Do I need CO2 Injection?

[sjacko20]

Hi,

After alot of reading and making use of all the excellent advice on this forum I have my first bitter brew about ready to go into the pressure barrel that has a pressure cap on it. The brew will all be drunk (taste permitting) in one night at a party we have coming up and I am wondering whether I need to invest in a CO2 injection cap and canisters for it to keep it pouring with a decent head or should it be ok without? Future brews will be bottled unless for parties so am undecided whether to spend the money.

Thanks in advance
Simon

 

[fbsf]

If a decent head is important, you'll need the CO2 cap and sparklets (or, an S30 cap and S30 canister - initially more expensive, but the gas in the S30 lasts an awful lot longer). The CO2 in the beer will last for about 1/2 a barrel otherwise.

If it's going to be drunk in one evening and head isn't an issue, just loosen the cap and it'll pour fine.

The other advantage of the CO2 is that if it doesn't all get drunk on the one night, it will stay fresh for ages in the barrel with CO2 in it - I've had a bitter in mine for about two months now, and even though theres probably <10 pints in there, it still tastes fine.

Welcome along, by the way!!

 

[Muddydisco]

Welcome Along :

If it's sure to all go in one night then I wouldn't bother with co2, but if it doesn't go, you've let in air towards the end and would only have 2-3 days tops to finish off everything thats left.

It really depends on your friends, if they are ok with real cask ales not being so carb'd and it'll all go in a night, there's no need for it. And if it doesn't will they rally around to make sure it does within the next few days?

 

[sjacko20]

Thank you for the replies, CO2 on order.

Simon