Pressure barrell carbonation

thehorse · Nov 2, 2015

I'd just like to ask: does it necessarily follow that beer sitting in a pressure barrell will pour flat?

As I understand it, the CO2 cartridges are only to force beer out of the barrell. Does this mean that bottles are the only answer for getting bubbles in your beer?

Also: how do pub handpumps produce both carbonation and/or a creamy head?

Racinsnake · Nov 2, 2015

I understand it as the sugar added in your barrel should create the fizz and bubbles (Co2) by a secondary fermentation. The Co2 from cylinders is just to push your beer out.
If your disappointed with the look of your pint it's been said clean dry, glasses untainted by dishwasher residue help. Iv also found the sparkler taps make a fantastic difference, not to mention a quicker pour :-D
Hope this helps.
Rob.

Dads_Ale · Nov 2, 2015

In the barrel the beer should have a degree of carbonation from secondary fermentation of the priming sugar. The CO2 cartridges aid dispense and add a degree of overpressure so the CO2 already in the beer stay there longer. It will however probably go flat over time as you cannot maintain a high enough pressure in pressure barrels.

Corny kegs will give similar levels of carbonation as bottles and will maintain the carbonation over and extended time period as they allow you to add CO2 at a higher pressure (think lager in the pub)

Hand pumps do not produce carbonation, in fact they reduce it by forming the 'head'. Nitrogen is used in smooth beers as the bubbles are smaller so give less fizz sensation.

GHW · Nov 2, 2015

Did your prime the barrel with sugar before filling it? No idea if its possible to condition a barrel without priming but I always prime, and other than when they leak gas I've had no issues.

Also, beer from a barrel won't be fizzy like lager or bottled beer. It'll be like hand pulled cask ale, with a dense foamy head but no bubbles rising.

thehorse · Nov 2, 2015

Thanks. This might be a really dumb question, then, but how do handpumps and sparkler taps create the head, anyone? And what combination of barrel and tap creates the most pub-like pint?