If you’re looking for a refreshing beverage to enjoy while watching the game or out with friends, you can’t go wrong with draft beer. But what is draft beer, exactly? And what makes it so special? You must have heard the commotion about it at your local bar orpub.
In this article, we’ll answer all of your questions about draft beer and teach you everything you need to know about this popular drink!
What is Draft Beer?
Draft beer is simply beer that is served from a keg, rather than in a bottle or can. The term “draft” comes from the fact that kegs are often stored and served from a refrigerated area, known as a “cooler.”
Draft beer is kept cold in order to preserve its freshness and prevent it from going bad. When stored and served properly, draft beer can have a shelf life of up to six months!
Kegs are also often tapped, or opened, using a special tool called a keg tap. This allows bartenders to pour beer without having to open the keg each time.
History of Draft Beer
Draft beer has been around for centuries and is believed to have originated in Europe. The first recorded instance of draft beer being served was in England in the year 1554.
At that time, kegs were made of wood and were often stored in cellars or caves to keep them cool. In order to tap the keg, a small wooden plug was inserted into the side of the keg.
As draft beer became more popular, metal kegs were invented. These were much easier to store and transport than wooden kegs. In 1873, a German brewer named Gottlieb Linde developed the first modern refrigeration system for storing and serving beer.
This made it possible to serve draft beer year-round, not just in the winter months. By the early 1900s, draft beer was being served in bars and pubs all over Europe and North America.
The popularity of draft beer continued to grow throughout the 20th century. Today, it is estimated that about 60% of all beer consumed in the United States is draft beer!
How is Draft Beer Made?
Draft beer is made using a brewing process that is similar to the one used to make bottled and canned beer. The main difference is that, after the beer has been brewed, it is transferred into a keg.
Kegs are usually made of stainless steel or aluminum and can hold anywhere from 15 to 50 gallons (57 to 190 liters) of beer. Once the beer has been transferred into the keg, it is sealed with a lid and pressure-tested.
The keg is then refrigerated until it is ready to be served. When it’s time to tap the keg, a small hole is drilled into the side of the keg and a tap is inserted.
This allows bartenders to pour beer without having to open the keg each time.
What are the benefits of Draft Beer?
There are several benefits that come with drinking draft beer. For one, it’s generally cheaper than bottled or canned beer. This is because kegs often cost less to produce and transport than individual cans or bottles.
Draft beer is also typically fresher than bottled or canned beer. This is because kegs are often delivered directly from the brewery to the bar or pub, with no middleman involved.
As a result, draft beer can be served as soon as it’s brewed, while bottled and canned beer may sit on store shelves for weeks or even months before being sold.
Finally, draft beer is more environmentally friendly than bottled or canned beer. This is because kegs can be reused multiple times, while bottles and cans can only be used once and then must be recycled.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Everything you need to know about draft beer. Now go out and enjoy a frosty pint of your favorite brew! Cheers!
Do you have any questions about draft beer? Let us know in the comments below, also visit ChillBeer for more information.
Still thirsty? Check out our blog post on the different types of beer glasses. Everything you need to know about this popular drink!