I currently have a one tap system, but want to add a second tap. I was thinking about using the second tap for some higher gravity beers (RIS, Triples, etc.) that may take me a while to kick (6 to 12 months). My questions are: -I would use a Perlick faucet. Do I have to worry about the beer oxidizing being on tap for an extended period of time? -I usually clean my lines after each keg is kicked (about every 4 to 8 weeks depending on the beer) and have never had any issues. Would I need to clean the lines while the keg was still going strong? Any other advice for keeping a beer on for a while would be appreciated! Cheers.
I had a '12 bcbs sixtel on tap for 8 months at 12 psi. No problems with oxidation and I probably cleaned the line 5 times. The faucet did stick a couple times when I didn't pour any in a week or so
Having a keg on CO2 is like never opening the bottle. There's no way for oxygen to get in, so there's virtually no risk of oxidation. If you're looking at 6-12 months, you probably want to stick with bigger beers that age well. A Berleywine or RIS could easily last years, perhaps even improve, but that's a long time to be serving a big beer -- something to consider when thinking about 1/2 bbls. Hops tend to fade with time, so an IPA is best served fresh. Six months would be pushing it, simply from a freshness perspective. I clean the lines whenever a keg kicks. There's really not much opportunity for bugs to get in. You're more interested in beer stone, but if you clean it between kegs, you should be fine.
sometimes it is easier to buy a large roll of beer line and toss the old line when it gets to be time. even Perlick forward seals will stick if they aren't exercised for an extended time. a faucet cap is a good idea too, especially if you tend to get fruit flies. keg beer does not oxidize. not unless the brewery is amateur. be sure you are certain you want to be drinking that big beer 6 months after you bought it... when the weather has changed and you are getting bored. kegged beer is not like a marriage or something. it takes a lot of commitment. you can't just get out of an RIS with a visit to a lawyer. I'm just saying is all. Cheers.
"be sure you are certain you want to be drinking that big beer 6 months after you bought it... when the weather has changed and you are getting bored." That's why I want to add the second tap - so I can drink a more refreshing beer in the warmer months.
