Technology Used for Beer Drawing Influences Beer Quality

Based on research, experts recommend a mixture of technical gases

An extensive survey conducted by the experts of Plzensky Prazdroj’s Technical Service has confirmed the unquestionable influence of the technology used for beer drawing on the resulting taste and quality of the golden drink. A mixture of technical gases has proved to be the best technology. On the contrary, the use of air compressors is the least suitable approach.

The experts from Plzensky Prazdroj’s Technical Service have focused on the influence of technologies used for beer drawing on the final quality of beer. Air compressors proved not to be ideal for beer pouring. When using this pouring technology, which is still common, the pub keeper does not have complete control over what comes into the beer with the air. The air that flows through the compressor may contain various unsuitable substances, in particular in pubs located near busy roads. The negative influence of air also leads to beer oxidation – beer ages faster and its quality deteriorates.

Plzensky Prazdroj’s experts believe that technical gases produced for this special purpose are more suitable for beer drawing. They do not cause beer oxidation and have no impact on its taste. Research has shown that the use of a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen in a ratio of 1:1 brings the best results. If a keg is tapped for longer than a day, this mixture guarantees perfect protection against beer weathering, thereby supporting its durability. Compared to air compressors, this technology is not considerably more expensive. Investment in equipment using a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen raises the price of beer by approximately CZK 0.15 per half-litre.

“Given the competition amongst pubs and the tradition of beer drinking in our country, consumers are not only interested in the price but also in the quality of draught beer. From this point of view we recommend that pubs drawing beer from kegs use technical gases. It is not because the European Union prohibits or could prohibit the use of air compressors in the future. We ourselves believe that this technology is out of date, not suitable, and potentially dangerous for the quality of draught beer”.

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