how to serve from keg - only getting foam!

[SilverShadow]

Fascinating thread here guys This is the sort of info you don't always find just idling through brewing websites.

I've had a few problems with pouring mine - the tap was hissing and spluttering. In the end I found pushing down on the liquid ball lock connector seemed to cure it, so I probably need to give it another deep clean or replace it.

I've also suffered the pint of froth on my IPAs, so will try a longer dispense tube & lower pressure to see how that affects it

 

[hoppyscotty]

Dropping pressure to serve is a good strategy when bringing a keg to a party where the keg will be emptied pretty quickly, but the beer loses carbonation very quickly, in my experience at least, so no good for a more permanent home setting. I'd rather rig up a party tap with about 3m of 3/16 beer line and serve at full pressure.

 

[AnimatedGIF]

Dropping pressure to serve is a good strategy when bringing a keg to a party where the keg will be emptied pretty quickly, but the beer loses carbonation very quickly, in my experience at least, so no good for a more permanent home setting. I'd rather rig up a party tap with about 3m of 3/16 beer line and serve at full pressure.

That's a good point about parties, especially if using sodastream or 16g bulbs at such a party.

 

[Pennine]

Interesting, I always carbed up and pulled the CO2 off once it's fully carbed and then vented a bit before serving. Every 3 pints or so I would top up the CO2. I never did notice a drop in carbonation?

 

[Corbières]

Interesting, I always carbed up and pulled the CO2 off once it's fully carbed and then vented a bit before serving. Every 3 pints or so I would top up the CO2. I never did notice a drop in carbonation?

Same here

 

[AnimatedGIF]

Interesting, I always carbed up and pulled the CO2 off once it's fully carbed and then vented a bit before serving. Every 3 pints or so I would top up the CO2. I never did notice a drop in carbonation?

I imagine you wouldn't notice if you're topping up every three pints or so, assuming it's topped up at somewhere close to carbonation pressure.

 

[Corbières]

I imagine you wouldn't notice if you're topping up every three pints or so, assuming it's topped up at somewhere close to carbonation pressure.

What about a low carbed cask style ale at 6-8psi - 1.8ish volumes around 9-10c ?? No need to top up pressure straight from keg.

 

[AnimatedGIF]

What about a low carbed cask style ale at 6-8psi - 1.8ish volumes around 9-10c ?? No need to top up pressure straight from keg.

Maybe not, I don't know, but I am talking generally.
Whatever I am serving, I just keep the gas hooked up until empty as I don't have the time to be connecting/disconnecting/topping up/reducing pressureq which all, to me, have no obvious benefit.

 

[xozzx]

Maybe not, I don't know, but I am talking generally.
Whatever I am serving, I just keep the gas hooked up until empty as I don't have the time to be connecting/disconnecting/topping up/reducing pressureq which all, to me, have no obvious benefit.

Totally agree. It also prevents any mistakes such as over-carbing a keg or connecting something wrong and losing a load of beer. I have secondary regulators for each keg, depending on the style I set the pressure when I put the keg in and leave it till the keg is empty. Occasionally Ill adjust it if I feel the carbonation is too high or low but then just leave it to settle to the new pressure. Less faff and carbonation always spot on.

 

[Pennine]

That's what it was, the dip tube! Took it apart and reseated the tube and it's perfect now!

Did you just take off the liquid post off and pull out the dip tube to reseat or was there something else you used?

 

[RoomWithABrew]

Bit late to the party here, but only serving foam at the beginning anyway so the delay has paid off.

These two tools are very helpful when working out carbonation and line length. Stops the guesswork.

https://drhansbrewery.com/beercarbonationcalculator/
http://www.mikesoltys.com/2012/09/17/determining-proper-hose-length-for-your-kegerator/
Also Kegland now making 3mm internal diameter tube which should be ideal for carry around baby kegs.