When it comes to ordering a beer at a bar or restaurant, it can be confusing whether to ask for a draft beer or a draught beer. Both terms are commonly used, but what is the difference?
The words draft and draught both originate from the Old English word “draght” which means to pull. In the context of beer, it refers to the way beer is pulled from a storage vessel, like a keg, and dispensed into a glass for consumption. Despite their similar origins, the terms have evolved to have different meanings in different parts of the world.
What is draft beer?
Draft beer, also known as draught beer, is a type of beer that is served from a keg or a cask rather than from a bottle or a can. It is considered fresher and smoother than bottled beer as it has not undergone pasteurization or filtration processes. Draft beer is served at a colder temperature than bottled beer, which makes it a perfect thirst-quencher on a hot day.
To serve draft beer, bars or pubs have a system that pumps the beer out of the keg or cask and dispenses it into a glass. This system is also known as a draught system. The temperature and pressure of the beer in the keg or cask are regulated by the system to ensure that the beer is properly carbonated and has a good head. Draft beer also comes in a variety of styles, from light lagers to rich stouts, and can be a perfect choice for beer lovers who want to explore different beer flavors.
A brief history of draft beer
Draft beer, also known as draught beer, is a popular choice in bars and pubs all over the world. The term ‘draft beer’ is often used to refer to the type of beer that is served from a tap, rather than being bottled or canned. This type of beer has been around for centuries and has a rich history behind it.
The origins of draft beer can be traced back to medieval times in Europe, where beer was often brewed and served in monasteries. The early versions of draft beer were poured from barrels or casks, and the beer itself was often unfiltered and unpasteurized. Over time, the process of brewing and serving beer has evolved, but the basic idea of draft beer has remained the same – a fresh and flavorful beer that is served straight from the tap. Today, draft beer is enjoyed all over the world, and has become a staple in the modern bar and pub scene.
The difference between draft and bottled beer
When it comes to choosing between draft and bottled beer, there are several differences to consider. Firstly, the process of brewing between the two types of beer remains the same – it is the method of storage that sets them apart. Draft beer is stored in kegs under refrigeration, while bottled beer is stored in bottles or cans at room temperature. This means that draft beer is often served colder than bottled beer and typically has a fresher taste.
In addition, the carbonation levels of draft and bottled beer differ. Draft beer’s carbonation level is lower than bottled beer and thus creates a smoother and creamier texture. As for consistency, a keg of draft beer often promises a more consistent pour than a bottle or can of beer, which can vary due to inadequate storage, transportation, or age. Ultimately, the choice between draft and bottled beer depends on personal preference and the context of the drinking experience.
The brewing process of draft beer
The brewing process is a crucial factor that determines the taste and quality of draft beer. Unlike other types of beer, draft beer is not pasteurized, which means it contains live yeast and is served fresh from the tap. The first step in the brewing process is creating the wort, which is a sugary liquid made from malted grains. The wort is then boiled with hops to give the beer its distinctive bitterness and flavor, before being cooled and fermented.
Once fermentation is complete, the beer is transferred to a keg, where it is carbonated using pressurized carbon dioxide. Finally, the keg is stored at a cool temperature until it is ready to be served. The brewing process can greatly affect the quality of the final product, which is why many breweries have their own unique recipes and techniques for brewing draft beer.
Advantages and Disadvantages of serving draft beer
There are many advantages to serving draft beer over bottled or canned beer. Firstly, draft beer is fresher and has a better taste than its bottled or canned counterparts. This is because it is stored and served at a cooler temperature, which keeps it from developing unpleasant flavors or aromas. Additionally, draft beer requires less packaging and transportation than bottled or canned beer, which makes it more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
However, there are also some disadvantages to serving draft beer. One of the biggest challenges that bars and restaurants face is maintaining the quality of the beer. Draft beer is highly susceptible to contamination from bacteria and other microorganisms, which can affect its taste and quality. Additionally, draft beer requires specialized equipment and regular maintenance, which can be expensive and time-consuming for business owners. Despite these challenges, many bars and restaurants still choose to serve draft beer due to its superior taste and other advantages.
How to serve draft beer correctly
Serving draft beer is more than just pouring it out of a tap. There are several important steps that need to be followed to ensure that your customers receive the best possible experience. Firstly, make sure that the lines are clean and free from bacteria. Dirty lines can lead to off-tasting beer and can even make customers sick.
Next, ensure that the beer is served at the correct temperature. Different beers have different temperature requirements, so it’s important to know what temperature to serve each beer at. Generally, lighter beers should be served colder, while darker beers should be served slightly warmer. Finally, pour the beer slowly to avoid excessive foam and serve it in a clean glass. A perfect pour should have a quarter to one-half inch of foam on top. By following these steps, you can ensure that your customers have the best possible experience when drinking draft beer.
The future of draft beer.
Craft beer has been a significant trend in the beer industry for quite some time, and it integrates perfectly with the future of draft beer. The future of draft beer is looking great, considering it has been evolving over time, including the development of craft beer. Everyone, including consumers and sellers, are eager to enjoy the quality of craft beer, and the equipment used for the draft beer process has also been improving. Draft beer has been going green, and people are more in tune with eco-friendliness than ever before. Draft beers are in barrels that are refillable and returnable, reducing waste and cutting costs.
A significant trend in the future of draft beer is the preference for sour and hazy beer. Sour beer is the latest beer style loved by customers, and it pairs exceptionally well with food. Hazy beer, on the other hand, is cloudy, juicy, and full of flavor and aroma. This beer style is becoming popular as it has a unique taste that is irresistible to most beer drinkers. Therefore, brewers must offer both styles of beer to appeal to customers. Overall, the future of draft beer is bright, considering its recent evolution in the industry, eco-friendliness, and trends in beer styles.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, while both “draft” and “draught” are correct spellings and refer to the same thing, the term “draught” is more commonly used in British English while “draft” is used more in American English. Regardless of the spelling, what is important is the quality of beer being served. Quality beer that is stored, poured and served correctly, using the appropriate equipment, will always taste great whether it is called draft or draught.
It is important for beer enthusiasts to understand that there is more to a beer’s quality than just its spelling. Whether it is nitrogen or carbon dioxide, the type of gas used to push out the beer, or the tap system used, all of these factors can contribute to the final product being served. Therefore, understanding the difference between draft and draught beer is important if one wants to choose a high-quality beer worth savoring.