the name of the beer being served, the volume left in the keg, and temperature readings. Some models even have built-in CO2 regulators, which makes installation and operation easier and more efficient. Perlick is a well-known brand that manufactures electronic taps, and its products are known for their reliability and inventiveness.
Nitro Taps
Nitrogenated beer, sometimes known as nitros, requires special equipment to ensure optimum pouring. Instead of carbon dioxide, which is commonly used to carbonate normal beers, nitrogen gas is introduced during fermentation. As a result, nitros have a creamier mouthfeel and smaller bubbles than traditional lagers or ales. Nitro taps use specialised aeration stones to break up nitrogen bubbles while providing a consistent stream of beer. Guinness is likely the best-known example of a nitro beer, and it’s frequently poured with a special gadget called a “surge glass” built specifically for this purpose.
While the fundamental role of beer taps is to serve great beer, there is much more to consider than just the mechanics of the tap. Proper handling and maintenance methods are equally important in delivering consistently quality pours. Here are some tips for bartenders and bar owners to follow:
Cleanliness is essential! Always sanitise your taps before and after use, paying special care to areas prone to accumulation, such as the grommets and threads. Use high-quality cleaning solutions as specified by the manufacturer and carefully rinse afterward.
Store your kegs correctly: Cold storage temperatures will keep the beer fresher for longer, lowering the risk of deterioration or off flavours. Maintain ideal temperatures ranging from 36°F to 42°F (2°C to 6°C). If possible, avoid moving the kegs frequently, as this may cause sediment to settle early and alter the flavour.
Train your employees: Ensure that all personnel understand how to use the beer taps and the necessary practices for filling glasses, avoiding waste, and efficiently managing kegs. Regular training sessions will reduce errors and increase uniformity across many sites.
Calibration checks: Use the calibrating tools provided by the manufacturer to check the accuracy of your taps’ measurements on a periodic basis. Adjustments may be required on occasion, based on usage patterns, changes in ambient temperature, or wear and tear on components.
Check inventory levels: Keep track of how much beer is left in each keg on a regular basis so you know when to order more. Avoid ordering too little or too much because both result in losses, whether through wasted merchandise or missed sales chances.
Finally, while selecting the ideal beer tap for your facility, you must consider a number of variables, including the style of beer you sell, the aesthetic appeal of the tap design, and the overall customer experience you want to deliver. Follow proper handling and maintenance practices, develop effective training programs, and closely monitor inventory levels to ensure every sip of beer is flawlessly done, leaving customers delighted and wanting to return again and again.