What Does Draught Beer Mean

June 19, 2023

Draught beer, also known as draft beer or tap beer, is a type of beer that is served from a keg or cask rather than a bottle or can. This beer is typically unfiltered and unpasteurized, and it is served at a colder temperature than bottled beer. Draught beer is a favorite of beer enthusiasts, who appreciate its fresh taste and unique character.

Draught beer, also spelled draft beer, refers to beer that is served from a keg or cask rather than from a bottle or can. The term “draught” comes from the Old English word “dragan,” which means “to draw or pull.” In essence, draught beer is beer that is pulled from a container and served either through a tap or gravity. In this way, customers can enjoy fresh, chilled beer that has not been subjected to the same kind of processing and handling as packaged beer.

The Origin of Draught Beer

Draught beer has been around for centuries, with evidence of the first kegs dating back to ancient Egypt. The practice of serving beer from a keg or cask continued throughout Europe, with each region developing its own unique brewing traditions. In the United States, draught beer became popular during Prohibition, when bootleggers would smuggle kegs of beer into speakeasies.

The Difference Between Draught and Bottled Beer

Draught beer and bottled beer differ in several ways. Draught beer is less carbonated than bottled beer, as it is not artificially carbonated. This gives it a smoother, creamier texture and a subtler flavor. Draught beer is also served at a colder temperature than bottled beer, which enhances its refreshing qualities.

On the other hand, bottled beer is typically filtered and pasteurized, which prolongs its shelf life but can also strip it of some of its flavor and character. Bottled beer is also more carbonated than draught beer, which can make it feel sharper on the palate.

How Draught Beer is Served

Draught beer is served from a keg or cask using a tap or spigot. The beer is drawn from the keg or cask through a system of hoses and pipes, which are usually kept chilled to maintain the beer’s temperature. The beer is then dispensed into a glass, which is tilted at a 45-degree angle to create a creamy, frothy head.

Draught beer is typically served in bars and pubs, where it is stored in temperature-controlled keg rooms or cellars. Some breweries also offer draught beer for sale in growlers, which are large glass or ceramic jugs that can be filled with beer and taken home.

The Benefits of Draught Beer

Draught beer offers several benefits over bottled beer. For one, it is fresher and more flavorful, as it has not been subjected to the same processing and packaging as bottled beer. Draught beer is also less likely to be contaminated or spoiled, as it is stored in a sealed, temperature-controlled environment until it is dispensed.

In addition, many beer enthusiasts prefer the experience of drinking draught beer, as it has a unique character and texture that cannot be replicated in bottled beer. Draught beer is also a social drink, as it is often enjoyed in bars and pubs with friends and companions.

Lager

Lager is a type of beer that is fermented at a low temperature, which creates a clean, crisp flavor. Draught lagers are often served with a frothy head, and they are a popular choice in bars and pubs around the world.

Ale

Ale is a type of beer that is brewed with a warm fermentation process, which creates a rich, fruity flavor. Draught ales are often served at a slightly warmer temperature than lagers, which enhances their complex flavors and aromas.

Stout

Stout is a dark, full-bodied beer that is brewed with roasted malt or barley. Draught stouts are often served with a creamy head, and they have a rich, chocolatey flavor that is popular with beer enthusiasts.

Pilsner

Pilsner is a type of lager that is brewed with a specific type of hops, which gives it a slightly bitter flavor. Draught pilsners are often served with a frothy head, and they are a popular choice in bars and pubs around the world.

Wheat Beer

Wheat beer is a type of beer that is brewed with a high proportion of wheat, which gives it a light, refreshing flavor. Draught wheat beers are often served with a fruity or spicy aroma, and they are a popular choice in beer gardens and outdoor drinking venues.

How to Serve Draught Beer

Serving draught beer requires some skill and attention to detail to ensure that the beer is served at the right temperature and with a consistent level of carbonation. Here are a few tips for serving draught beer:

One key takeaway from this text is that draught beer is served from a keg or cask and offers several advantages over bottled beer, including freshness and temperature. It is also less carbonated and served at a colder temperature, which gives it a smoother, creamier texture and a subtler flavor. Serving draught beer requires some skill, such as cleaning the lines, chilling the glasses, tilting the glass when pouring, and controlling the flow to prevent the beer from becoming too foamy or flat. Draught beer is often served in bars and pubs but can also be purchased in growlers for home consumption.

Clean the Lines

The lines that connect the keg or cask to the tap or spigot need to be cleaned regularly to prevent contamination and ensure the beer tastes fresh. This involves flushing the lines with a cleaning solution and rinsing them thoroughly with water.

Chill the Glasses

Draught beer is best served in a chilled glass, which helps to maintain its temperature and enhance its flavor. Glasses should be chilled in a freezer or refrigerator before serving.

Tilt the Glass

When pouring draught beer, the glass should be tilted at a 45-degree angle to allow the beer to flow gently down the side of the glass. This helps to create a creamy, frothy head and prevents the beer from becoming too fizzy.

Control the Flow

The flow of beer should be controlled carefully to prevent the beer from becoming too foamy or flat. This involves adjusting the pressure of the keg or cask and the length of the beer lines to create the perfect pour.

The Advantages of Draught Beer

Draught beer offers several advantages over bottled beer, including:

Freshness

Draught beer is often fresher than bottled beer, as it is typically served within a few days of being brewed and does not go through the same processing and packaging as bottled beer. This means that draught beer has a more intense flavor and aroma than bottled beer.

Temperature

Draught beer is typically served at a colder temperature than bottled beer, which enhances its refreshing qualities. This also means that draught beer is less likely to become warm and flat than bottled beer.

Sustainability

Draught beer is often served in reusable glasses or growlers, which reduces the amount of waste created by single-use bottles and cans. Many breweries also use eco-friendly packaging materials and sustainable brewing practices to reduce their environmental impact.

FAQs for the topic: What does draught beer mean?

What is draught beer?

Draught beer, also spelled draft beer, is a type of beer that is served straight from a keg or cask instead of a can or bottle. It is typically served on tap, and it may be carbonated or served with the natural carbonation that occurs during fermentation. Draught beer is often preferred by beer drinkers because of its fresh taste and temperature, and it is commonly available in bars, pubs, and restaurants around the world.

What is the difference between draught beer and bottled beer?

The main difference between draught beer and bottled beer is that draught beer is served on tap and is usually fresher than bottled beer, which can be aged or exposed to light and air during transport and storage. Draught beer is also more carbonated than bottled beer, and it may have a creamier texture due to the nitrogen or CO2 gas used to dispense it. Bottled beer, on the other hand, has a longer shelf life and is more convenient to store and transport.

Is draught beer more expensive than bottled beer?

The cost of draught beer versus bottled beer can vary depending on the location and type of establishment. In general, draught beer may be more expensive than bottled beer due to the higher cost of kegging and dispensing equipment and the need for refrigeration and proper storage. However, some bars and restaurants may offer discounts on draught beer during happy hour or special events, so it’s always a good idea to check the menu and ask about any promotions or deals.

How is draught beer served?

Draught beer is typically served in a special type of glass or mug that is designed to enhance the aroma and flavor of the beer. The bartender or server will pull the tap handle to release the beer from the keg or cask, and the beer will flow down the tap line and into the glass. The amount of foam or head on the beer can vary depending on the style of beer and the temperature and pressure of the dispensing system. Some bars and restaurants may also offer different types of draught beers, such as lagers, ales, stouts, or IPAs.

Is draught beer better than bottled beer?

The preference for draught beer versus bottled beer is largely a matter of personal taste. Some beer drinkers prefer the freshness and carbonation of draught beer, while others prefer the convenience and consistency of bottled beer. Draught beer can be more susceptible to contamination and spoilage if not properly stored and served, but it can also offer a wider variety of flavors and styles. Ultimately, the best way to determine if draught beer is better than bottled beer is to try both and decide based on your own preferences.

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