18
FLAT BEER
Foamy head disappears quickly: beer lacks usual zestful brewery fresh flavor.
Causes Corrections
1)
? Greasy glass
1)
? Do not wash beer glasses together with glasses
that have contained milk or any other fatty
substance. Lipstick is a fatty substance.. Make
sure it is removed from glass.
? Excess amount of germicides build up and leave
a fatty film on glass, which may cause flat beer.
? It is preferable to steam and sterilize glasses
where health laws permit.
? Wash glasses thoroughly with a good detergent.
? Do not use soap.
? Do not dry-wipe glasses. Permit glasses to air-
dry by placing them on wire or corrugated metal.
? Rinse in fresh cold water just before serving
beer. It is best to serve beer in a wet glass.
2)
? Improper drawing of beer into glass.
2)
? Open faucet quickly and completely.
? Check and find the correct distance to hold
glass from faucet when drawing. Proper foam
should be a tight creamy head, and the collar on
the average glass should be ¾” to 1” high.
? Beer drawn without head has appearance of
being flat.
3)
? Not enough pressure.
3)
? Increase pressure if beer runs too slowly.
Correct flow is to fill
4)
? Defective Thomas and Tongue Vents.
? Pressure is shut off.
4)
? Check all washers frequently, particularly the air
vents. A clogged vent will obstruct the flow of air
or Co2.
? Check source of pressure. Check power source
when air compressor is used. Air compressor
should never be connected to light switch. Make
certain to have a separate electric plug outlet for
the compressor.
? Check CO
2
tank, if empty, replace (See inside
cover for proper procedure).
? When barrel is tapped, and proper pressure
applied, pressure must always remain on until
barrel is empty.
? If beer is started without first applying pressure
beer will be wild at the start, and flat towards the
end.
5)
? Pre-color, or beer system, too cold.
5)
? With an accurate thermometer, check
temperature in pre-cooler or box.
? Temperature at the faucet should always be
colder by at least two degrees than at the
pre cooler or box.
6)
? Sluggish pressure regulators.
6)
? A regular seat, or the regulator diaphragm, may
require replacing.
? Also, check the same as you would for
Corrections 3 & 4.