Which gas should I use?

[silverbrewer]

Here are a couple of questions......The "Gas type" one is most important....

I have just got a couple of half full 30/70 mixed gas cylinders. That implies the gas is 30% Co2 and 70% nitrogen, so if I was to fill my cornies with a decent ESB and use this gas, it will turn out like a decent tasting version of Boddingtons smooth flow, which was not the plan, so this gas needs to go!

Pubs use mixed gas all the time, so when I re-fill these bottles, should I go for a mixed gas with more Co2, or straight Co2?

I only intend to gently serve the beer with the gas, and use minimal pressure so it comes out of the corny tap.

Am I right in saying that if I get one of those blanket pressure regulators that CAMRA like to hate, and connect it in a gas bottle/corny/beer engine combo, will that set up only supply Co2 to replace the beer sucked out, I.E. zero pressure in corny?

Thanks guys

 

[Mark1964]

mixed gas is only suitable for Guinness normal co2 for everything else

 

[Hawks]

I was under the impression that some pubs also used mix gas 30/70 at blanket pressure to prolong the life of a real ale :hmm:
Will now try to remember where I learnt that...

 

[rpt]

mixed gas is only suitable for Guinness normal co2 for everything else

No, this isn't true. The pub near work also serves bitters (such as John Smiths) with mixed gas - this is how the Smoothflow works. Lagers are served just with CO2. Fortunately they also serve proper beer too.

 

[Runwell-Steve]

mixed gas is only suitable for Guinness normal co2 for everything else

No, this isn't true. The pub near work also serves bitters (such as John Smiths) with mixed gas - this is how the Smoothflow works. Lagers are served just with CO2. Fortunately they also serve proper beer too.

It is true, mixed gas is only suitable for Guinness. The fact it is used to turn what was once good beer into smoothflow ***** does not mean it is suitable for the job.

Unless you want Guinness, then get CO2, this is the same gas as produced by fermenting beer in a cask, so as close as you will get to Real Ale. All lager is dispensed with CO2 as well.

 

[Runwell-Steve]

I was under the impression that some pubs also used mix gas 30/70 at blanket pressure to prolong the life of a real ale :hmm:
Will now try to remember where I learnt that...

They use pure CO2 as a blanket in Cask breathers. It works a treat in keeping cask beer in good condition, CAMRA hate them as they are only interested in pubs with high turnover that don't need to prolong the life of a cask. They would I assume prefer to serve vinegar.

 

[rpt]

mixed gas is only suitable for Guinness normal co2 for everything else

No, this isn't true. The pub near work also serves bitters (such as John Smiths) with mixed gas - this is how the Smoothflow works. Lagers are served just with CO2. Fortunately they also serve proper beer too.

It is true, mixed gas is only suitable for Guinness. The fact it is used to turn what was once good beer into smoothflow ***** does not mean it is suitable for the job.

Unless you want Guinness, then get CO2, this is the same gas as produced by fermenting beer in a cask, so as close as you will get to Real Ale. All lager is dispensed with CO2 as well.

I was getting confused between "what the industry does" and "what is a good thing". Silly me. As I said, I don't consider smoothflow proper beer. Unfortunately, most people seem happy with improper beer.

 

[Hawks]

I was under the impression that some pubs also used mix gas 30/70 at blanket pressure to prolong the life of a real ale :hmm:
Will now try to remember where I learnt that...

They use pure CO2 as a blanket in Cask breathers. It works a treat in keeping cask beer in good condition, CAMRA hate them as they are only interested in pubs with high turnover that don't need to prolong the life of a cask. They would I assume prefer to serve vinegar.

You can use either still I believe - memory back a bit and it was someone who worked for Gales before Fullers bought them out. He set up cellar systems and had used mixed gas over casks.

Lagers / ciders can also served with mixed gas - although likely to be 60/40

If I had a bottle of it I'd be finding more out - as it is I just use CO2 :thumb:

 

[johnnyboy1965]

If its a mixed gas 30/70 cylinder, you can only refill with mixed gas. No one will put C02 in a mixed gas cylinder. You might be able to swap (one-for-one) to C02.

 

[silverbrewer]

Rats! I did not want to hear that! Can I paint it a different colour and then take it for a re-fill (....... Back to the plan that involves collecting Co2 from the fermenter in a big weather balloon and getting the missis to sit on it when I need serving pressure )

 

[Dave1970]

Rats! I did not want to hear that! Can I paint it a different colour and then take it for a re-fill (....... Back to the plan that involves collecting Co2 from the fermenter in a big weather balloon and getting the missis to sit on it when I need serving pressure )

No sorry, they have a different fitting, like you said, the big balloon is the answer

 

[johnnyboy1965]

Rats! I did not want to hear that! Can I paint it a different colour and then take it for a re-fill (....... Back to the plan that involves collecting Co2 from the fermenter in a big weather balloon and getting the missis to sit on it when I need serving pressure )

I might be able to get it changed for you, Ill check with my friend.What is it that you have and what do you need