Can we talk about how much easier draft beer is than bottles during a rush?

I used to swear by bottles at my old gig in Austin because I thought they were faster to grab and go. But after working a Friday night shift here pouring drafts, I realized I was wrong - a good tap system lets me fill three pints in the time it takes to twist off one bottle cap. Plus no glass returns to deal with later. Anyone else find a specific station way smoother than you expected?

2 comments

2 Comments

xena_allen1d ago

Remember reading in the trade magazines that the real trick is having a properly balanced system with the right line length and pressure. Heard a brewery rep talk about how most bars cheap out on install and end up with foamy pours that waste product and slow everyone down. Sounds like you got lucky with a place that actually set things up right from the start. The difference in speed is huge when you don't have to babysit every pour just to get a decent pint. Makes me wonder how many bar owners even understand that part of their equipment.

the_jesse1d ago

Wait, are we talking about a tower system with speed pours or one of those kegerators with the short shanks? Because I've worked places where the taps were so slow you'd be better off chiseling ice off a bottle. Like, one bar I did a trial shift at had these generic towers that poured so much foam you'd waste half the pint waiting for it to settle out. Did you have to deal with that kind of crap, or did your system actually pour clean right away?