“Beer, if drunk in moderation, softens the temper, cheers the spirit, and promotes health.” – Thomas Jefferson
Thomas knew what he was talking about! Especially when it comes to the magic of draught beer. In a world flooded with bottles and cans, the experience of a fresh, perfectly poured pint straight from the keg remains unmatched. At Drifter Brewing Systems, we’ve seen firsthand how draught beer continues to define the authentic craft beer experience, from bustling breweries in Cape Town to the smallest taprooms tucked away in rural towns.
What is Draught Beer?
Let’s get straight to it. Draught beer is beer that is served from a keg, cask, or pressurized container rather than from a bottle or can. It’s typically fresher because it skips extensive pasteurization and long shelf times. This freshness isn’t just a marketing ploy. It’s a taste you can feel—smooth, lively, and bursting with character. Serving beer straight from the keg means less oxidation and a flavor profile that’s true to the brewer’s original vision.
Interestingly, draught beer often retains delicate notes that bottling or canning can mute. That bright, hoppy nose of a fresh IPA or the subtle caramel tones in a malty amber? Much more pronounced when served on draught.
Draught Beer vs. Draft Beer
You’ve probably seen both “draught” and “draft” splashed across taps and menus. Here’s the truth: they are simply different spellings of the same word. “Draft” is American English; “draught” hails from British English. At Drifter Brewing Systems, we prefer “draught” — not just because it sounds more old-world and artisanal, but because we believe in honoring the global history of brewing.
Whether you spell it draft or draught, the meaning doesn’t change. What does matter is that both describe beer served from a keg or cask, usually under the gentle push of carbon dioxide, preserving freshness and flavor like a hidden treasure.
How Draught Beer is Stored and Served
Great draught beer doesn’t happen by accident. It demands precision. Kegs must be stored at a steady, cool temperature, ideally between 3°C and 5°C. Too warm and the beer spoils faster, too cold and the flavor flattens out.
When we design systems for breweries in Cape Town and across Africa, we stress the importance of CO2 regulation. Proper pressure not only maintains the beer’s natural carbonation but ensures every pour has that perfect creamy head—not too foamy, not too flat. Installation isn’t just about piping and taps; it’s about preserving the soul of the beer.
Maintaining a clean line system is just as crucial. Allowing buildup—whether yeast, sugar residues like treacle sugar, or hop oils—can destroy flavors and ruin the customer experience. Scheduled cleaning, rigorous maintenance, and temperature consistency create the draught beer that customers come back for again and again.
Types of Draught Beer Systems
At Drifter Brewing Systems, we’ve worked with them all, from cozy pubs to sprawling breweries.
Direct Draw Systems
This system is straightforward, ideal for venues where kegs sit directly beneath the taps. Minimal tubing, maximum freshness. However, it demands smart use of space and regular line cleaning.
Long Draw Systems
Here, kegs live remotely, often in a walk-in cooler, connected to taps through long, insulated lines. It’s brilliant for larger venues but does require more investment in both installation and ongoing maintenance.
Air-Cooled Systems
Cost-effective and great for temporary setups, air-cooled systems use fans to chill beer lines. They work well but require careful climate control, especially in warmer environments like the Cape coast.
Each system has its place. Choosing the right one depends on volume, location, and the brand experience you want to deliver.
Draught Beer vs. Other Styles
You might wonder how draught beer fits among ales, IPAs, lagers, stouts, and the dizzying array of craft beer options. Let’s break it down.
Draught Beer vs. Ale
Ale uses top-fermenting yeast and is brewed at warmer temperatures, often resulting in fruitier flavors. Draught beer can be ale if it is kegged fresh, but the term “draught” refers to how it’s served, not what style it is.
Draught Beer vs. IPA
IPAs are beloved for their hop-heavy punch. When served as draught beer, the aromatic intensity—those piney, citrusy blasts—is much more vivid than in packaged versions.
Draught Beer vs. Stout and Pilsner
Stouts, with their rich notes of coffee and chocolate, often taste smoother on draught thanks to lower carbonation and nitrogen infusion. Pilsners, crisp and light, sparkle even more brightly when freshly poured.
Not all beers are created equal, but all beers can shine when properly served on draught.
Why Draught Beer is the Gold Standard for True Beer Lovers
Freshness is king. Unlike bottled or canned beer that can sit for months, draught beer brings you as close as possible to the brewery’s taproom. It’s vibrant, it’s alive, and it captures the fleeting perfection that great brewers labor to create.
It’s also better for the planet. Draught beer minimizes waste compared to single-use bottles and cans. Plus, the ingredient integrity is higher. Brewers are less reliant on preservatives like sodium metabisulfite to extend shelf life, preserving a more authentic flavor.
When you’re savoring a great pint, you’re not just drinking beer. You’re part of a centuries-old ritual—a direct connection from brewer to drinker, unfiltered (well, mostly) and full of life.
FAQs About Draught Beer
Is Draught Beer Stronger?
Not necessarily! The strength depends on the style, not the serving method. Some lighter pilsners on draught can have lower ABVs, while certain IPAs or stouts might pack a bigger punch.
Can Craft Beer Be Served as Draught Beer?
Absolutely! In fact, most craft beer is best enjoyed on draught. Small-batch brewing thrives on freshness, and nothing highlights a master brewer’s skills like a draught pour.
How Long Does Draught Beer Stay Fresh?
Typically, a tapped keg stays fresh for about 20-30 days if properly refrigerated and pressurized. After that, flavors can start to fade.
A Better Beer Awaits You
At Drifter Brewing Systems, we believe that every pint of draught beer is an opportunity. An opportunity to taste authenticity. To connect with centuries of brewing heritage. To celebrate craft, creativity, and community.
Next time you lift a glass—whether at one of the buzzing breweries in Cape Town or in your favorite local pub—savor the story behind the pour. It’s not just beer. It’s draught beer, and it’s crafted to be unforgettable.
Cheers to the next great pint!