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==[[Casks]]== | ==[[Casks]]== | ||
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| + | Similar to kegging casks are a single tank that holds of of 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. | ||
Revision as of 19:08, 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.
- 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 of of 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.
