Do you bleed a new keg or leave it alone?

[btjbergman]

I have been told twice now by the local place I buy my kegs that I should not put pressure on it until about 1/2 the keg is gone because it is already shipped from the manufacturer pressurized.

I typically bleed (let the air out) the keg before I tap it and then put my pressure on it.

Just wondering what the appropriate way to do this.

Thanks!

[edramshaw]

It is actually shipped exactly the way it should be. You should chill it to 38 degrees or so and apply 12-14 lbs of pressure. This will maintain the approximate carbonation levels in the product. Good luck and enjoy.

[btjbergman]

Ok - so just hook up the pressure and DO NOT bleed - set to appropriate pressure and enjoy the beer?

Thanks again!

[ernestbud]

or if you enjoy flat tasting beer do as the retail outlet told you. I can't believe they said that;;; simply amazing

[edramshaw]

Originally Posted by btjbergman

Ok - so just hook up the pressure and DO NOT bleed - set to appropriate pressure and enjoy the beer?

Thanks again!

Exactly. The amount of misinformation out there is pretty unbelievable so be wary of what you come across out there regarding draft beer.

[brian92]

That maybe some of the dumbest advice I have ever heard. The brewery ships the keg pressurized at the exact amount of co2 level the brew master intended. You need to maintain that level of co2 throughout the lifecycle of the keg. To do that, you need co2 pressure set at the right PSI. If you "bleed" the keg for 1/2 the keg, it will be flat in no time.

The only thing I do sometimes with new kegs is to let them sit untapped for a few hours just to settle and to make sure they are at the appropriate temp. You never know how they were shipped (shaken up, loss of temp, etc.)