Closed Transfer and Tapping Keg

[oldpathwhiteclouds]

I've just filled my third kegged batch from my all rounder and I am left with a couple of questions. Don't know if anyone can help me out. I've brewed a Pale Fire clone.

1. I don't think I was particularly efficient in use of CO2. What is the best way to set up? I attached to the out post so the beer went down the longer dip tube and didn't attach anything to the in (gas) post but just released the pressure relief valve periodically. Seemed to use a fair amount of CO2 and then I just let it all out of the all rounder in the end. Maybe a little impatient and could have used less gas.

2. I have sanitiser in my beer line between tap and black quick connector. Can I go ahead and draw some beer through or should I be patient and leave it at least a couple of weeks to carbonate and condition a little? I haven't done a final gravity reading yet so am quite interested to do that.

I'm still getting use to my home made Kegerator and just want to hone my method a little if poss.

 

[RGeats]

In answer to your questions.
1) I use the CO2 from fermentation to purge a corny by attaching the gas out from the fermenter to the beer out post on the keg, with a spunding valve on the gas out post of the keg. I then increase the pressure on the spunding valve towards the end of fermentation to carbonate. Then when it comes to transfer I attach the 2 beer posts together, the 2 gas posts together, and let gravity do the rest. (just release a bit of pressure off the keg to get the beer flowing).

2) there is nothing to stop you drawing some beer through straight away. Did you carbonate in the fermenter? If you didn't the beer will be pretty flat depending on how long it's been kegged for, but you can get a sample to check gravity no problem.

 

[oldpathwhiteclouds]

Thanks RGeats. Answer to 1 is very helpful. I'll do that next time, that's exactly the kind of idea I was looking for.

Yes I did carbonate in the fermenter so it could be good to go. I guess I can try it now immediately upon begging and then just see how it improves as time passes in the keg. I'm not really clear on how the beer conditions in the keg without any priming. It obviously improves over time as it matures but not sure how?

 

[RGeats]

I guess if it hasn't been in the keg for long it will probably still be cloudy, but that doesn't stop you drinking it. Have I've and see what you think. Just try not to drink it all before it has been in there for a few weeks!