Draft Beer & Beer Systems Archives

How Many Taps Does Your Bar Really Need?

August 28, 2026September 9, 2026

The number of beer taps can seem like a simple decision when you are planning a bar. In reality, it is not. More taps can mean more variety for customers, but it can also create problems. More taps can mean higher equipment costs, more maintenance, and the risk of slow-moving kegs. You also have the practical side of your setup, including beverage equipment installation and service. So, when it comes to deciding the number of beer taps, ask yourself: how many taps does your bar really need?

How Many Taps Does Your Bar Really Need?

The answer doesn’t depend on having the biggest selection possible, but on matching your draft system to your customers, menu, and expected beer sales. Different things need to be considered.

Start with Your Beer Selection

A small neighborhood bar may only need a few taps, while a craft beer or taproom may require many more. As a general guide, 1-4 taps can work for a small or starter bar, 5-6 for a medium selection, and 7-10 for a bigger or busier operation. Actual requirements vary by business, so these are practical ranges, not industry mandates.

Consider the types of beer you want to serve. A basic bar may dedicate taps to popular choices such as lager, pale ale, IPA, and stout. If your business focuses on craft, you may want to have additional taps for seasonal beers, local breweries, sour ales, wheat beers, or specialty releases.

However, make sure each additional tap serves a purpose, because each one adds a keg, beer line, faucet, and connection to manage.

Do Not Install Taps Just for Show

Although a long row of shiny faucets may look impressive, unused taps can become an expensive feature rather than a business advantage.

It is hard to keep a beer tasting fresh if it does not sell as fast as it should. It can also tie up inventory. Therefore, consider your actual sales volume rather than simply how many beers you want to offer.

Look at your daily and weekly beer sales, as well as the popularity of different styles. If you already have a historical data, use that. If you are opening a new bar, be conservative in your planning. That is wiser than immediately investing in a large draft system.

Think About Keg Storage

Your tap count also needs to work with your keg storage. Each draft line needs a keg or another appropriate beverage source, plus the necessary tubing, gas supply, and temperature-control arrangements. A larger draft system may require more refrigeration and more complex plumbing.

The keg storage is also important. You may keep them in a walk-in cooler, under-counter refrigerator, or another properly designed refrigerator system. The beer should travel efficiently from the keg to the faucet while maintaining the right temperature and pressure.

A professional draft system is especially important for larger systems because gas balance, tubing, temperature, and system length all affect how the beer pours. The Brewers Association identifies draft-system components, system design, gas dispense and balance, and proper pouring as important aspects of draught-free quality.

Every Tap Needs Maintenance

Because every tap needs maintenance, more taps mean more maintenance. The Brewers Association recommends cleaning draught-beer lines at least every two weeks. This helps prevent buildup and protects the beer’s flavor and quality. Keep an updated cleaning record.

Other components like faucets also need specific care and attention. A neglected system can ruin beer flavor and quality, no matter how many taps your bar has.

So How Many Taps Should You Choose?

The best number of taps is the number you can sell consistently, keep properly refrigerated, and maintain correctly.

To be more practical, small bars may start with a handful of well-chosen taps. It is better to have a small, well-maintained draft selection than to have a massive lineup of poorly managed beers. It is better for your customer experience and for your business.

If you are ready to build a beer setup that works for your establishment, explore reliable beer systems designed to help you serve quality beer efficiently, maintain consistency, and maximize your available space. Take your draft service to the next level. Call us today to see how we can help.

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How Often Should Beer Lines Be Cleaned?

July 24, 2026August 4, 2026

There is much more to a perfectly poured draft beer than a quality keg and a well-maintained tap. It takes a clean draft system that preserves the beer’s intended flavor, aroma, and appearance. This can be provided by a company that offers beverage equipment installation and service. Bar and restaurant owners and managers usually focus on refrigeration and inventory. However, regular beer line cleaning is just as essential for quality and customer satisfaction.

How often should beer lines be cleaned? If you are a bar or restaurant owner, the answer is crucial to your business.

How Often Should Beer Lines Be Cleaned?

Most draft systems need to be cleaned every two weeks. However, several factors may affect the cleaning schedule, and understanding them helps ensure that every pour tastes the way the brewer intended.

The natural sugars, proteins, and yeast that beer contains can leave residue inside draft lines over time. These deposits create an environment where bacteria, wild yeast, and mold can grow. When the lines are contaminated, the taste, smell, and appearance of the beer are negatively affected.

Dirty beer lines may cause:

Sour or off flavors
Cloudy or hazy beer
Excessive foaming
Unpleasant odors
Reduced beer quality and consistency

These are problems that can cause dissatisfied customers, wasted product, and damage to a restaurant’s reputation.

The Industry Standard

Many draft beer professionals, including The Brewers Association, recommend cleaning beer lines every 14 days. Cleaning every 14 days can help prevent yeast, bacteria, and beer stone buildup before it becomes a more serious problem.

Routine cleaning usually involves using an approved cleaning solution and circulating it through the beer lines. The lines should be thoroughly rinsed with clean water before reconnecting the kegs. Faucets, couplers, and other draft components should also be cleaned.

Where Is More Frequent Cleaning Needed?

Although most lines only need cleaning every 14 days, some draft systems benefit from more frequent cleaning.

Some establishments experience higher beer turnover, and lines may experience faster buildup because more beer passes through them. In addition, lines may need special attention if the beers contain fruit, spices, lactose, or other specialty ingredients.

Seasonal beers and limited releases may also need cleaning whenever a keg is changed to prevent the flavor from being carried over to the next beer style.

Restaurant and bar owners should be ready to adjust the cleaning schedule if customers begin noticing unusual flavors, increased foaming, or inconsistent pours before the two-week mark.

Signs Your Beer Lines Need Cleaning

Here are clear warning signs that cleaning is overdue.

Sour, buttery, vinegary taste in beer
Persistent foam despite correct serving pressure
Slow or uneven pouring
Cloudy beer that should normally be clear
Visible residue inside clear beer tubing
Unpleasant odors coming from the faucet

These warning signs should be addressed promptly to help restore product quality before they result in unhappy customers, wasted beer, and lower sales.

The Importance of Proper Cleaning Procedures

Cleaning beer lines is not simply flushing water through the system. It requires specialized cleaning chemicals, appropriate contact time, and thorough rinsing to remove all contaminants safely.

Wise business owners choose trained technicians who understand draft system maintenance and use commercial-grade equipment. Every component should be cleaned correctly while minimizing the risk of equipment damage.

Faucets, couplers, FOB devices, and glycol systems should also undergo periodic cleaning and inspection to help the entire draft system operate efficiently.

Keeping Beer Lines Clean

Beyond best-tasting beer, consistent beer line maintenance helps:

Preserve the brewer’s intended flavor profile
Reduce beer waste caused by foaming
Improve customer satisfaction
Protect expensive draft equipment
Maintain health and sanitation standards

Keep Your Beer Tasting Great and Ensure Great Care for Your Equipment

Keep your draft system performing at its best with professional beer system maintenance from SC Beverage. Always serve best-tasting beer and keep your customers happy with the help of an experienced team who provides reliable cleaning, inspections, and servicing. Contact us today and discover how our services can help you.

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How Much Does a Custom Beer Tap System Cost?

May 26, 2026May 26, 2026

A custom beer tap system can be one of the most valuable investments bar and restaurant owners can make for their establishments. It improves beverage service speed, enhances beer quality, reduces waste, and creates a more professional customer experience. Whatever type of establishment you have, whether it is a craft beer pub, upgrading a sports bar, or adding a draft beer service to a restaurant, it is always crucial to understand the costs before deciding on a beverage equipment installation and service. So, how much does a custom beer tap system cost for a bar or restaurant?

How Much Does a Custom Beer Tap System Cost?

The price of a custom beer tap system depends on various factors. These include the number of taps, the type of cooling system, installation complexity, and the type of materials used. It can cost from a few thousand dollars for a small setup to tens of thousands for a fully customized commercial system.

Average Cost of a Custom Bar System

Generally, a commercial draft beer system for a bar or restaurant can cost anywhere between $3,000 to $30,000. It can also be more.

Here is a basic breakdown:

Small direct-draw system (2-4 taps) $3,000-$6,000
Mid-sized glycol system (6-12 taps) $7,000-$15,000
Large custom long-draw system (15+ taps) $15,000-$30,000

Ultimately, the cost of your beer tap system will depend on the size of your establishment, beer selection, and operational goals.

Types of Beer Tap Systems

Direct-Straw System

This is the simplest and most affordable option. The kegs are stored directly below the taps in a refrigerated cabinet.

These systems are usually found in:

Small bars
Cafes
Restaurants with limited draft selections

In this system, beer travels only a short distance, making the installation simple and maintenance costs lower.

Typical Costs:

Equipment – $2,000-$5,000
Installation – $500-$1,500

Glycol-Cooled Long-Straw System

Larger establishments usually need this type of system. They keep beer cold as they travel long distances from a walk-in cooler to the tap tower.

This is ideal for:

High-volume bars
Breweries
Restaurants with multiple serving stations

They are usually more expensive, but glycol systems provide better temperature consistency and greater flexibility in layout design.

Typical Costs:

Equipment: $8,000 to $25,000
Installation: $2,000-$10,000

Factors That Affect Pricing

Number of Taps

The overall costs increase as the number of taps increases. This is because each tap requires:

Faucets
Beer lines
Couplers
Regulators
Additional regulation capacity

Naturally, a system with 20 taps will cost more than a system with 4 taps.

Tap Tower Style

For affordability, standard steel towers are the best answer. However, many businesses invest in customized towers to match their branding or interior design.

Examples include:

Brass or copper finishes
Illuminated tap towers
Custom logo handles
Industrial or rustic designs

Refrigeration Equipment

This is one of the largest expenses in a draft system. Establishment owners can choose among the following options:

Kegerators
Walk-in coolers
Glycol chillers

Busy establishments can greatly benefit from walk-in coolers, but the installation and operating costs are much higher.

Installation Complexity

Installation costs can vary based on:

Distance between the cooler and the taps
Building layout
Plumbing and electrical requirements
Flooring and wall modifications

Expect a significant increase in labor costs if contractors must drill through concrete or run long trunk lines.

Additional Costs to Consider

Maintenance and Cleaning

For food safety compliance and beer quality, regular cleaning is critical. Professional cleaning services can cost from $50 to $150 per visit.

Bars usually schedule cleanings every two weeks.

CO2 and Gas Blending Systems

Beer tap systems require CO2 or a mixed gas system to maintain proper carbonation and pressure.

Costs may include:

CO2 tanks
Nitrogen tanks
Regulators
Gas blenders

An additional $500 to $2000 may be expected for these components.

Permits and Compliance

These can vary depending on the location:

Health permits
Alcohol licensing approval
Plumbing inspection

Benefits of a Custom Beer Tap System

Draft beer generally offers food and beverage establishments with higher profit margins than bottled beer and creates a better customer experience.

Other benefits include:

Faster beverage service
Reduced packaging waste
Better beer freshness
Increased sales opportunities
Enhanced visual appeal behind the bar

Talk to Us

A custom beer tap system would likely be a wise investment for you. If you are considering getting one for your establishment, talk to us. Call us today so we can go through everything you want to know about custom beer systems.

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Cool Fall Favorites by Arturo Rubio Jr.

September 30, 2024

A question I ask myself around this time of year: Is it wrong to enjoy ice cream in the fall? The heat may still be around, but everywhere you look, the world is telling you it is sweater weather. All of a sudden, the flavors you love pop up everywhere. It may just be the end of summer, but your desire for a pumpkin-spiced latte is at an all-time high. So buck the traditions you’re used to and splurge on a treat that everyone likes but only a few consider for fall. The delicious Ice Cream Float.

I’ve taken it upon myself to introduce to you the upgraded model. But I wouldn’t steer you down the path of a simple childhood beverage. I’m here to help you kick it up a notch with two words that make all my partygoers smile: “Beer Floats.” Yes, that time-honored tradition at every backyard pool party, the root beer float, with a great new twist for that beer lover in your life. This is a hit even on the coldest winter days.

1. When September 1st shows up on your calendar, what is the first thing you think of? …Hint? Pumpkin Spiced Ale, of course. So, how do I transform this particular beer flavor into a float? Well, it took some trial and error, but one night, I had some leftover vanilla ice cream and surprised myself when I took a pumpkin ale and made myself a pumpkin pie a la mode. I served these at my next party and even added some toasted gram cracker and sprinkled it on top for the full effect. A pleasant treat even among the confused, “It’s a drinkable pumpkin pie.” I said.

2. The next beer you could try as a float is one of those strong dessert beers. Beers that have been infused with flavors like salted caramel, crème brûlée or dulce de leche. A dark and flavorful style of brew that was created to be enjoyed as a dessert on its own, but why stop there? During my beer float creation, I pondered, “What could I do with these brews?”. Then it hit me. My wife is a lover of fruity chocolates. So, I experimented with mixing chocolate ice cream flavors with beer. These flavors can get real wild, especially if you consider all the different chocolate ice cream varieties. Taking a salted caramel beer and pouring it over chocolate truffle ice cream is mind-blowing. It was a delight for the senses and is now one of my wife’s favorite end-of-night treats.

3. Lastly, let’s say the only thing in your fridge is an Irish stout. What could you do with something like that? A stout is a hardy beer. They can be dense in flavor like robust bread but can carry subtle notes like coffee. But if we think of them as bread, then we can think of them as cake. Consider using a fruit-flavored frozen custard. If you are unfamiliar with frozen custard, it’s similar to your traditional ice creams, but they’re usually made with heavy cream instead of milk and have egg yolk for a deluxe flavor. Enjoy the roasted flavor of an Irish stout beer, but now think of it being poured over some peach frozen custard? Bam!!! Peach cobbler float. The same could be created with a soft stout and a nutty custard. A stout added to some pistachio ice cream is a treat I’ve had and enjoyed.

I know it might seem like an odd combination and a little offbeat, but that’s the beauty of flavor exploration. You can mix and match and have some fun creating a dessert once thought of as just a fun little thing for kids on a hot summer day by mixing flavors and experimenting, using your imagination, and enjoying the test results. If you want to have a taste of autumn and you happen to have a six pack, draft beer, or a keg at your disposal, do yourself a favor and look in the freezer; you might have the next big hit at your party.

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Types of Beer Systems

September 27, 2024

There are several types of beer systems for serving draft beer that businesses can use in their bars. Each of these systems serves a unique purpose and matches well with different kinds of setups.

Knowing the difference between these types of systems can help you make the right choice in terms of purchasing the equipment you need to make your business a success. This can save you time and money in the long run.

If you’re interested in learning about the different kinds of beer systems that are available, take a look at this guide, which describes what’s available in terms of a beer dispensing system.

Why Worry About Different Systems?

Picking the type of beer system that works well with your existing infrastructure is absolutely essential to keeping things running smoothly in your bar or restaurant. Selecting the wrong type of system for your needs has the potential to be a very costly mistake that can take some amount of time and finesse to repair.

Sometimes, utilizing multiple systems may be an appropriate situation for your business. Consulting with a professional service has the potential to elucidate some of the elements.

Types of Beer Systems

There are three primary types of systems that are commonly utilized in most commercial spaces. The details of these systems are outlined below.

Air-Cooled Beer System

Air-cooled systems describe a class of beer systems that utilizes circulating cold air to keep the space surrounding the kegs, as well as the beer lines and the faucets. This type of system was the original and only type of system that existed for some time. Once glycol was invented, other methods were available to keep beer cool.

Although other types of systems have been developed, this type of system is still a legitimate option for many types of spaces. If you have a small business and a small budget and are just starting to experiment with the types of systems that are available, then this type of system might best fit your needs as a starting point.

Glycol-Cooled Beer System

This is a very popular option that pairs well with a long-draw dispensing system that involves tubes that are 25 ft or longer. This type of system is able to maintain cooler temperatures at longer distances, which keeps your beer cold.

In this type of system, the beer is kept in kegs that are kept cold by placing them in a walk-in cooler. Glycol circulates through the coolant lines and helps to keep the beer at a consistent temperature as it travels from the kegs to the taps.

On the downside, this type of system is considered one of the more expensive options for commercial spaces. However, the expenses of this type of system are well worth it if the system is the appropriate one for your space.

Direct Draw Beer System

This type of system is the top choice for situations where the beer only has to travel a short distance. This makes it very convenient in situations where the beer only goes a few feet from a keg to the taps. This makes it a common sight in commercial keg boxes, home bars, and refrigerator conversions.

This type of system is generally less expensive than a glycol system and has the added benefit of being minimally wasteful. There is some variability depending on the size of one’s equipment, as well as the overall complexity of the system that it’s intended to service.

Which One is Right for Me?

When you’re determining which type of system you need, you should ask yourself what your exact needs are in terms of what you’re looking for.

What is the overall purpose and goal of your business?
What is your budget for this project?
What is the overall complexity of the beer system that you’re looking to serve
What is the distance between your legs and your taps
Do you already have a beer dispensing system

The answers that you find with regard to this may help you reach a conclusion on which types of beer systems serve your situation. Additionally, following up with a professional consultant can give you a strong sense of direction in this way.

Your Friends in Beverage

SC Beverage is the most dedicated beverage equipment supplier in California. We deliver high-quality equipment to those who are passionate about their beer. If you’re interested in holding a discussion with one of our professional advisors regarding which beer systems would benefit you the most, contact us to have that conversation.

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