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==[[Casks]]== | ==[[Casks]]== | ||
| − | Similar to kegging casks are a single tank that holds the beer. Unlike kegs the casks are used for secondary fermentation to create carbonation. The use of CO2 is not allowed and is pulled from the cask by a beer engine.<br> | + | Similar to kegging, casks are a single tank that holds the beer. Unlike kegs, the casks are used for secondary fermentation to create carbonation. The use of CO2 is not allowed and is pulled from the cask by a beer engine.<br> |
The Beer is conditioned in and served from the same vessel, often referred to as "[[Real Ale]]" | The Beer is conditioned in and served from the same vessel, often referred to as "[[Real Ale]]" | ||
| − | Very similar to "Bottle Conditioned"<br> | + | Very similar to "Bottle Conditioned".<br> |
| − | Originally casks | + | Originally casks were wooden, but for reasons of cost and durability they where mainly obsoleted by stainless steel casks. Plastic casks are now becoming more common. |
Revision as of 23:18, 12 February 2007
For the homebrewer, there are two main options for storing beer: bottles and kegs.
Bottles
A typical five gallon batch of beer will yield approximately fifty 12oz bottles, forty 16oz bottles, or twenty-five 750mL bottles.
Advantages
- Ease of portability
- A six pack is easy to take with you.
- Ease of storage
- Beer can be stored in a closet out of the way until you're ready to chill and drink.
- Bottles can be protected from light and contained from leaking by storing in typical plastic bins. Standard sizes can easily hold one case of bottles.
- Ease of sharing
- You can divide your batch up however you please and give it away without problems.
Disadvantages
- Cleaning
- Sanitizing two cases of bottles is time-consuming and unpleasant.
- Filling
- Filling two cases of bottles and then capping them is also time-consuming
- Inconsistency
- Flavor variations from one bottle to another are a concern, as well as inconsistent carbonation.
Kegs
One five gallon batch yields one five gallon keg, obviously.
Advantages
- Cleaning
- Sanitizing one keg is quick and easy.
- Filling
- Filling a keg is as simple as racking from your fermenter and sealing the keg.
- Force Carbonation
- Instead of using priming sugar, you can force carbonate to speed along the beer towards being read to drink.
- Consistency
- The entire batch will have consistent flavor and carbonation.
Disadvantages
- Cost
- The initial costs of kegging equipment are high.
- Portability
- Kegs are more difficult to move from place to place than bottles.
- Storage
- Kegs may be stored warm, but the entire keg must be chilled, which quite a bit of room and usually requires a seperate refrigerator.
Casks
Similar to kegging, casks are a single tank that holds the beer. Unlike kegs, the casks are used for secondary fermentation to create carbonation. The use of CO2 is not allowed and is pulled from the cask by a beer engine.
The Beer is conditioned in and served from the same vessel, often referred to as "Real Ale"
Very similar to "Bottle Conditioned".
Originally casks were wooden, but for reasons of cost and durability they where mainly obsoleted by stainless steel casks. Plastic casks are now becoming more common.
