You have the keg, you have the glasses, you have a group of thirsty friends. But before you can start drinking, you need to mount the tap and then tap the beer.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Before mounting the Faucet
Step 1. Identify the type of faucet
Most domestic drums sold in Italy use the "S" system. However, it is best to ask the seller for confirmation, as some imported beers may require another tap mounting system. Some possible systems include:
- American "D", European "S", and "U" systems
- The Grundy "G" system
- The German Slider or "A & M" systems
Step 2. Chill your keg
For a perfect beer, put the keg in the fridge before fitting the tap. To cool it completely (and not just the bottom half):
- Wrap the drum holder with a garbage bag.
- Fill the bottom of the bag with ice.
- Place the keg in the bag on top of the ice.
- Put more ice in the bag, around the perimeter of the keg.
-
Pull the bag over and around the keg, adding even more ice.
It helps to have a friend here. One to hold the bag around the barrel and the other to fill it with ice
- Close the sack full of ice.
-
Leave the keg in the ice for 4-5 hours.
Remember to replace the ice after a while, it tends to melt
Step 3. Cool the faucet
Don't forget to cool the entire tapping system as well. Otherwise you will lose gas when the cold beer meets the lukewarm pipe of the tapping system. To cool the tapping system properly, put it on ice a couple of hours before use.
Method 2 of 5: Tapping with American "D", European "S" or "U" systems
Step 1. Remove the plastic or cardboard from the system above the drum
- You will see slits on the top of the barrel and a round valve with a raised ball in the center.
- The slots are a guide for the notches on the faucet and hold it in place.
- Remember that the "D", "E" and "U" valves are difficult to distinguish from the German Slider and the "A" and "M" systems. Ask the dealer.
Step 2. Place the pump over the keg
- With the lever up (OFF), align the two tabs with their respective openings on the keg valve.
- Insert the tapping system into the keg valve. This will push the ball down. You don't have to be Schwarzenegger to do it but a little energy helps.
- As you push down, turn the tap clockwise. It is important to maintain constant downward pressure until the tap is fully inserted.
- Keep turning until you can no longer do this, about 90 degrees.
Step 3. Activate the dispenser
- Pull the handle and lower it (ON).
- OR rotate the flanges.
Step 4. Check the layout
If you see bubbles or foam around the tap it is not mounted correctly.
- If there are bubbles around the tap you need to turn off the pump, disassemble it and try again.
- If the arrangement looks fine and there are no bubbles around the tap / tap continue on.
Method 3 of 5: Tapping with the Grundy "G" system
Step 1. Remove the plastic or cardboard from the system above the drum
You will see a triangular valve on the top of the barrel
Step 2. Place the pump over the keg
- With the lever at the top (OFF) aligns the triangular opening with the drum valve.
-
Push the tap system into the valve.
You don't have to be Schwarzenegger to do it but a little energy helps
-
Keep pushing down. Turn the tap clockwise.
It is important to maintain constant downward pressure until the tap is fully inserted
- Keep turning until you can no longer do this, about 90 degrees.
Step 3. Activate the dispenser
Pull the lever out and lower it (ON).
Step 4. Check the layout
-
If you see bubbles or foam around the tap it is not mounted correctly.
- Turn off the pump.
- Pull it away.
- Try again.
- If the arrangement looks fine and there are no bubbles around the tap / tap continue on.
Method 4 of 5: Tapping with the German Slider and the "A and M" systems
Step 1. Remove the plastic or cardboard from the system above the drum
- You will see a round valve.
- Note that the "A" and "M" valves are difficult to distinguish from those of the "D", "S" or "U" systems. Remember to ask your dealer.
Step 2. Place the pump over the keg
- Check that the coupler lever is in the OFF position (upwards).
- With the lever up, align the base of the coupler with the side of the keg valve.
- Slide the tap system into the keg valve.
Step 3. Install the tap
Lower the lever to complete the connection.
Step 4. Check the seal
-
If you see bubbles or foam coming out of the plug it is not inserted correctly.
- Remove the faucet.
- Pull it away.
- Try again.
- If the seal is in good condition. There are no bubbles around the barrel plug / seal, go ahead.
Method 5 of 5: Tap the Beer
Step 1. Get the glasses
- Scratches inside the glasses can become points where bubbles form and therefore can cause the beer to lose gas. To avoid this, if the glasses have scratches, pass them under water before tapping.
- If you use plastic cups they are not a problem.
Step 2. Start tapping
- Don't pump for the first few pints.
- Press the dispenser. The pressure already present in the keg is more than enough to tap the beer.
Step 3. Set the foam aside
Don't worry, the first pint is all foam. This is normal and the beer will arrive immediately after. Either way, handle the foam in the best way. Foam door foam. So adding beer to the glass of foam will create more foam and waste more beer. Then put the first froth in a separate glass and let it deflate before adding more beer.
Step 4. Tap the beer
To minimize the direction. Tilt the glass to 45 degrees when you start tapping. In this the beer will roll into the glass as you tap it. As the glass fills it returns to the vertical position.
Step 5. Maintain perfect tapping
There is no rule that tells you how many times you have to pump per pint of beer. Keep an eye on the flow of beer.
- If the beer comes out quickly and you see foam, stop pumping. Some drums have a valve to release the pressure that you can open by pulling the attached metal ring.
- If the beer jet loses intensity, pump the keg a little more.
Warnings
- Do not serve alcohol to minors.
- Do not drink alcohol if you are a minor.
- Drums are high pressure vessels and therefore considered dangerous. Better protect your eyes.
