DRAFT BEER FAQS: KEG TAPPING
Do I need special equipment to dispense a stout beer such as a guinness or murphy's?
To retain the taste the breweries intended, nitrogenous beers need to be dispensed with a stout type faucet, a 75% Nitrogen / 25% CO2 gas blend, and a dispense pressure of 38 lbs. Refer to our comprehensive keg coupler cross-reference listing to make sure you have the appropriate keg coupler for the brand of stout beer you will be dispensing. Although most bars and restaurants store their stout beers at the 36-38° F temperature (which is critical for most non-pasteurized ale and lager type of draft beers), most breweries recommend their stout beers are served at a temperature of 42° F to get the best flavor attributes of their product.
The U System coupler is used for stout beers such as Guinness
The S System coupler is used for stout beers such as Murphy's
Always verify your local beer distributor's brewery recommended temperature and type of gas for the beer you intend to dispense.
The unique stout faucet has an integrated restrictor disc, through which the beer is forced. The restrictor disc breaks the nitrogen out of the beer and creates the distinctive cascading head of stout beers. The restrictor disc must be left in place and cleaned frequently to remove any buildup that may clog the disc's tiny holes.
Additionally, stout beers are poured using the legendary two-part pour method.
The gas is a 75% nitrogen / 25% CO2 gas blend and is commonly referred to as Guinness gas. This gas blend is inappropriate for ales and lagers type of draft beers, as it will change the CO2 content and thus the flavor of these beers. Purchase cylinders of mixed gas locally. We recommend inquiring with the store you are getting your kegs from for a local source of mixed gas, or searching for gas or welding supply stores on Google. Request gas that is used with beverages. While most 75% nitrogen / 25% CO2 gas blend cylinders have a valve for use with a nitrogen regulator (CGA-580 threads), some companies supply 75% nitrogen / 25% CO2 gas blend cylinders with a valve for use with a CO2 regulator (CGA-320 threads).
Find out from your supplier what kind of valve is on the cylinders they offer. If the valve on the cylinder is for nitrogen and you already have a CO2 regulator, you can be easily adapt your CO2 regulator to a nitrogen valve cylinder by using a regulator adapter.
THE GLOBAL LEADER IN DRAFT EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONS
For over 60 years, Micro Matic has been recognized as one of the world’s leading suppliers of draft beer equipment. Specializing in keg-to-glass technology, we offer a total solution for meeting your draft beer equipment needs. Our dedication to customer service is supported by four regional sales and distribution centers, the Micro Matic Dispense Institute for training and education, and a Certified Installer Network for draft beer installations. Want to speak with a “perfect pour” expert? Contact Micro Matic today.