Draft (or draught) Beer Basics

What’s better than draft beer or a great bottle of microbrew? Naturally it’s a great microbrew on draft. Draft beer has more flavoring because draft beer is generally un-pasteurized, where as pasteurized beer is subjected to heat that causes the flavoring ingredients of the beer to diminish or change. In order to have good tasting draft beer each and every time you pour, there are many issues that must be adhered to keep your beer fresh and enjoyable.

Kegerators

Because draught beer is normally un-pasteurized it should be kept at cooler temperatures between 36F and 38F in order for the beer to maintain a fresh flavor. Typically if draft beer is kept at the correct temperature, the freshness  should keep for a few months, however not all beers are born equal and your beer retailer or brewer should be able to tell you the specifics on the type of beer you’re purchasing.

Cleaning

Cleaning your beer hose, faucet, and coupler on a regular base is extremely critical. Dirty keg accessories will affect the taste of your beer and cause the beer to foam excessively.

Pressure

Normally you want your CO2 pressure set between 12 and 14 pounds for most Lagers and Ales. Certain beers like porters and stouts may be different. It’s always best to ask your retailer or brewer what the ideal CO2 pressure should be when purchasing a keg.

Tapping the Keg

Most of us are familiar with the manual pump that’s typically used for a keg party. This type of pump is fine if you plan on consuming the keg within a few hours. Anything beyond a few hours and the beer will become flat. If you want a keg to last for longer than a few hours you need to utilize a keg coupler with pressurized CO2. Keep in mind that porters and stouts utilize a different system than straight CO2.



Beer and Microbrews.com
Beer Reviews

When we review beers we don't go into this fancy diatribe like wine reviews, after all we're beer drinkers, not tea totters. So if you want an honest opinion with out a lot of fancy double talk click here to taste em.
Everything Draft

What ever you need for draft beer; kegerator's, regulators, tap handles, cleaning kits, gas cylinders, draft beer towers, conversion kits and more. You name, they've got it. If you need to more in depth information about draft beer equipment, find it at the learning center. Click here for more information...
Number of 12oz Beers in each keg.

Home Brew = 53

Sixth Barrel = 55

Quarter Barrel = 82

Slim Quarter = 82

Half Barrel = 165
Draft Beer Equipment Comparison

Micro Matic and Keg Works are the Internet leaders in draft beer equipment. Whatever your draft beer needs, from residential to commercial, these two have it at very competitive prices. We've compared some basic prices between the two for kegerator kits (that can be used to convert a normal refrigerator), CO2 tanks and starting prices on kegerators. These are just a small fraction of what these two companies carry for draft beer equipment and as you can see that they are very similar in price.
Kegerator Conversion Kits, CO2 Tank not included

$147.00
$125.95
Faucet
Knob
Shank
Beer Hose with fittings
4.5"
Air Hose
Keg Coupler
CO2 Regulator
Stainless Drip Tray (no drain)
Tap Soother Faucet Cap
Faucet Wrench
SmartStrip Volume & Temperature Monitor
Instructions
CO2 Tank 5 lb. Aluminum
CO2 Tank 10 lb. Aluminum
CO2 Tank 20 lb. Aluminum
Single Tap Kegerators Starting From…
Everything Included (Except for the Beer)
Chrome
Chrome
Black Plastic
Black Plastic
5.0"
Included
Included
Included
Included
U.S. Sankey
U.S. Sankey
Dual Gauge
Dual Gauge
Included
Not Included
Not Included
Included
Included
Not Included
Included
Not Included
Included
Included
$59.95
$62.65
$91.95
$88.95
$114.95
Not Available
$645.00
$649.95