bottling from a cask

[killian]

I was just thinking about draining a cask and filling growlers. Im not sure how well the co2 volumes would keep. Im thinking that it would keep for a day or two maybe longer. Would this work?

 

[Bob]

Good on yer for cask conditioning ales! It isn't easy, but it is rewarding. What were the circumstances that led to the question?

The growlers will hold up for a day, maybe. Two, tops.

If the beer was properly conditioned it has between 1 and 1.8 volumes of CO2 in solution. In other words, there isn't that much carbonation in the beer to begin with, and the act of dispensing it will knock out more.

But, if it's not going to be consumed quickly, it's better to get the beer out of a tapped and mostly empty cask than let it sit in there to go off.

Cheers,

Bob

 

[killian]

I work for a small brewery and I love real ale. Im thinking that I could pull a pin full out of the primary near the end of fermentation. I think there would be some interest and I could sell some(8-9) growlers in a day. Im not sure if the brewery would let me do this but its just some thing I was thinking about trying to do.

 

[Bob]

Aw, hell!

If you work for a brewpub, you're golden! Cask ale goes over really, really well in most brewpubs. Make it special by being there when it's tapped, don't do it every day (or even every week), and get the info to your customers to they make it a point to visit that day.

If you work for a small brewery, go out and sell a draught account on a "cask ale & meet the brewer" night!

Whatever you do, make it special. I always took ale from the primary at the tail end of fermentation and did something to it, whether it's dry hopping, a unique priming sugar, or some sort of spice.

As for the mechanics of it, you're going to need some gear whether you dispense by gravity or with a handpump. Call Paul at UKBrewing or visit his website.

Seriously, if you can sell it, your boss won't be able to say no. Talk it over with him, of course. You can email me privately for more tricksyness.

Tell us where we can get your cask ale!

Cheers,

Bob

 

[killian]

I work for a small brewery(not a brew pub), I was thinking of offering this once a month. Im only working there part time Im not sure how well my suggestions will go over but I think it might be worth a try.

 

[Bob]

It might very well be worth a try. Depends on the beer market within a short drive of the brewery; I don't suggest traveling too far from the brewery.

If you do nothing else, get this book. Absolutely required reading! Even if your idea doesn't fly, it's a must-have in the brewer's library.

Good luck with it!

Bob

 

[killian]

that looks like some good reading, I will look in to it thanks.