What is Draft beer (or draught beer)?

Draft beer (or draught beer) is beer served fresh from a keg or cask through a tap system, rather than from bottles or cans. It is typically unpasteurized, kept under pressure with CO₂ or nitrogen, and prized for its fresher flavor, natural carbonation, and shorter shelf life.

🍺 What Draft Beer Means

• Definition: Beer stored in a keg or cask and dispensed via a tap system.

• Spelling: “Draught” (UK, Australia, New Zealand) vs. “Draft” (North America).

• Serving Method: Poured directly from pressurized containers using CO₂ or nitrogen gas.

• Temperature: Usually served cold at 36–40°F (2–4°C).

• Shelf Life:

  • Unpasteurized draft: 45–60 days refrigerated.

  • Pasteurized draft: 90–120 days refrigerated.

  • Once tapped: 30–45 days, but hop-forward beers fade after ~2 weeks.

⚖️ Draft Beer vs. Bottled/Canned Beer

• Flavor

  • Draft Beer: Fresher, more aromatic

  • Bottled/Canned Beer: Can lose volatile hop oils over time

• Carbonation

  • Draft Beer: Natural, smoother

  • Bottled/Canned Beer: Often more artificial or sharp

• Shelf Life

  • Draft Beer: Shorter (weeks–months)

  • Bottled/Canned Beer: Longer (months–years)

• Experience

  • Draft Beer: Poured at bars/pubs, social

  • Bottled/Canned Beer: Convenient, portable

• Storage

  • Draft Beer: Requires keg system

  • Bottled/Canned Beer: Easy to store at home

🌍 Cultural Notes

• UK & Europe: Traditional cask ales (unpressurized) are considered “real ale.” CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) promotes these methods.

• US: Draft beer accounts for ~10% of sales, with microbreweries emphasizing freshness and variety.

• Vietnam (your location): Draft beer is popular in local “bia hơi” shops—light, fresh lager served daily from kegs, often enjoyed with street food. It’s inexpensive and part of Hanoi’s social drinking culture.

⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind

• Freshness Risk: Draft beer spoils faster; poorly maintained lines can cause off-flavors.

• Storage & Hygiene: Clean tap lines are critical—dirty systems can ruin taste.

• Serving Pressure: Incorrect CO₂ pressure leads to flat beer or excessive foam.