What is Cask Ale?
Cask ale, also known as ‘real’ ale, is a type of British beer that undergoes additional fermentation in the cask from which it is served. This practice helps retain beer carbonation and gives it more unique flavours and a distinctive drinking experience.
How is it Brewed and Conditioned
Cask ale is a non-pasteurised mild-type real ale brewed in an open fermentation ton. Typically, the ingredients in cask ales are malt barley, hops, water, and yeast. After the first fermentation process, the beer is transferred into casks with added sugar and yeast. This fermentation phase enhances the production of natural carbonation of the beer. The cask is then sealed and matures in the cellar before it is served.
The Characteristics of Cask Ale
Cask ale has a unique appearance and is rich in flavour. The active generation of carbonation occurs naturally, making the beer appear fuller-bodied and gentler, but compared to carbonated keg beer, it is not as effervescent. The beer is served a little warmer than keg beer, usually 11 – 13°C. This temperature allows aromas and flavours to develop when consumed. Additionally, cask ale is unfiltered and unpasteurised, contributing to its uniqueness, depth, and complexity.
Cask Ale Options that Value for Venues Have
Value for Venues offers a variety of cask ales to suit all preferences, from traditional beers like Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale, and Old Speckled Hen to modern lighter options like Old Golden Hen and Old Session Hen. In addition, they offer an extensive range of seasonal beers that showcase the best of classic and contemporary brewing and celebrate key events throughout the year. You can read more about a
seasonal ale offering.
What is Keg Beer?
Keg beer is beer that has been forcefully carbonated and packed in pressurised kegs. This has advantages, like improved quality control and preservation of the beer. It is also easier for venues to store, because no further conditioning is required. Keg beer is poured from a tap at the bar, which is simply opened during pouring, and dispensed from the keg under pressure of additional gas.
How Keg Beer is Brewed and Conditioned
The technology used in keg beers is much like that of the cask ales, with the initial brewing process in fermentation vessels. However, following this, the beer is filtered and pasteurised to remove any remnant of yeast and bacteria. The beer is then filled into kegs, and high pressure is applied to the kegs to pump in more carbon dioxide until the beer is carbonated. This process ensures that the beer retains a consistent quality and freshness for a longer period.
The Characteristics of Keg Beer
Keg beers have a bright, clear appearance, and their taste is always crisp and refreshing. The addition of carbon dioxide gives the beer effervescence and makes it lively to taste. Keg beer is served colder than cask beer, usually at 3-5 °C. The brewing methods for keg beer contribute to its cleaner and more consistent flavour profile.
What Keg Beers do Value for Venues Offer?
Value for Venues provides a wide selection of keg beers, including traditional keg ale, lager, stout and various
craft beers. Our selection comprises our own brands, such as Level Head, Hazy Day, and Belhaven Best, as well as unique products from local and well-known beer manufacturers Carlsberg, Estrella Galicia, and Guinness, which satisfy the needs of every customer.
Cask Ale vs Keg Beer Comparison
While both types of ales follow similar brewing methods initially, their most significant differences occur after their initial fermentation stage. Cask ale goes through a secondary fermentation in the cask, while keg beer is carbonated and stored in kegs after filtration and pasteurisation. The difference in the process fundamentally modifies the storage and serving techniques of the two beers.
Flavour Profiles and Carbonation Levels of Each
Because of their natural fermentation and serving temperature, cask ales’ flavour profiles are usually richer and more complex. The carbonation is less, enabling a softer body and better flavour impact. With enhanced carbonation, keg beer is refreshing and offers crisper flavours while drinking due to its effervescence. The filtration, pasteurisation, and carbonation processes ensure a more consistent flavour and drinking experience. Many drinkers say that you simply can’t beat the fresh flavour of a perfectly conditioned, traditional British cask ale!
Understanding Draught Systems
There are significant differences in the draught systems for cask ale and keg beer in terms of configuration and operation. Cask ale is traditionally served through a hand pump or a gravity feed system. A hand pump, more commonly known as a beer engine, is used; the beer is racked from the cask without any supplementary gas pressure. A gravity feed system consists of the cask placed on the rack above the tap so the beer can run freely into the glass.
On the other hand, Keg beer requires a more complicated system involving gas, mostly carbon dioxide or a CO2-nitrogen combination. The gas dispenses the beer from the keg through the lines to the tap. This system guarantees that each serving has a definite amount of flow and carbonation.
The Equipment and Layout Needed
In the case of cask ale, the most important equipment pertains to casks, a hand pump or gravity feed system and a cold, stable, suitable cellar. The cellar temperature must also be regulated so that it does not fluctuate out of the standard range of 11-13°C, or else the quality of beer will suffer.
Keg beer requires gas cylinders, regulators and beer taps. The kegs are linked to beer taps through beer lines with a gas system, which provides the pressure needed to dispense the beer. It’s also important to regularly service the lines and taps to protect the beer from bacteria and dust.
Impact on Beer Quality
How the Draught System Affects Beer Quality
The draught system is one of the determinants of beer quality. Regular and intensive maintenance is required to prevent spoilage and keep the beer fresh. Value for Venues can help with cellar management, maintenance and staff training. You can also find handy online troubleshooting at www.beergenius.co.uk
Tips for Maintaining Quality
Maintaining the quality and standard of either Keg or Cask beer requires diligence and care to ensure that your venue serves the best beer that customers will enjoy every time they visit.
Cask:
- When handling cask ale, it is important to control the cellar temperature and perform all due procedures regarding the casks.
- Casks should be vented properly and tapped only as needed to prevent spoilage and oxidation.
- Cask lines and hand pumps are to be serviced properly to prevent contamination.
Keg:
- Correct pressure and temperature settings are vital for maintaining the quality of keg beer.
- Keg lines must be cleaned at least once a calendar week to remove yeast, bacteria, and other build-up that can compromise beer quality.
- Monitoring the gas system for leaks and rotating and stowing kegs when they are not in use will also help keep the beer fresh.
General Sanitation and Service
Whether cask ale or keg beer, these systems will call for adequate sanitation and service to keep the beer in a desirable state for consumption. In the case of cask ale, this mainly refers to cleaning the pipes, hand pumps, and taps with cleaning agents. It is also necessary to evaluate the condition of the assets and, if they are worn out, replace them with new ones.
In the case of keg beer, the cleaning process consists of flushing the lines with the cleaning liquid, washing them with water, and decontaminating the nozzles and taps. The gas system should also be regularly maintained, including checking the gas lines and regulators to maintain its operative efficiency.
To summarise, it is necessary to know the differences between cask ale and keg beer and between the draught systems used for each of these types of beer, which is significant for most beer lovers and pub and bar owners. Every type of beer has its own attributes and needs, which a venue owner has to optimise to provide the best drinking experience and help maintain the best standard procedures in any pub or bar.
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