The Ultimate Draft Beer “How to” Guide
If you want to set your draft beer system up for success, then proper usage and understanding of the system is crucial. In this ultimate draft beer guide, we will instruct you on how to pour draft beer correctly, change a keg, maintain your beer system, and troubleshoot common problems.
How to pour draft beer:
Mastering the art of pouring draft beer will not only enhance the flavor and appearance of each pint, but also reduce waste and maximize profits. To perfectly pour draft beer, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Tilt the glass at a 45-degree angle, slightly below the faucet.
- Step 2: In one solid motion, fully and quickly pull the faucet handle.
- Step 3: Once the glass is halfway full, gradually tilt the glass upright to pour the beer straight into the glass.
- Step 4: Close the faucet quickly once the foam has reached the top of the glass to avoid overflow.
- Step 5: Serve your perfect pint!
When pouring a draft beer, avoid these mistakes:
- Holding the glass too far from the faucet.
- Dunking the faucet in the glass – this is unsanitary!
- Not pulling the handle all the way.
How to change a keg:
Knowing how to properly change a keg can help maintain the quality of beer served by your business.
- Step 1: Turn off the gas supply to the keg.
- Step 2: Pop the relief ring and let a little gas off.
- Step 3: Pop the handles.
- Step 4: Twist coupler loose and bring the new keg in.
- Step 5: Align the coupler down on the new keg and twist into place.
- Step 6: Turn the gas back on and repressurize the kegs.
- Step 7: Reset the fob and hit the relief handle.
How to maintain your draft beer system:
Temperature control
The ideal temperature for the keg to be stored is 36 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Fluctuations in temperature can affect the carbonation levels and alter the taste of the beer.
Proper pressure management
The CO₂ pressure should be between 12 to 14 pounds. If the pressure is too low, then it will result in more foam.
Bi-weekly cleaning
Cleaning is essential to prevent scale build-up and beer stone, which accumulate in the coupler, lines, and faucet. Beer stone and scale can lead to foaming issues and off-flavors. Therefore, you need to have the faucet, beer line, and keg coupler cleaned regularly.
Yearly jumper line replacement
In addition to cleaning, replacing the lines annually helps ensure that you’re always serving the best beer possible. Draft beer jumper lines are the hoses used to transfer beer from kegs to the taps at the bar. They are typically made of vinyl flex tubing, which can absorb flavors.
Contact RSI for beer line cleanings and replacement
How to know if you need service on your draft beer system:
Your draft beer system might need service if you are experiencing:
- Foaming
- Spitting
- Bad odor and/or flavor
- Low flow rate
- High or low glycol or beer cooler temperatures
Whenever you are experiencing an issue, address it as soon as possible. Don’t waste time and profits by leaving issues to worsen. A factory-trained and authorized service company, like RSI, can help get your system back to functioning properly.
Contact RSI for draft beer system repair
How to troubleshoot your draft beer system:
If you are experiencing issues with your draft beer system, then going through these troubleshooting steps can help get to the root of the problem.
- Inspect all connections, hoses, and fittings for signs of leaks. Confirm all keg couplers are fully connected to a keg or stored safely in the closed position.
- Verify CO₂ pressure.
- Inspect regulator for damage or malfunction.
- Clean draft lines.
- Check for kinks or blockages.
- Calibrate regulators and temperature controls.
- Adjust pouring technique to minimize excessive foam.
Contact RSI for your draft beer system needs.
Whether you need an installation of a brand-new system or maintenance and repairs on your existing system, we got you covered! We specialize in the installation, repair, and maintenance of draft beer systems in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Our expert team will ensure your draft system is operating at its best, so you can enjoy that perfect pour every time.
Phone: 972-279-3800
Toll-Free: 888-TOO-WARM
Service Email: RSIService@rsidfw.com
