Do you think that draft beer is ‘better’? There has been some discussion in recent threads about serving beer on draft and the potential challenges on this method of serving (e.g., dirty beer lines). So, I thought it would be worthwhile to start a thread on this topic and provide a poll. Below is a short video for ‘reference’ entitled “Debunking the Biggest Beer Myth: Why Draft Beer Is Actually WORSE Than Packaged Beer!”. I would encourage you to watch the video in its entirety and not just depend on the video’s title to formulate your response to the poll; there are plenty of considerations to keep in mind. Cheers! P.S. Cans of Jack’s Abby beers were provided in the video as ‘props’ for representing packaged (i.e., canned) beer. @JacksAbbyBrewing @speakorspasm @billandsuz
I’m pretty lenient… without going technical and about things I honestly can’t really fathom, there’s something I love about getting my beer from draft, instead of a can/bottle. As much as I like it from both. That’s just me; not words of wisdom, not even a preference. Feels nice to have a bartender nicely take the time to pour, make a nice foam/head. Cheers.
When comparing a certain beer on draft vs. a can/bottle, all things being equal (freshness, handling [care of draft lines is included in this], cleanliness and style of glassware) I don't consider one being better than the other. However, I will probably enjoy the draft beer more, as it means I'm having it while out, which doesn't happen that much anymore. I can drink a can or bottle at home.
I believe it can elevate certain beers and have little or no effect on others. For example, I dont really like Sam Adams Summer Ale and think its kinda lame but I had it on draft and I was surprised how much better it was.
A consideration of draft service I did not think about when I created this thread (and its not discussed in the video) is that there are differing methods of draft service. I suspect that most BAs would immediately think of Nitro draft service (e.g., Guiness Draught Stout) but a ‘new’ draft service commonly available in my area is via a side-pull Lukr draft system (see video below). A significant number of craft brewery taprooms and some craft beer bars near me have installed these systems. One example would be Von C Brewing which has installed four Lukr faucets. For my palate these Lukr faucets create a noticeably different beer via the dense wet foam they create. As one example, a more creamy/velvety mouthfeel. IMO this is a definite improvement. Na Zdravi P.S. I enjoy non-Czech beer styles served via a Lukr pour. One example being Vienna Lager.
But you have to ask yourself why. Was it because there was something inherently different about the kegged beer, or was it because of external factors, or factors related to the serving, etc? This isn't something that you can necessarily pinpoint with ease.
I think my perception is draft is better (in the case of a quality cask ale, yes). But frankly, many breweries don't turn their kegs that fast, so a packaged beer stored properly for two or three months can be just as good (just my opinion).
I can take Darwin in small doses, and 5:33 is about 5:23 too much for me. That said, all things being equal I prefer draft beer. I don't see much of a price/ounce differential between draft and bottled/canned beer at bars and restaurants, and I always use proper glassware (or a shaker pint if no proper glassware is available). So draft works out better for me on a couple of levels.
I generally agree with cask ale being 'better' but with the BIG caveat that the cask beer has to be fresh (just a couple/few days of tapping) for the beer to taste good. Otherwise the beer will taste off/stale. If the brewery taproom and/or craft beer bar decides to install a cask breather this will extend the shelf-life of the cask beer. Cheers!
Right, I guess cask ale is a whole different category and discussion anyway. We're lucky to have good, fresh cask ale readily available.
Yes, you and I are fortunate that we have cask beer available to us. Based upon discussions on BA I would guess we are exceptional here. Cheers!
This is me as well. While I can't think of any situation where I preferred bottled or canned beer to draft, there are plenty of beers where I preferred them equally. SNPA, PtE and most ba imperial stouts come immediately to mind.
On average if you are talking about draft beer from decent establishment (i.e. not a biker bar that would be proud of their lines being full of muck) I would say yes. the pros of beer in a can bottle is you often have the date on it. For draft, if it’s a beer where freshness matters then more often than not it’s relatively fresh on tap. I have been to places *cough* Peoria IL *cough* where that was not the case, but it’s been pretty rare I’ve experience a non-fresh IPA on tap based on taste. I can go to a lot of good bottleshops chock full of 6 month old IPAs that taste like cardboard where finding a decent IPA is a treasure hunt. That has gotten a lot worse with the onslaught of mid IPAs flooding shelves in cans. Both are what you make of them as a choosey consumer.
I don't like to presume, so I'll presume heavily in question form... Would you agree that each experience with a beer is different? Even within a multi-pack of a packaged beer? I think the first two replies mostly nailed the general concept of why people find kegged beer out is better. @Resistance88 hit the other part - and I would provide a link were I in a mind to look it up, but it has to do with a study involving people (I believe even "experts") that ended up liking wines they feel are special (because they were told) more than those that weren't. I do think the video hit on key facts that us real geeks understand. Go to a place that will turn over their beers or you know how long things have been on. Don't expect the one craft (IPA) that an American lager-focused joint has on tap to be fresh. I didn't respond, because I do not have an opinion on "better" - and I have had experiences where draft versions have failed and shone. More often than not, though, I am not different than most here. I almost certainly enjoy grabbing a beer on tap from a place that caters to people who enjoy a wider array of beers (i.e. ChurchKey, Dominion Wine and Beer locally). And I don't expect to find a beer from a random place's "craft" beer selection to be as good as I remember a beer - right or wrong.
I like going out and having a draft pour at a brewery, however to me that does not make it better than the bottled/can version in most cases . I like them both with draft being more expensive because being served in a particular setting.
