Draft Beer & Beer Systems Archives - Page 4 of 5

Why Does Draft Beer Taste Better?

June 5, 2020

It’s an old adage, but it’s true. Draft beer taste is just better. Assuming the bar staff is competent, and the draft lines are appropriately cleaned, draft beer provides the best overall experience. The question is why. What makes a keg so much better than a bottle or a can? Why does draft beer taste better?

The truth is that several factors contribute to the higher level of flavor integrity we can expect from a draft beer. According to the experts, process, time, temperature, light, and carbonation all contribute to the difference we notice when comparing draft beers to canned or bottled options.

For all your beer systems needs, SC Beverage has you covered.

Pasteurization

In almost all cases, draft beer is not pasteurized. Pasteurization is a process that heats liquids to kill bacteria that would otherwise thrive in that environment. Because bottles and cans are typically stored for long periods in a variety of temperature ranges, pasteurization is necessary to ensure that your beer is safe to drink when you crack open that lager or IPA. Draft beer, on the other hand, is transported and stored below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature that prevents bacterial growth. Unfortunately, pasteurization does change the flavor of your beer by bringing the liquid up to about 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Time

Fresher is always better, especially if you prefer hoppy beers like IPAs. Responsible bar owners will typically only order enough kegs to get them through the week, ensuring that their customers receive the best product. By contrast, bottles and cans could be months old by the time you pick up that six-pack at your local corner store. Most beers do not age well due to oxidization, so draft gains a major advantage. Bar owners and brewers suggest that you can elevate your experience further by asking your local bartender what kegs came in most recently.

Temperature

Regardless of the proper serving temperature of your beer, consistency is key. When bottles and cans are distributed, there’s no telling how many times they are warmed, chilled, or left in blazing heat. The variation and heat both contribute to the rapid aging of your beer. Kegs, on the other hand, are constantly kept in a cold environment, preventing the deterioration of the product during distribution.

Light

If you’ve ever picked a lovely, imported wheat beer from the bottom shelf of a Bevmo and opened it to find the beer was bitter or rancid, you’ve experienced a “skunked” beer. This is far more common in light-colored bottles and is the result of UV light passing through the glass. By going with a draft option or merely opting for a can, you can avoid this entirely. However, keep in mind that some beers, like Corona or Heineken, actually rely on a little UV light exposure to give their beers the right finish. If you love the touch of bitterness in these beers, opt for the bottle.

Carbonation

Americans love their fizzy drinks, and beer is no exception. In fact, it’s one of the reasons you enjoy that draft beer taste at your favorite bar so much. You see, the draft lines rely on pressure to deliver beer from the keg to the tap. To create this pressure, CO2 and/or Nitrogen are used, giving your beer its slight fizz and more noticeable foam head.

Drinking Draft

Simply put, draft is usually better in a well-managed bar or restaurant. Industry experts suggest looking for bars that are sufficiently staffed and at least moderately busy. You can also ask how often they clean their draft lines. If your bartender seems taken aback, ask for a can or a bottle. However, you can easily remove all doubt by just having your own system. So, if you’re looking to upgrade your restaurant or simply want to be the most popular house on the block, contact SC Beverage to discuss your draft system needs.

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How to Install a Beer Tap at Home

June 5, 2019

Going out for a pint of beer with your loved one or a group of friends is a relaxing, fun endeavor. But what if you could bring the beer tap into the comfort of your own home? Installing a beer system in your house is not as hard as it seems and could be your next exciting home project. The essentials of draft beer services are composed of four basic elements: a refrigerator, a CO2 canister, beer tap, and a beer keg. If you’re up for the challenge, here’s how:

Choose a Space

Choosing a space for your draft beer services should be the first thing you consider when starting your new project. Most common beer taps can be set up at a bar or behind a wall, but make sure there is plenty of room to set up a refrigerator to keep your beer keg cold. Visit a beer distributor or a local store that carries kegs and get the appropriate dimensions. There are different sizes for kegs, so be sure to measure out one that you think you will likely be purchasing often. For example, you wouldn’t want to plan for a small keg and then be unable to fit a larger keg in the space. You may also want to choose a space that is guaranteed to stay pretty clean and is convenient to pour.

Beer Lines & CO2 Canister

After you’ve chosen your space, map out the lay of the land. A beer line will have to run from the CO2 canister to the keg and another line from the keg to the beer tap. The canister doesn’t necessarily need to be inside the refrigerator, just the keg itself. Once you’ve mapped out how everything will flow, make sure you have everything you need to start hooking it up: regulators, lines, and couplers. If you have any questions about setting up beer dispensing equipment or other general beverage dispenser questions, reach out to SC Beverage.

Drilling

The next step is to drill two holes into the refrigerator to insert the beer lines. Make sure to drill big enough so that the tubing fits and no kinks occur. Once you’ve done this, insert the gaskets into the refrigerator holes and thread the tubes through that.

After you’ve completed drilling the refrigerator holes, you’ll want to drill a hole for the beer tap. Consider where you’d like your beer tap to go and make sure that the drill bit you are using is the same size as the tap. Next, cut out the hole with the drill bit and screw in the beer tap. Be sure to add a fastener nut at the bottom to make sure the tap stays in place.

Connection

The next step is to connect the CO2 tank to the regulator and the CO2 hose to the keg. Make sure to secure this with a proper clamp so that it doesn’t come undone.

After you’ve done that, it’s time to connect the coupler to the top of the keg. The CO2 line connects to the CO2 side of the coupler while the beer line will connect to the other side of the coupler. Again, you’ll want to secure both of these connections with clamps for optimal safety.

Integrating the Refrigerator

Next, you’ll want to integrate the refrigerator back into the mix by connecting it to the tap as well, keeping the beer nice and cold.

Final

The final step is to open up the CO2 canister so beer can be poured appropriately. This will take some time to adjust the pressure according to the beer you are pouring and according to your taste. If the keg of beer is from a local distributor, they may have some suggestions on what the appropriate pressure for that beer so you may also want to inquire with them.

Draft Beer Services in Orange County

If you’re looking to install draft beer services in your home, but running across some difficulties, you can also hire a professional to do it for you. At SC Beverage, we specialize in beverage installation and services. Visit our website today to see more about our beer tap offerings.

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Draft Beer System Maintenance Guide

May 7, 2019

Keeping your draft beer line properly maintained is key to its longevity. Without this maintenance, your draft beer system could pose many problems for you and your business. The three essential points to look after when maintaining your system are temperature, pressure, and cleanliness.

Temperature

The proper temperature for a draft beer line will differ depending on the type of system and product. However, most systems will generally want to consistently stay around 38 degrees F. This ensures that the beer served is of utmost quality and that bacteria has less of a chance of growing within the line. You also want to make sure your walk-in cooler is being opened and closed as little as possible in order to keep the temperature the same. You may also choose to install a glycol unit which circulates antifreeze into the beer lines to keep your beer at an optimal, refreshing temperature as well.

Pressure

Pressure is one of the most important maintenance up-keeps in a draft beer system. Without the proper pressure, the quality of your beer is subject to be greatly compromised. Pressure is so important to a draft beer system because it is what pushes the beer out from the keg and into your draft faucet. When you begin to pour a beer, the CO2 in the tank pushes the beer out and fills the empty space left over. This keeps the beer under constant pressure in the keg, therefore maintaining its carbonation. This is monitored by a CO2 regulator.

There are a few things to keep in mind when maintaining CO2 pressure. First off, make sure you’re storing your CO2 tank upright. If stored improperly, your CO2 regulator may become damaged.

Another thing to keep in mind is to find and set the proper PSI number. PSI refers to pounds per square inch and is a way that pressure is measured. Most beers have a specific PSI number that is unique to them. This number should be noted by your local beer distributor or brewery.

With too much pressure, beer can become very foamy due to over-carbonation and develop a poor taste. In addition, large bubbles can form in the head of the beer. Low CO2 pressure also causes a foamy pour, but this time the foam resembles more of a soap-like quality. This will also make the beer feel and taste pretty limp.

Cleaning

Cleaning your draft beer line is also very important to getting great tasting beer and maintaining a system that will last a long time. Deposits of yeast and sugar gradually and easily collect along beer lines over time and can greatly affect the taste of your beer. In some cases, it may also cause excess foaming. Cleaning your beer lines is recommended after every half or full keg. A good rule of thumb to follow is every two weeks. You may choose to clean the lines yourself with a cleaning kit, but this task is no easy feat and should be handled by a professional. At SC Beverage, we offer installation, maintenance, and cleaning of all types of professional beverage systems.

Purchasing a new draft beer system altogether can really put a dent in your company’s wallet, which is why it is essential to stay on top of its maintenance. Ensuring that the temperature and pressure are being monitored every day is an important first step, along with staying on top of cleanliness. Don’t be afraid to adjust the pressure as well if you’re struggling with getting the perfect pour. Each beer is wildly different and should be given the proper care and attention that is needed. When in doubt, ask your distributor about their suggested PSI for specific beers. And, again, stay on top of cleaning those beer lines at least twice a month with a hired professional.

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Best Irish Beers for St. Patrick’s Day

March 12, 2019

Are you ready for a pot o’ gold, and all the joy your heart can hold? St. Patrick’s Day is almost here! Your expert draft beer service in Los Angeles has a full lineup of Irish brews for you to try on this special day, courtesy of SC Beverage. From traditional Irish style to an homage to the microbrews, here are some great beers to try for this Irish day of celebration.

The Irish Lager Feel

Nothing is more refreshing than a refreshing Irish lager. Not too dark, but not super light either – it’s a great beer for everyone to enjoy. Lagers come in a variety of colors, including gold, pale, or even reddish brown. If you’re into something sweet and crisp, then this is the Irish brew for you. It’s one of the newer Irish brews, dating back to the 1960s, but that doesn’t make it any less traditional.

Try A Cream Ale

Speaking of sweet stuff, have you ever tried an Irish cream ale? This super sweet brew dates back to the 1700s, with older recipes dating back all the way to the 1300s. Talk about old fashioned! These are easy to drink due to their creamy feel and sweet taste. Though, don’t mistake it for a cream soda – it doesn’t have that much sugar!

Dry Stout

Irish stout is one of the most commonly talked about beers, especially for mainstream beer enthusiasts. They are quite iconic, with brands like Guinness sporting the original Irish dry stout recipe. Surprisingly, they are actually one of the newer beers. Dating back only to the 1800s. They might be newcomers to the game, but they’re no newbies to those who really enjoy beer. Dry stout has a rich, black color, and a bitter taste. This deep brew is enjoyed by beer and coffee lovers alike.

The Red Ale

Irish red ale was invented in the 1700s but notes of it have also been traced back to the ancient Celtics. Since it’s one of the oldest beers in the world, it’s worthy of celebrating this St. Patrick’s Day. It has a little bit of something that everyone enjoys, from notes of hoppy bitterness to a touch of sweetness and malt. It’s quite easy to drink Irish red ales, which is perhaps why they are one of the more popular brews around. Its crisp taste and notes of both light and deep flavors combined make it truly addicting.

Porter

Porter might be available in several cultures and nations, but Irish porter is one of the most famous. In fact, it is known as the father of the modern dry stout. It’s extremely dark, as bitter as coffee, but still creamy and easy to drink. Some porters are made with chocolate malt, giving it a sweet and robust flavor that you just won’t be able to get enough of. This is one of the most popular beers in Ireland, and you’ll likely be able to find some through your draft beer service in Los Angeles.

Celebrate with Flavors This Year!

Happy St. Patty’s Day to you and your loved ones! This year get excited about all of the different Irish beers for you to try. From ports to ales, you can find a beer that you really like. Some enjoy crisp, light, sweet notes, while others enjoy the bitterness and flavor of dark stouts. Whatever your drink is, be sure to enjoy it.

Your friends at SC Beverage are happy to be your provider of draft beer service in Los Angeles. If you’re looking for more information about draft beers or beverage services for your next event, please contact us online or give us a call at (562) 463-8918.

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What Is the Best Direct-Draw Beer System for Your Business?

December 18, 2018

There are many aspects to consider when operating a restaurant or bar, and many of these things need to fit the scale of your business. We have all been to a bar and seen the faucets sitting above the counter that dispense beer, and without this addition to your bar, many patrons may not return or have a pleasant experience. So, the question is not whether you should have beer as an option in your business, but what system is right for you? SC Beverage is a renowned draft beer service in Los Angeles and can help you make a knowledgeable decision on how to best incorporate beer draw systems in your business.

The Two Types of Systems

There are two main types of draw systems for beer in restaurants: direct-draw and remote-draw. Direct-draw is exactly as it sounds, the keg is housed in the unit itself and the beer is dispensed out of the top of the unit from the keg directly below it. It is essentially a section of counter that you are buying which houses and dispenses the beer all from within, making it a much lower barrier to entry for most restaurants. Remote-draw is also fairly obvious because this system dispenses the beer from kegs that are housed somewhere other than the bar, such as a walk in cooler or outside storing facilities. This is great for those restaurants and bars that have the space to commit solely to the kegs, and are pushing out high volumes of beer, but is not practical for every business. The higher startup cost, higher opportunities for complications in the system, and increased investment in repairs and maintenance are all barriers to a remote-draw system.

Why You Should Pick a Direct-Draw Beer System

Although a direct-draw beer system may not be enough for larger locations, this system is the most effective one for the majority of businesses. Not every bar has the capacity to offer 40 beer options or more, and thus, the remote-draw system is overkill. Some of the greatest benefits of implementing a direct-draw system into your business is the simplicity of installation, the lower cost, and the decreased chance of complications within the system since everything is housed within the unit itself. One of the greatest disadvantages is the inability to offer many beer options, but with units including up to eight faucets and many breweries offering 1/6 keg containers so more can fit in the unit, these disadvantages can be easily overcome. Although every system has its benefits and disadvantages, direct-draw systems boast many positives and works great for businesses of many sizes. If you are interested in looking to purchase a direct-draw system, contact SC Beverage to learn more about our draft beer service in Los Angeles.

What is the Best Direct-Draw System for Your Specific Business?

This question is best answered using your sales numbers and reflecting upon your needs. Each business is different and calls for a unique number of faucets, so these questions can only be answered according to the stats. There are two things to keep in mind when looking for the best direct-draw system for your business: make sure that you are purchasing a unit that will be implemented nicely into your existing workflow, and make sure that it is cost effective. If you typically only sell three brands of beer, there is no need to invest in an eight-faucet system; however, you also do not want to cut off your ability to scale upward, so make sure that you leave some room for your business to increase as well. Many of things can be hard to determine, but SC Beverage is here to help. We have been a draft beer service in Los Angeles for 20 years and can help you with any questions you may have. Contact us today at (562) 463-8918.

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