brianj434

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Due to lack of room in our apartment I was able to convince my wife that I could just put a draft sytem under our kitchen sink cabinet space and attach a tower at the accesory hole in the sink itself (the cap was a rusting eyesore) .

Is it possible/ worth it to balance a draft sytem to run at room temperature with the proper carbonation and serving pressure? I know the CO2 solubility would be lowered by the increased temperature.

I think I could use a cold glass or mug from the fridge and have a satisfying home-brew expirience.

What do you all think?

kpr121

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Hmmm.... i think you would have a hard time getting the correct carbonation, although I guess theoretically it could be done.

So you have no room for a cold box of any kind? What about one of those super small dorm refrigerators? I'm thinking you could either create a custom cabinet that the fridge cools, or even possible run a line through a plate chiller in the fridge that houses a bucket of water or glycol?

Maybe thats a bit far fetched, but might be possible, no?

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Franc103

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I've considered the same project, but I'm thinking about running a line of sparkling water up from the basement to a tower at the sink.

I think you'll do fine carbonating at room temp. You'll use more gas, but it's a small price to pay for convenience.

Maybe consider something like a tap-a-draft system instead and keep it in the fridge?

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Arneba28

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Even if you get it good and carbonated at room temp, you will have a super foamy pint when it poors. Even into a cold iced down glass you will have tones of head. an Electric cold plate or running the line through a cooler with some ice will do better then warm beer out of the tap.

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brianj434

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Thanks for the responses. We do usually keep our fridge pretty full and its furnished by the land lords so i wouldnt want to cut the gasket or drill a hole in the side. I have not explored it for an external drain hole; if it has one i could probably enlarge that and go undetected.

I am also viewing this project as a strategic move, creating oppotunities for future progress. If I have an agreement to keg now, I think I should take advantage of it. In the future, this agreeable mood may be gone, do you know what i mean? Most of the initial investment on the kegging equipment will be paid for by a gift certificate i got from my old job.

I think I may go for it. Then if it doesnt work, I will already have a kegging set up that shouldnt go unused. I could then make a case for a minifridge or keezer set up.

brianj434

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Arneba,

If a system is balanced at room temp why would the pour be more foamy than one balanced at a conventional temperature?

In my head it seems like it should be the same...

jbrookeiv

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Make some room in your fridge for a Tap-A-Draft system, I can almost guarantee that there is a bunch of crap taking up room in your fridge.

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Franc103

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Plus, given your circumstances, I really hope you like English pub-style ales. Milds, bitters, porters, etc. The low carbonation and warmer serving temps would fit this project well. I wouldn't throw a hefe in the keg with your setup.

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kpr121

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I would think you would maybe run into some trouble when you try to pour that balanced beer into an ice cold glass, but I may be overthinking it.

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Primary: Two Hearted Ale (3/31/13 - WLP029 and Bells Strain), Elin (Blonde Pale) (2/23 - US05), Brown Trout Stout (2/23)
Kegged: Elin (Blonde Pale) (2/23), Brown Trout Stout (2/23), Miller Lite Clone (1/18), Apfelwein (12/31/12), Pliny Clone (12/28),
Bottled: Brown Trout Stout (2/23), Blueberry Brandy (12/31), Sterling Cream (12/1/12), Baby Day Mead 2012, Amarone 2011
Bulk Aging: Amarone 2012 (11/6/12), Grape Mead (2/12/12)
Up Next: ???? Suggestions?

brianj434

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the cold glass should cool the beer which should make CO2 even more soluble in the liquid. You are right though, turbulence from the pour and ice on the glass would cause plenty of nucelation sites for bubble to form.

Those are the exact beers i prefer.

Im going by the LBS after work to take measurments and see if everything will fit under my sink. I think they run a room temp system so im going to talk to them about it.