What Are The Differences Between Draft and Bottled Beer?

People have very strong opinions about their beer preferences. Often, beer drinkers are loyal to a specific type and brand. However, another factor can play into people’s choice of beer: whether it is draft or bottled. You may not know the differences between draft and bottled beer. In this guide, you will find information about the unique differences between the two types.

 

What Are The Differences Between Draft and Bottled Beer?

If you have ever had a draft or bottled beer, you may have noticed the differences between the two yourself. They each provide a different taste and feel as you enjoy them. Draft beer is served from a keg, a large container that holds beer. The beer gets from the keg to your glass through a tap system. Draft beer is commonly consumed at bars or restaurants. On the other hand, bottled beer is packed in a bottle. Unlike draft beer, bottled beer is what most people are most likely to drink when they are at home.

 

Packaging

One major reason draft and bottled beer taste different is the packaging. Draft beer is often kept in stainless steel kegs. The steel kegs keep out light and air, which improves the flavor and quality of the beer. They are also often installed by experts in beverage equipment installation and servicing, which ensures optimal flavor and quality. 

Bottled beer is bottled in various colors, including clear, green, and brown. This allows the beer to be exposed to light, which can negatively impact its flavor. For bottled beer drinkers, it is best to store their beer in a dark, cool, and dry space.

 

Storage and Temperature

Another factor that separates draft beer from bottled beer is the way it is stored, with special attention to temperature. Draft beers are kept in keg beer systems that are constantly cool. The beer inside the keg is also protected from light, which ensures its quality once it is poured.

Bottled beer can be stored in various conditions, which ultimately impacts its quality once it is cracked open. When transported, bottled beer can be exposed to light and warm temperatures. The change in temperature can impact the taste and cause the beer to spoil faster.

 

Carbonation 

Carbonation makes a considerable difference in beer and many other drinks. The bubbliness evokes freshness and stimulates the taste buds. Draft beer is carbonated differently than bottled beer. It has excellent carbonation because its method of creation utilizes carbon dioxide in the keg and tap process to provide a more uniform and consistent taste.

Bottled beer does not have consistent carbonation levels, likely because of how it is bottled or stored. Consequently, this inconsistency impacts the taste of the beer, sometimes even within the same brand. 

 

Beverage Equipment Installation and Servicing

Owning or running a bar or restaurant can be overwhelming. The last thing you want to worry about when your establishment is packed is the quality of your beverages. From soda to beer, having fresh drinks that taste great is important. The team at SC Beverage has been in business for decades and has worked with some of the top companies in the industry, including Coca-Cola. Contact them today for any of your beverage equipment needs! 

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How to Price Draft and Bottled Beer

Whether at a restaurant, bar, or at home, beer often unites people as it is a drink you can have out socially or at home. From happy hours with coworkers to date nights with your spouse, alcoholic beverages are a popular drink choice among many Americans. In fact, beer and wine are the top-consumed alcoholic beverages consumed in the United States. For restaurant owners or bar managers, having both draft and bottled beer available is a must. Below you will find how to price draft and bottled beer so both you and your patrons are happy.

How to Price Draft and Bottled Beer

Both draft and bottled beer are popular choices among patrons. There are several factors that play into how much you should charge for each. Below you will find helpful tips on how to price draft and bottled beer at your establishment.

Pricing Draft Beer

Draft beers are served from a tap system or keg. These are often found in bars, restaurants, and breweries as it is a popular choice among patrons. It’s refreshing and offers a crisp taste that pairs well with so many different types of food. Consider the following when deciding how to price your establishment’s draft beer.

Keg Cost

Because draft beer is poured from a keg, it’s important to consider the cost of your keg when determining pricing. The cost of a keg depends on several factors, including the brand, style, demand, and supplier pricing. Account for this cost when determining the price of your draft beer. Consult with a beverage equipment supplier to ensure you have the most cost-effective and efficient setup.

Maintenance Costs

Maintaining your equipment is a critical consideration when determining draft beer pricing. The system may include tap systems, kegerators, and beer lines. These require regular cleaning and maintenance for optimal functioning. Opt for professional-grade beer systems as they can reduce equipment and maintenance costs.

Serving Size

Because draft beer isn’t pre-measured in a bottle or can, it’s necessary to consider the serving size. The larger the serving, the higher the price will be due to the increase in volume. Most establishments measure and set their pricing based on ounces or pints.

Pricing Bottled Beers

Bottled beer often comes in cans or bottles. Unlike draft beer, bottled beer is commonly found in grocery and convenience stores because it is convenient and transportable. Consider the following factors that impact how much you price your bottled beer for.

Packaging

Packaging includes bottles, cans, labels, and packaging materials. This needs to be included in the costs considered to determine the price you charge for bottled beer. If you want to customize your packaging, this can increase your costs and reduce your profit margins.

Shelf Life

Bottled beer lasts longer than draft beer in many cases. Sealed packaging not only preserves the freshness of bottled beer but it also prevents oxidation. However, the quality control measures can cost you. Consider this when deciding how to price your bottled beer.

Size

Bottled beer often comes in 12-ounce bottles or 16-ounce cans. They may also come individually or in packs. Consider the size of your bottled or canned beer when pricing them. Larger bottles or bottles in packs can be priced less per ounce to stay competitive and encourage patrons to purchase more.

Profit Margins on Beer

Offering beer at your establishment can provide you with a high return on your investment. When pricing your beer, aim for a 20 to 30-percent profit margin. You can easily calculate this by determining your total revenue minus your cost of goods sold and operating expenses. Keeping your profit margins within the average range can ensure that both you and your patrons are happy.

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Beer tap system troubleshooting

Bars are something many Americans frequent on the weekends, after work, or to watch their favorite sports team. A major part of a successful bar business is having a wide variety of drinks on tap. As with any aspect of running a business, you can run into issues. A common issue bar owners face is beer tap system issues. Below, you will find helpful information on beer tap system troubleshooting. These tips will ensure that your customers are happy with their favorite beer in hand.

Beer tap system troubleshooting

Depending on the specific beer tap issue you are facing, there are a number of possible solutions. Consider these tips if you run into any of the following beer tap problems.

Keg Will Not Pour:

If your keg is not dispensing beer, this can be a serious problem. Patrons want beer on tap fast and refills as needed. Pour issues with your keg can be for a number of different reasons. Common reasons include an empty keg, an empty gas cylinder, or your ket may have been incorrectly tapped. Still, in some cases, your gas may be turned off, or your beer lines may be frozen. Run through this list before you call for maintenance, as you may be able to solve the problem yourself.

Foamy Beer:

Nobody wants to drink beer that is too foamy. While this is a common problem, it’s a pretty easy fix. Common reasons you may have foamy beer include the draft cooler being too warm, the beer lines being too warm or too cold, or there is too much pressure in your system. In addition, there may be an issue with your beer being improperly dispensed, or the taps being dirty, or just malfunctioning overall. Be sure to check your tap lines, as any damage or obstruction can mess with the quality of your beer.

Flat Beer:

Customers want fresh beer from the tap for a reason. If your beer is coming out flat, you can usually fix the issue pretty easily. Common reasons the beer comes out flat include an obstruction in the tap lines, not enough pressure in your system, or that you are using an air compressor for pressure. Be sure to also check that your beer isn’t too cold and that the glasses have been properly cleaned. Run through this list, as the issue will likely resolve pretty quickly. If it doesn’t, consult with a beverage equipment supplier for support.

Poor Tasting Beer:

Bad-tasting beer, especially from the tap, can tank your business. Customers want a beer that is both fresh and tastes refreshing. Common reasons your beer tastes bad include dirty beer lines or faucets, warm keg or beer lines, contaminated gas cylinders, or issues with the beer lines not being properly flushed between kegs. Be sure to also check that you aren’t serving old beer and that the glasses are properly cleaned. This issue is pretty easy to resolve. Be sure to schedule regular maintenance on your beer dispensing equipment to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Cloudy Beer:

A great beer should have a 1-inch head and be carbonated yet clear. Cloudy beer can be unappealing and make your customers look at you sideways. Some beers are meant to be cloudy, but if they aren’t, consider checking your tap system to address the issue. Still, common reasons beer may be cloudy include inadequate cleaning of the beer lines or taps. It may also be due to pressure source contamination or over-chilled beer in the beer lines or keg. Run through each of these potential solutions to address the issue. If your beer is still cloudy, you may need to contact an equipment supplier for help.

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Top Ways to Save Money at a Bar

Going out to the bar is easily one of the nation’s favorite ways to spend time after work. But, going out for a beer or a dance every weekend can get really costly really fast. Paying upwards of $16 for a “cheap” cocktail won’t get you far when you intend to carry the party all night long.

Top Ways to Save Money at a Bar

Today, your beverage systems company experts will offer some of the top ways to save money at a bar so you can have fun and stay under budget the next time you go out. When all else fails, you can always invest in your own beverage equipment for an affordable at-home party alternative!

Learn the Art of the Pregame

As long as you don’t have to drive to get to your destination, you can start the drinking part of the party at home. That way, you and your friends can gather together and drink alcohol you already purchased rather than waiting to spend tons of money on individual drinks later on. This way, you can drink however much you want without completely emptying out your wallet. Just remember to drink responsibly.

Schedule a Happy Hour Excursion

Every bar has its version of a happy hour. Some venues, however, don’t set up their happy hour events until later at night. Others may open up happy hour much earlier in the day. Depending on when you are trying to go out, try to line up your plans with a local happy hour event. You’ll be able to enjoy discounts on your favorite drinks, making it easier to afford your night out.

Try a Different Drink

You might have your go-to beverage each night you go to the bar, but are there cheaper options available that you can enjoy as well? By switching out a fancy cocktail for a bottle of beer, you are not only saving money, but you are also making it more feasible to drink more than one drink in a single sitting – without breaking the bank. You can continue shaking things up by learning about some of the more affordable yet classic drinks to order at a bar that can also save you some coins next time you’re out on the town.

Go for a Tasting

Many venues offer the option to order flights, which are small sample-size servings of multiple drinks. Depending on the type of bar or brewery you plan on visiting, you may be able to schedule a session of wine tasting, beer tasting, whiskey tasting, or even cocktail tasting if you’re lucky. While alcohol comes in smaller portions than the average drink, there are many varieties available for you to try at a much lower rate.

Set a Cash Budget

If you still have trouble keeping your spending habits under control when you go out, you can put harder limits on yourself by budgeting with cash. Put all of your cards away and only bring cash with you to the bar. That way, you have a set amount of money to spend and you cannot spend anymore once you’re done. This will help you more effectively choose the most affordable drinks as well.

Set Up Your Alcohol Equipment Today

We are fully equipped to provide you with a number of tools and resources so you can turn your Friday night bar nights into your own money-making opportunity. If you own a venue or a restaurant, you may be looking for beer dispensing equipment that can stand the test of time. Whether you are looking to order in bulk or you want single units, our experts can help you out ASAP. Get in touch with us today to learn more.

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Bar Beer Pricing Guide

Craft beer, local brews, and even old reliables on tap are getting more popular by the day. While the bar landscape will always be the same at heart, there are many elements of the beer market that are constantly changing. No matter what kind of vibe you’re trying to bring to your bar, it might be helpful for you to familiarize yourself with the newest bar beer pricing guide to keep you on the right track to success.

Bar Beer Pricing Guide

Your Southern California Beverage Company pros have arranged a short pricing guide to help you understand the market and get more used to some changes that are going on in the bar scene. Let’s talk markups, macro brews, and major discounts!

New Markups

Pricing beer for your bar is a lot different than pricing out beer for retail customers. Currently, average markups on beer are between 200% and 300%. Interestingly enough, restaurants are seeing a similar markup with wines, but profits are measured differently for wine than for beer.

The cheaper the beer, the easier it will be to mark up. Macro brew bottles and cans can be marked up by almost 500% in some bars. Some bars are still choosing not to mark them up as high since wholesale prices are still expensive. It’s important to make sure that your markups earn you a profit and don’t lose your earnings during happy hour prices.

How to Price Your Draft Beer

Kegs are currently being priced 40% – 45% less per ounce than they used to be. Draft beer pricing for kegs should be different than for specialty beers. The best advice is to try and hit a liquor cost of 20% – 30%. Setting drink prices can be tricky depending on your equipment and system needs. Not to mention, with beer comes CO2 and nitrogen costs, which come with their own rates of inflation.

Running a bar business will give you a lot of margins for error. Spillage, messes, unexpected cleanups, and over-pouring could make your previous calculations moot. Other factors like keg and glassware size can determine how you’ll price your kegs.

Bottled Vs. Craft Beer

Pricing craft beer is always going to be more difficult because there are so many great varieties of beer to choose from. Because there are a lot of similarities and differences between craft beers, there are a couple of pricing guidelines that you should follow:

  • Always understand your liquor costs and calculate what it would take to achieve them based on your craft beer pricing.
  • Add more variety to your pricing. It’s okay to sell mainstream beers at a different price than your specialty local crafts.
  • But keep your canned, bottled, and draft beers at the same price.

A good way to achieve these goals is to calculate your menu prices for draft beer and then follow suit with your bottled and canned selections to meet your profit goals.

Think About the Products You Offer

Do you offer wine by the glass? Do you offer beer flights for interested parties? There may be different strategies involved depending on the different types of products that you are selling at your bar. Margins are constantly changing, but adjusting your pricing to reflect these goals can help you remain afloat.

Learn More with SC Beverage

Whether you are starting a new bar or investing in new systems, you can benefit from the wide range of top-notch Los Angeles beer dispensing equipment that we have to offer. By keeping up with the latest pricing trends, you will be able to stay on track to meet your profit goals without having to constantly juggle new price points. Call us today and consult with our specialists to figure out the perfect beer pricing points for your own bar venue.

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