How Draft Beer Systems Work @KegWorks

KegWorks At KegWorks, we love draft beer dispensing. Can you blame us? I mean, what’s better than bellying up to the bar for a fresh pint with a beautiful head of foam? We can think of only one thing: enjoying that same perfect pint in the comfort of your own home.

You know that we’re the experts when it comes to dispensing draft beer at home. And friends, we’re here to help. We’ve recently recorded a few videos that are meant to be a crash course in all things draft dispensing so that you feel confident getting your own system up and running.

This is a quick overview of the major components of any home draft beer dispensing system and it should help you feel comfortable dealing with the ins and outs of your own kegerator. Gain a quick overview of air tanks, beer regulators, beer and air lines, shanks, draft beer towers, and beer faucets.

Shop Draft Beer systems at KegWorks.com:
http://www.kegworks.com/beer/draft-beer

updated 10 years ago

How Draft Beer Systems Work

KegWorks 2014-06-27 | At KegWorks, we love draft beer dispensing. Can you blame us? I mean, what’s better than bellying up to the bar for a fresh pint with a beautiful head of foam? We can think of only one thing: enjoying that same perfect pint in the comfort of your own home.

You know that we’re the experts when it comes to dispensing draft beer at home. And friends, we’re here to help. We’ve recently recorded a few videos that are meant to be a crash course in all things draft dispensing so that you feel confident getting your own system up and running.

This is a quick overview of the major components of any home draft beer dispensing system and it should help you feel comfortable dealing with the ins and outs of your own kegerator. Gain a quick overview of air tanks, beer regulators, beer and air lines, shanks, draft beer towers, and beer faucets.

Shop Draft Beer systems at KegWorks.com:
http://www.kegworks.com/beer/draft-beer

Bar Foot Rail Bracket Options | Considerations For Choosing The Right Bracket

KegWorks 2024-03-08 | Bar rail brackets are an integral part of any bar rail project. Seriously, without them, your bar rail would just be a piece of tubing laying on the floor.
There are several things to consider when it comes to choosing the right bracket for mounting your bar rail. While the visual appeal of the brackets is important, you also have to take into account the type of surface that you are going to be mounting your bar rail tubing to. KegWorks offers a variety of brackets to fit any method of bar foot rail installation.

Measurements Needed For Custom Radius Work

KegWorks 2023-12-22 | You've decided to improve the value and style of your bar area by adding a custom radius bar rail to match the existing layout. That's great! But before you contact KegWorks to get your project started, there's some important information you'll want to have at the ready. VP of Commercial Sales Mick Whipple takes you through the measurements KegWorks needs before beginning work on any custom project.

Once you have your measurements on hand, reach out to our commercial sales department to get your custom bar rail order started. bit.ly/3Qxv2jt

Intuit Dome Bar Foot Rail Fabrication Process | Powder Coating

KegWorks 2023-11-24 | Applying the finishing touch to bar rail.🤌

KegWorks VP of Commercial Sales Mick Whipple is back to show you the next phase of our custom bar rail project that will be installed at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA. With our bar rail tubing expertly bent and formed, it’s off to be powder-coated along with the brackets and components.

When it comes to fabricating and finishing metals, Kegworks is the industry leader in delivering high-quality architectural metal products with efficient turnaround times. We have the ability to match any color to complete your project with a one-of-a-kind finish. Contact us today to start the process for your custom bar rail, drink rail, or any types of decorative metal.

Intuit Dome Bar Foot Rail Fabrication Process | Finishing Touches

KegWorks 2023-11-17 | Handle with care📦

With the tubing fabricated and finished, the final step for our custom bar foot rail is preparing it for assembly before it heads out to the door to the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA. KegWorks VP of Commercial Sales Mick Whipple breaks down the process our fabrication team goes through before packaging any order.

KegWorks prides itself on the level of detail and service we provide our customers. Let us work with you for all of your architectural metal needs, whether it’s bar rail, drink rail, brass pipe shelving, or any custom project you can think of. Contact our team today!

Intuit Dome Bar Foot Rail Fabrication Process | Bending & Cutting Tubing

KegWorks 2023-11-13 | Let us take you on a journey🛣

This is the first step for our custom-fabricated bar rail that will reside in the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA, the eventual new home of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers.

KegWorks VP of Commercial Sales Mick Whipple takes you through how our fabricators use information from a technical drawing or plan to create our custom radius bends for bar rail and other architectural metal projects.

Once the raw tubing is crafted into its required form, it’s off to the next step, which we’ll illustrate in the next chapter of this series.

Start your custom architectural metal project with KegWorks today!

Intuit Dome Bar Foot Rail Fabrication Process | Project Introduction

KegWorks 2023-11-03 | When it comes to custom architectural metalwork for the hospitality industry, one area that KegWorks love going “for the W” is professional sports stadiums and arenas. VP of Commercial Sales Mick Whipple goes through some of the locations where KegWorks has provided finished materials and previews a stadium project currently in the pipeline.

Keep watching in the coming weeks as we show you how this project comes to fruition.

Smoke & Mirrors | Non-Alcoholic Mezcal Cocktail

KegWorks 2023-01-13 | Dry January is here and with it, awesome non-alcoholic cocktails. Hank here from KegWorks and today we’ll be making a non-alcoholic Smoke & Mirrors cocktail. We’ll be using Monday Zero Alcohol Mezcal as the spirit alternative for this cocktail, which is smokey, spicy, and very refreshing.

Dry January doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy craft cocktails. And with all of the Non-Alcoholic spirits available today, it’s easy to mix up your favorite drinks. Head to KegWorks.com to find everything you need to enjoy Dry January! Cheers!

How To Make A French 75 | Classic Cocktail Series

KegWorks 2022-12-30 | Today we’re making a French 75. This cocktail has a murky history, but was first found printed in The Savoy Cocktail Book in 1930. In the book it says the drink hits with remarkable precision, which is in reference to the 75 millimeter artillery cannon the French used in World War 1. If you or your guests don’t drink, you can easily make this Non-Alcoholic using Lyre’s Dry London Spirit and Classico. Just use these in place of the gin and sparkling wine and you have a delicious non-alcoholic cocktail.

Head to KegWorks.com to get everything you need to serve French 75’s, including options for those who choose not to drink! Cheers!

How To Make A Hot Buttered Rum 2 Ways | Easy Hot Holiday Cocktail

KegWorks 2022-12-19 | First found in Jerry Thomas’ Bartender’s Guide under the name Hot Spiced Rum, the hot buttered rum is simply Rum, sugar, spices, and of course butter. Top that with hot water and you have a delectable hot cocktail perfect for a cold day.

We’ll be making two drinks today. One will be similar to Jerry Thomas’ version with a few tweaks, then we’ll make one using the Collins Hot Buttered Rum Cocktail Mix, which is especially useful when you need to make multiple cocktails quickly when hosting.

As you can see, both ways of making a Hot Buttered Rum are quick, easy, and delicious. If making for a crowd the Collins mix will help you to make multiple drinks quickly. Either way, you and your guests are sure to enjoy this cocktail. You can purchase this cocktail mix and everything else you need to make delicious hot cocktails this winter at KegWorks.com. Cheers!

Pouring Czech Style Beers with a LUKR Side Pull Faucet

KegWorks 2022-12-03 | A traditional sight in parts of Europe for centuries, the Czech side pull draft beer faucet has just become something of a familiar sight for American beer drinkers in the past decade or so. Originally created to pour Czech pilsners, this different-looking draft faucet features a ball valve handle that you pull horizontally to pour beer from and a spout that you insert into the glass to fill it.

We teamed up with a great local bar and bottle shop here in Buffalo, The Beer Keep, to show you how to pour Czech style beer so you enjoy authentic mugs full of amazing beer!

How To Make A Gin Martini | Classic Cocktail Series

KegWorks 2022-10-25 | The Martini’s recipe is highly contested. Gin or Vodka? Shaken or Stirred? Olives, lemon twists, orange peels? How much vermouth should I use? In all honesty, a Martini is as unique as the person drinking it, so everyone should experiment to find their perfect Martini.

There are a few different stories about the exact origin of the martini, but one of the earliest books that included a martini recipe was The Hoffman House Bartender’s Guide published in 1905 and it is a very different recipe from the martini we know today.
Their recipe used gum syrup, bitters, curacao–or absinthe if requested, and equal parts vermouth and old tom gin. As soon as 1913 the Martini had evolved into 2 parts gin, 1 part vermouth and orange bitters, as listed in Straub’s Manual of Mixed Drinks. And of course the recipe has continued to evolve to this day.

Today, we’ll be making ours similar to that 1913 version, but I want to mention that you should experiment to find your perfect martini. Try different ratios, different bitters, different gins or vodkas, or try it dirty.

Also, use fresh vermouth!

How To Serve Drinks From a Pumpkin | Pumpkin Tap Kit

KegWorks 2022-09-30 | We’re hitting the pumpkin-everything time of year, so we’re here with more pumpkin stuff for you. But this one’s different. This one’s special. We’re talking about a DIY Pumpkin Keg here, people. The true king of “pumpkin stuff.” Follow our instructions on how to make your own pumpkin keg, and see for yourself.

3 Fever-Tree Distillers Cola Cocktails To Cool Off With

KegWorks 2022-09-15 | While we’ve seen an influx of premium tonic waters, ginger ales, and sodas to provide drinking enthusiasts with quality mixers to complement their favorite top-shelf spirits, there hasn’t been as much growth when it comes to cola.

Fever-Tree saw this as an opportunity and they got to work creating their Distillers Cola, which debuted in 2021. Just like their world-class tonic waters do for gin or vodka it uses naturally-sourced ingredients to create a cola that highlights the subtle flavors in any spirit that it’s paired with (especially darker spirits). It’s the ideal mixer for crafting a classic whiskey & cola or rum & cola while not masking the qualities of your spirit behind sugary sweetness.

We decided to take Distillers Cola, our favorite dark spirits, and some selections from our inventory of cocktail syrups to make a trio of popular cola drinks with something a little extra to make them truly extraordinary.

How To Make A Painkiller | Tiki Cocktail Recipe

KegWorks 2022-07-31 | As we wrap up tiki month at KegWorks, we want to share another classic tiki drink with you. The Painkiller was created in the 70s at the Soggy Dollar Bar, and was later trademarked by Pusser's Rum.

The Painkiller is a similar drink to the Pina Colada, but is more balanced and allows the rum to shine through as the dominant flavor. Make sure to Check out KegWorks.com to shop our selection of cocktail ingredients, drinkware, bar tools, and more. Cheers!

Urban Bar Etched Tiki Bar Tool and Drinkware Collection

KegWorks 2022-07-28 | Serve up some tasty tiki tipples with Urban Bar’s Etched Tiki Line of bar tools and drinkware. Each one is engraved with a tiki themed pattern featuring hula girls, tropical fruits, and more! The bar tools and julep cup are made of premium Japanese stainless steel and the mixing glass and drinkware feature clear, seamless glass.

This collection of bar tools and drinkware, with its premium construction and eye-catching array of etched tiki graphics is perfect for any tiki bar, and is a great gift for tiki lovers and mixologists! Get yours today at KegWorks.com!

How To Make A Jungle Bird | Tiki Cocktail Recipe

KegWorks 2022-07-15 | The Jungle Bird was created in the late 70s at the Aviary Bar and since, has become a popular tiki cocktail.

The Jungle Bird is a nicely balanced drink that is full of flavor and is always a great way to end a hot day.

How To Clean Draft Beer Lines

KegWorks 2022-07-11 | There’s no faster way to ruin the taste of your draft beer, then by not keeping your draft lines clean. All sorts of nasty things can collect or grow in lines that aren’t kept clean, including bacteria, mold, yeast and sediment (beer stone). These contaminants can create foaming and taint the taste and aroma of your beer.

It is recommended that you clean your draft lines with beer line cleaning solution a minimum every two weeks or, at least, every time you change kegs.

How To Make A Mai Tai | Tiki Cocktail Recipe

KegWorks 2022-07-01 | There are few drinks more inspired by tiki culture than a traditional (and delicious) Mai Tai. While there are many versions, we’re partial to this flavorful preparation that combines rum with other premium ingredients to create something special. We promise that with just one sip you’ll be transported to the beach, enjoying some cool island breezes in your brain. Sounds pretty good, right? Then let’s get into it.

How To Clean Draft Beer Keg Couplers | Deep Cleaning a Sankey D Coupler

KegWorks 2022-06-15 | Learn how give your keg coupler a deep cleaning to keep your draft beer system sanitary.

We recommend giving your coupler a deep clean every other time you clean your beer lines since bacteria can grow in places a standard beer line cleaning won’t reach.

Cleaning your keg coupler is a simple task that goes a long way towards keeping your draft system sanitary.

How To Make A Mint Julep | Classic Cocktail Series

KegWorks 2022-04-28 | The Kentucky Derby might be the most exciting two minutes in sports, but the Derby’s official drink, the Mint Julep, is meant to be savored slowly--preferably in a frosty metal cup. That's the way southerners have been enjoying them for generations.

In fact, Mint Juleps are one of the oldest-known cocktails. The earliest recorded mention of them comes from Travels of Four Years and a Half in the United States: 1798-1802, published in 1803. In it, the book's author, John Davis, describes the Mint Julep as "a dram of spirituous liquor that has mint in it, taken by Virginians of a morning." I guess that makes it one of the oldest-known brunch dranks as well.

Fortunately, you needn't travel to Dixie for a taste of one. The Mint Julep's short ingredient list (bourbon, fresh mint, sugar or simple syrup, crushed ice) requires little advanced planning, and putting one together doesn't require any special mixology skills. But it does require good ingredients and the patience and time to carry out each step of its preparation with care. A slapdash Mint Julep is no Mint Julep at all.

How To Install a Short Draw Glycol Pump Kit | Cooling Beer Lines Running Through a Wall

KegWorks 2022-04-18 | Keep the draft beer running through your short draw draft system chilled on its journey from keg to tap by using our Glycol Pump Kit.

The glycol pump can help you solve issues with warm beer and foamy pours as the beer lines remain in contact with the glycol supply/return line, or trunk line, to keep the liquid inside cool as it travels to the tap.

You just place the glycol chiller pump and reservoir jug inside your kegerator or refrigerator and run the coolant supply/return line up to your shank. Secure your beer lines to the coolant line to create your trunk line, and cover any trunk line that runs outside of the refrigerator with insulation tape or foam insulation.

This glycol chiller pump kit will keep short runs of up to 3' properly cooled.

Get yours at kegworks.com/sdgck-6

How To Install A Sidebar Liquor & Beverage Dispenser | Liquor at the Touch of a Button

KegWorks 2022-04-11 | The Sidebar system takes the clutter and mess out of mixing drinks. After quickly putting together the spout pieces and connecting them to the pre-assembled supply pack, just install your spankin' new Sidebar system in your home or patio bar, boat, limo, RV or just about anywhere you entertain.

You can store your supply bottles underneath a counter or in any location up to 10 feet away. It's perfect for areas with limited counter space and reduces mess from spillage and broken bottles. The fives pumps feature separate tubing to prevent intermixing of liquids.

It is designed to work with any non-carbonated and pulp-free beverages. Perfect for use indoors or outdoors.

Get yours: kegworks.com/sidebar-electronic-beverage-dispensing-system

Luigi Bormioli Elixir Decanter & Double Old Fashioned Tumbler Set Product Spotlight

KegWorks 2022-03-14 | Showcase your favorite spirits with this exquisite decanter and double old fashioned glass set from Italian glassmaker Luigi Bormioli.

The four DOF tumblers (DOF means double old fashioned) in this set each hold 12.75 oz and feature a unique and eye-catching textured design around the outside. The matching decanter holds just over 25 oz, and is ideal for storing and pouring whiskey, bourbon, rum and tequila. The stopper provides an airtight seal to keep your liquor preserved.

The entire 5-piece set is made from high-tech blown lead-free crystal glass and is break-resistant as well as dishwasher safe.

Get yours: kegworks.com/luigi-bormioli-elixir-spirits-decanter-dof-tumbler-set-5-pieces

How To Make An Old Fashioned Two Ways | Classic Cocktail Series

KegWorks 2022-02-18 | The old fashioned originated in the 1800s and follows the classic cocktail formula of spirit, sugar, water, and bitters. It went through many adaptations and name changes since its inception, and today there are still many variations that are commonly used. We’ll be making two popular variations.

Classic Old Fashioned
•1 barspoon of gum syrup
•2 dashes angostura aromatic bitters
•2 oz rye whiskey

Add ingredients to your glass then carefully add a large cube of ice to your glass and stir until chilled and diluted, about 20 seconds. Garnish with a lemon swath.

Modern Old Fashioned (Prohibition Era)
•1 sugar cube
•2 dashes angostura aromatic bitters
•½ orange slice
•2 maraschino cherries
•2 oz bourbon

Add the first four ingredients to your glass. Use a muddler to work those ingredients together then add 2 ounces of bourbon. Fill your glass with small ice cubes and stir chilled and diluted, about 20 seconds.
Garnish with the remaining half orange slice and another maraschino cherry.

These are only two of nearly unlimited variations of the old fashioned. Experiment by changing the type of syrup or bitters you use, the garnish you choose, or even the type of spirit.

Drop a comment below to let us know your preferred old fashioned recipe and don’t forget to stop by KegWorks.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=old-fashioned to shop our selection of cocktail ingredients, drinkware, bar tools, and more! Cheers!

Rastal Teku Stemmed Beer Glasses Product Spotlight

KegWorks 2022-01-24 | A beer connoisseur's collection isn't complete without this beer glass set. Truly appreciate the flavors and aromas present in your beer with the world's best design

The Teku German beer glass is built with outward curvature and a remarkably thin lip for a full sensory drinking experience and easy sipping. Someone who has never used a snifter beer glass will truly notice the difference the first time they use it. The Teku is the ideal craft beer glass for virtually any style, including fruited sours, Sour IPAs, stouts and Hazy IPAs.

Rastal has been making high-end glassware in Germany for nearly 100 years, and originally developed this Teku 3.0 glass for the Baladin Brewery in 2006. The title of the glasses combines the first names of Teo, a well-known Italian brewer, and Kuaska, the foremost Italian beer expert. Teku by Rastal have since gained universal acclaim as the world's greatest beer tasting glasses.

Get yours: kegworks.com/search.php?search_query=rastal%20teku§ion=content

Draft Beer Tower Cooler: Keep your Beer Cold from Keg to Faucet

KegWorks 2022-01-17 | Purchase a Draft Beer Tower Cooler for your kegerator at: kegworks.com/draft-beer-tower-fan-kit

It can be difficult to maintain cold beer as it travels through the beer tap tower. With the Draft Beer Tower Cooler, you can avoid the concern of warming your beer as it travels through the draft beer tower.

The design of this product means it fits neatly in any beer fridge, easily reaches the nearest outlet, and cools the beer tower all the way to the top, until the beer enters your glass.

How to Install a Draft Beer Tower Cooler
Step 1: Insert tubing into tower opening inside your kegerator
Step 2: Plug in the power supply cable

How To Build the Ultimate Keezer | Beer, Wine, and Cocktails on Tap

KegWorks 2022-01-10 | Looking for the ultimate way to serve beer, wine, and cocktails? Look no further than a keezer. A keezer is a converted freezer that can be customized to your needs.

Our keezer build will have a beer, wine, and manhattan on tap. We utilized a 7.1 cu. ft. freezer for our build, as well as an Inkbird temperature controller to control the freezer’s temperature.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:26 Planning the Build
1:21 Building the Collar
3:08 Install the Temperature Controller
3:37 Assemble the Draft Components
6:23 Outro

Go to KegWorks.com to purchase the components you need to build your ultimate keezer!

A Fever-Tree For All Seasons: 4 Terrific Drinks With Tonic Water You Need To Try

KegWorks 2021-11-08 | Tonic water is a major component of one of the most popular drinks on the planet, but there’s a lot more to tonic than just your average G&T.

Fever-Tree has painstakingly created a variety of premium, all-natural tonic waters that balance the bitterness from quinine with natural flavors from around the world. Many of these pair beautifully with vodka, tequila, mezcal, and more to highlight the characteristics of these spirits.

To help you expand your horizons when it comes to tonic water, we’ve created four drinks using four different styles of Fever-Tree tonic to correspond with the four seasons. Why not give these pairings a try, and then experiment to find a combination of spirit and mixer that’s right for you.

00:28 - For Spring: Gin and Mediterranean Tonic
01:06 - For Summer: Tequila and Citrus Tonic
01:38 - For Fall: Campari and Indian Tonic
02:08 - For Winter: Rye Whiskey and Elderflower Tonic

These four Fever-Tree tonic cocktails will get you started with trying out new ways to mix with premium tonic water. With the wide selection of Fever-Tree tonics available at KegWorks you’ll be able to come up with an almost infinite number of combinations any time of the year. Try out some new flavors or pick up a variety pack and start crafting now!

Shop Tonic Water At kegworks.com/cocktail-ingredients/shop-by-category/tonic-water-soda-pop

For more information check out the KegWorks Blog: content.kegworks.com/blog/tonic-water-cocktails

How to Use a Soda Siphon in 8 Easy Steps

KegWorks 2021-05-06 | Having a soda siphon as part of your home bar makes it easy to have seltzer water on demand. With just a few simple steps you can take basic tap or bottled water, and use the soda siphon to infuse it with carbonation to create your own seltzer without having to go to the store.

To purchase a soda siphon like the one in this video, visit www.kegworks.com/behind-the-bar-glass-soda-siphon-with-metal-mesh-1-liter

KegWorks Featured Bar Rail Project: The Banq

KegWorks 2021-04-16 | Back in March 2020, the original General Manager of The Banq Cocktails & Lounge, James Czora, sat down with KegWorks to talk about the design and construction of the project.

The Banq is the second business in the heart of Ellicottville for owner Dina DiPasquale. DiPasquale also operates Dina’s bar and restaurant, located adjacent to her newest venture. When trying to craft the image for The Banq, DiPasquale turned to her first general manager, James Czora, to help with an initial concept. Their goal was to create an establishment that stood out from the number of popular and well-known bars and restaurants that already exist in Ellicottville.

DiPasquale decided to use KegWorks polished brass bar foot rail to complement the gold and brass fixtures inside The Banq. The combination of green walls and golden-hued fixtures is a fitting nod to the lounge’s name and the history of the building.

─ Content ────────────────────

0:12 - Tell us a little about the background of The Banq
1:01 - Did you incorporate any of the original bank into the design?
1:49 - What was the inspiration for the bar space?
2:28 - Did you come up with the design on your own?
2:57 - What were the challenges you faced during construction?
3:40 - Why did you decide to work with KegWorks for your bar rail?
4:24 - Why did you choose polished brass for your bar rail finish?
4:52 - How did you decide on using the rounded center post brackets?
5:18 - What did you think when you first saw everything installed

─ Blog ────────────────────

Visit our blog for more news and knowledge on tap! content.kegworks.com/blog

The KegWorks Blog is a place where drinking enthusiasts, home entertainers and service industry professionals can learn, stay informed and be inspired to pursue their passions, master their craft and have a damn good time.

─ Social Media ────────────────────

► Website: kegworks.com
► Facebook: facebook.com/KegWorks
► Instagram: instagram.com/kegworks
► Twitter: twitter.com/kegworks
► LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/kegworks

How to Make a Coronarita: Cocktail Recipe

KegWorks 2021-03-13 | The Coronarita saves us from making a difficult decision of what to drink when Taco Tuesday or Cinco de Mayo rolls around. Instead of choosing between a Margarita or Corona, you can have both mixed together in a blissful combination of tequila, triple sec, lime juice and beer.

This Coronarita recipe is so easy to make. You simply take a classic Margarita cocktail and dunk an open 7 oz bottle of Corona beer (called a Coronita) into your glass before you drink it. This creates the wonderful sight of a bottle of Corona perched upside down in your glass with the beer still inside of it. Instead of your glass overflowing when you place the bottle inside, the pressure holds the beer in and it only trickles out as you sip your cocktail. It’s science!

When creating our Coronarita we used 1 oz of agave syrup for a touch of sweetness, but you may want to adjust the amount of agave to fit your tastes. For the lime juice we got out our lime squeezer and went the fresh route, but you can also use pre packaged lime juice.

We also used our 3-Tier Margarita glass rimmer to add the salt rim as easy and mess-free as possible. It features 3 compartments to hold juice, salt, and sugar and includes a sponge that you can soak with lime juice and roll the rim of your glass on before dipping in rimming salt or sugar. It’s a handy tool for any Margarita lover to have behind the bar.

Looking for more inspiration for a new cocktail or how to take your draft beer system to the next level? Check out our blog: content.kegworks.com/blog

Make sure to subscribe to our channel for how-tos, inspiration and expert tips.

KegWorks: Whats in your Box of Awesomeness?

KegWorks 2021-02-18 | KegWorks - What's in your Box of Awesomeness?

Pouring The Perfect Pint: Simple Techniques & Glassware Tips

KegWorks 2021-01-25 | Elevate your craft beer drinking experience when you use the right glassware and a proper pouring technique. We’ve put together some simple steps for how to pour the perfect pint as well as show you some glassware that really brings out the best in your beer.

A big thank you to Lexington Co-op for their help with this project. If you’re in the Buffalo area, then be sure to visit one of their two locations on your next beer run for a fantastic selection of local craft favorites.

Visit our website to grab your own set of glassware to elevate your drinking experience.

Boulevardier Cocktail Pods Recipe: Buffalo Rising Bitters Series

KegWorks 2020-12-01 | KegWorks and Buffalo Rising have teamed up to bring you this Boulevardier Cocktail Pods Recipe.

This Boulevardier Cocktail Pods Recipe was created by foodie turned mixologist Michelle Merlo, in partnership with Buffalo Rising. It is the final in a series of 6 episodes of the BITTERS cocktail video series, presented by KegWorks.

If you like to imbibe with a good batch of Jello shots or maybe some frozen “adult popsicles”, then may we introduce you to a concept that will blow your mind when it comes to consuming alcohol in a temporary solid state. It’s called reverse spherification.

Reverse spherification happens when a liquid becomes encased inside an edible gel-like membrane after it’s placed in an alginate bath. The calcium ions in the liquid come to the surface and combine with the alginate to form a gel structure around the liquid. This creates an edible pod that looks and feels similar to laundry detergent pods (please don’t eat Tide pods).

When stored in a glass jar and submerged in the same cocktail ingredients, cocktail pods will maintain their flavor and stay intact for a long period of time. This makes them perfect for parties or a unique gift idea—they are truly unforgettable and a great conversation starter!

For this recipe, we’ve mixed up a traditional Boulevardier cocktail composed of whiskey, sweet vermouth and Campari, but you can recreate this process with just about any cocktail to enjoy your favorite drink in pod form.

Lyre’s Londonberry Air Non-Alcoholic Cocktail: Buffalo Rising Bitters Series

KegWorks 2020-11-18 | KegWorks and Buffalo Rising have teamed up to bring you this Lyre's Londonberry Air Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Recipe.

A refreshing, non-alcoholic cocktail that uses Lyre's Dry London Gin Alternative to recreate the experience of your favorite dry gin. This Londonberry Air NA Cocktail Recipe was inspired by foodie turned mixologist Michelle Merlo, in partnership with Buffalo Rising. It is the fifth in a series of 6 episodes of the BITTERS cocktail video series, presented by KegWorks.

This teetotal-friendly recipe features one of our favorite non-alcoholic spirits, Lyre’s Dry London, which mimics the flavor of gin plus a juice blend of raspberry and beet. Gone are the days of substandard, sugary drinks known as mocktails as non-alcoholic spirit alternatives recreate the craft cocktail experience without intoxicants.

Get the recipe here: content.kegworks.com/blog/lyres-londonberry-air-na-cocktail

Smoking Jacket Cocktail: Buffalo Rising Bitters Series

KegWorks 2020-10-27 | KegWorks and Buffalo Rising have teamed up to bring you this Smoking Jacket Cocktail.

This Smoking Jacket Cocktail Recipe was inspired by foodie turned mixologist Michelle Merlo, in partnership with Buffalo Rising. It is the fourth in a series of 6 episodes of the BITTERS cocktail video series, presented by KegWorks.

At the center of this libation is a subtle smokiness from lapsang souchong, a tea made by smoking Chinese black tea leaves over cypress or pine wood. Tea infusions are an easy way to enhance flavor and add complexity to any cocktail. This recipe can also use Seedlip Grove 42, a citrus-forward blend of oranges and spices from their line of distilled non-alcoholic spirits.

Check out the recipe here: content.kegworks.com/blog/smoking-jacket-cocktail-recipe

Smoked Manhattan Cocktail: Buffalo Rising Bitters Series

KegWorks 2020-10-20 | KegWorks and Buffalo Rising have teamed up to bring you this smoked Manhattan cocktail.

The Manhattan is a sturdy, classic cocktail, which has more variations than the island itself has area codes. To create our favorite “212” recipe, we’re using the Crafthouse by Fortessa Smoking Box that was designed by world-class bartender Charles Joly. Smoke infusions ignite different flavor profiles and can provide a memorable multi-sensory experience.

To smoke your cocktail, simply place a drink (or two) inside the shoebox-size stainless steel and glass box and use the handheld smoking gun to infuse your cocktail with the subtle flavor of hickory chips. After a few minutes, retrieve your drink and enjoy, or let your friends help themselves through the opposite, guest-facing door.

Merlo also recommends smoking your favorite Margarita, an Old Fashioned, Dark & Stormy or a Boulevardier. Use your own discretion when deciding which cocktails would shine with a little added smoke. For broader use, you can smoke single ingredients like vermouth, Amaro, juices or syrup. We also encourage you to get creative by smoking herbs, spices, fruits, oils and, of course, cocktails.

The spectacle of smoking a cocktail makes the Smoking Box Set a hit at parties. And it isn’t just limited to hickory. Once you get the hang of the Smoking Box Set, use it to experiment with smoking various types of woods, dried herbs, and spices.

Check out the recipe here: content.kegworks.com/blog/how-to-smoke-a-manhattan-cocktail

A Tale as Gold as Thyme Non-Alcoholic Cocktail: Buffalo Rising Bitters Series

KegWorks 2020-10-10 | KegWorks and Buffalo Rising have teamed up to bring you this A Tale as Gold as Thyme Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Recipe.

This cocktail was created by foodie turned mixologist Michelle Merlo, in partnership with Buffalo Rising. A Tale as Gold as Thyme Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Recipe is the second in a series of 6 episodes of the BITTERS cocktail video series, presented by KegWorks.

If you are sober curious, you have options that allow you to prolong the party while staying hydrated and cultivating an atmosphere. A well-engineered concoction will maintain its merits even if spirits are added. We like Seedlip because it’s a non-sugary alternative that can be paired well with juice or stand alone with tonic. For a shaken and not slurred option, this is a Tale as Gold as Thyme.

Take an ounce of Seedlip’s Spice 94 with a blend of juice from golden beets, pineapple, ginger, carrots and turmeric. Shake it up with a few dashes of Fee Brothers Fee Foam, a Vegan-friendly egg white alternative that yields complexity and frothiness. Finally, garnish with some gently smoked thyme. This recipe can also withstand an ounce and a half of mezcal, vodka or gin.

Check out the recipe here: content.kegworks.com/blog/a-tale-as-gold-as-thyme-cocktail-recipe

bLure Flower Extract Cocktail: Buffalo Rising Bitters Series

KegWorks 2020-10-10 | KegWorks and Buffalo Rising have teamed up to bring you this b’Lure Flower Extract Cocktail Recipe, A forward thinking gin-based cocktail that uses all-natural blue tea tincture to give it an alluring appearance.

This cocktail was created by foodie turned mixologist Michelle Merlo, in partnership with Buffalo Rising. The b’Lure Flower Extract Cocktail Recipe is the first in a series of 6 episodes of the BITTERS cocktail video series, presented by KegWorks.

b’Lure, the first commercially produced blue tea concentrate from the Wild Hibiscus Flower Co. Originating in Southeast Asia. Long used as a dye in food, blue tea has a bounty of health benefits, including boosting metabolisms and promoting a sense of well-being.

This 100% natural tincture is gaining traction amid cocktail creators and fine bars everywhere.

To highlight this ingredient we’ve used gin, Fee Brothers Elderflower Water and muddled mint leaves. This blue tea concentrate will turn an electric shade of pink when added to fresh lemon or lime juice. Here we’ve used lemonade, then added a few more drops for color, and topped the drink with prosecco.

Check out the recipe here: content.kegworks.com/blog/blure-flower-extract-cocktail-recipe

KegWorks Featured Bar Rail Project: West Rose

KegWorks 2020-03-23 | We interviewed chef & owners Brad Rowell and Caryn Dujanovich-Rowell of West Rose. Here's what they had to say about planning the bar and why they chose KegWorks for their Bar Rail needs.

─ Content ────────────────────

0:15 - Tell us a little about West Rose
0:40 - What was the inspiration for the bar design?
1:08 - Did you have any unique challenges when building the bar?
1:38 - Why did you choose KegWorks for your bar foot rail?
2:08 - Why did you choose the polished brass finish?
2:28 - Why did you choose our combination brackets?
2:48 - What was your impression of the finished product?

─ Blog ────────────────────

Visit our blog for more news and knowledge on tap! kegworks.com/blog

The KegWorks Blog is a place where drinking enthusiasts, home entertainers and service industry professionals can learn, stay informed and be inspired to pursue their passions, master their craft and have a damn good time.

─ Social Media ────────────────────

► Website: kegworks.com
► Facebook: facebook.com/KegWorks
► Instagram: instagram.com/kegworks
► Twitter: twitter.com/kegworks
► LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/kegworks

KegWorks Featured Bar Rail Project: Hartmans Distilling Co.

KegWorks 2020-02-07 | We interviewed Cameron Rector, the General Manager of Hartman's Distilling Co., here's what he had to say about planning the bar and why they chose KegWorks for their Bar Rail needs.

─ Content ────────────────────

0:14 - Tell us a little about Hartman's Distilling Co.
0:40 - Who is behind the distillery and what was their inspiration?
1:09 - Why did you choose The Cooperage location to build the distillery?
1:27 - How did you come up with the bar design?
1:50 - Did you have any unique challenges when building the bar?
2:07 - Why did you choose KegWorks for your bar foot rail?
2:52 - Why did you choose the brushed brass finish?
3:07 - Why did you choose our 90-degree post brackets?
3:38 - What was your impression of the finished product?

─ Blog ────────────────────

Visit our blog for more news and knowledge on tap! kegworks.com/blog

The KegWorks Blog is a place where drinking enthusiasts, home entertainers and service industry professionals can learn, stay informed and be inspired to pursue their passions, master their craft and have a damn good time.

─ Social Media ────────────────────

► Website: kegworks.com
► Facebook: facebook.com/KegWorks
► Instagram: instagram.com/kegworks
► Twitter: twitter.com/kegworks
► LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/kegworks

How to Clean a Draft Beer Faucet

KegWorks 2019-10-15 | Cleaning your faucet is an important step to keeping your entire draft beer system clean.

HOW TO CLEAN A BEER FAUCET:
0:27 - Step 1: Disconnect your Keg
0:32 - Step 2: Remove the Faucet
0:37 - Step 3: Disassemble the Faucet
0:50 - Step 4: Soak the Faucet Parts
1:04 - Step 5: Scrub the Faucet
1:14 - Step 6: Rinse & Reassemble
1:23 - Step 7: Reattach the Faucet
1:46 - Step 8: Enjoy a fresh cold pint

Read our full guide on the KegWorks blog: http://bit.ly/2qgDc60

How To Clean Beer Lines with a Cleaning Keg

KegWorks 2019-10-14 | Keep your draft beer lines clean with a simple to use Beer Line Cleaning Keg.

HOW TO USE A CLEANING KEG:
0:18 - Step 1: Fill the Cleaning Keg
0:25 - Step 2: Connect the Cleaning Keg
0:35 - Step 3: Open the Faucet
0:44 - Step 4: Allow the Lines to Soak
0:51 - Step 5: Run the Solution through the Lines
1:01 - Step 6: Disconnect the Cleaning Keg
1:07 - Step 7: Relieve Pressure
1:19 - Step 8: Refill the Cleaning Keg with Cold Water
1:25 - Step 9: Run Water through your Lines
1:47 - Step 10: Enjoy a fresh cold pint

Read our full guide on the KegWorks blog: http://bit.ly/33xS1PX

How To Tap a Keg Using a Party Pump

KegWorks 2019-08-21 | Get your party started the right way with these simple instructions on how to tap a keg of beer.

HOW TO TAP A KEG:
Step 1: Attach the beer keg pump
Step 2: Time to pour
Step 3: When to pump the keg

Read our full guide on the KegWorks blog: http://bit.ly/2NkrjVY

How to Build a DIY Jockey Box: Draft Beer On-the-go

KegWorks 2019-07-25 | Follow our DIY jockey box instructions, and you’ll have the best "mobile device" a beer lover could ever own.

DIY Jockey Box Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Measure & Drill Holes
Step 2: Connect shank & faucet on front
Step 3: Connect cooler coupling on back
Step 4: Connect coils

Check out our 'How To Make Your Own Jockey Box' post for more detailed instructions, http://bit.ly/2yfLuf8

How to Build a DIY Wedding Bar

KegWorks 2019-05-20 | Getting married? Don’t want to spend a fortune on an open bar? Or just looking to do something unique to serve drinks? A DIY wedding bar is a show stopper at any wedding.

How to Build A DIY Wedding Bar

Step 1: Draw Out Plans
Step 2: Gather Tools & Materials
Step 3: Build Your Wedding Bar
Step 4: Install Draft Equipment
Step 5: Add Final Touches

For complete step-by-step instructions on how to build your own DIY Wedding Bar, download the guide at kegworks.com/blog/how-to-make-a-diy-wedding-bar

How to Drink Wine from a Porron

KegWorks 2019-04-26 | Master the art of this Spanish drinking tool with our five-step guide to drinking from a porron.

HOW TO DRINK FROM A PORRON:

Step 1: Pick your porron
Step 2: Fill the the porron with wine
Step 3: Start low
Step 4: Extend high
Step 5: Finish low

Learn more at kegworks.com/blog, http://bit.ly/2L9f7YO

How to Make Crushed Ice: Using a Lewis Bag

KegWorks 2019-04-26 | Making the ultimate crushed ice is easy - if you have the right tools.

HOW TO USE A LEWIS BAG:

Step 1: Add Ice To The Bag
Step 2: Roll The Top Closed
Step 3: Grab The Mallet And Smash Away
Step 4: Transfer Crushed Ice To Your Glass

To shop for Ice Tools, including those featured in the video, go to: kegworks.com/bar-tools/ice-tools ... Cheers!

How to Set up a Guinness Kegerator

KegWorks 2019-03-28 | All you need to dispense a keg of Guinness (or any stout) is a Nitro stout system.

Guinness uses a nitrogen/CO2 blend of gas to push the beer through the lines rather than just CO2 like a traditional draft beer system. It’s that mixed Nitrogen gas that gives Guinness its tell-tale creamy, tight head.

Guinness also uses a stout faucet with a restrictor disc to give it the proper cascading effect. A keg of Guinness also requires a U System Keg Coupler. Prior to tapping it, allow the new keg to sit for 24 hours in a refrigerator that is set as close as possible to 42°F, the perfect temperature for Guinness draught.

Disconnecting Your Current CO2 System
Step 1: Turn off air flow from previous keg.
Step 2: Remove keg coupler.
Step 3: Disconnect CO2 regulator from CO2 tank inlet nut.
Step 4: Disconnect CO2 regulator from air line.
Step 5: Remove air line from keg coupler.
Step 6: Remove beer line from keg coupler.
Step 7: Remove beer faucet.
Step 8: Clean beer lines.
Step 9: Rinse beer lines.

Setting up a New Guinness Draught System
Step 1: Attach Nitro stout faucet.
Step 2: Connect beer line to U-system keg coupler.
Step 3: Connect air line to U coupler.
Step 4: Attach air line to Nitrogen regulator.
Step 5: Attach Nitrogen regulator to Nitrogen air tank.
Step 6: Attach coupler to Guinness keg.
Step 7: Open up the Nitro air tank.
Step 8: Set the Nitrogen regulator to 30-35 PSI.
Step 9: Set temperature to 42°F.
Step 10: Carefully place air tank in kegerator fridge.
Step 11: Pour your Guinness!

For more detailed instructions, check out our accompanying blog piece at: kegworks.com/blog/how-to-get-guinness-on-tap-at-home/.

To shop for Guinness on Tap products, including those featured in the video, go to: kegworks.com/draft-beer/guinness-on-tap. Cheers!

How to Pour a Guinness: Technique for a Proper Pint

KegWorks 2019-03-19 | The Guinness-endorsed standard pour is a 6-step process, and goes as follows:

Step 1
Use a Guinness-branded glass with the harp logo.

Step 2
Hold the glass on the bottom with your pointer finger on the harp. Aim the spout at the harp, at a 45° angle.

Step 3
Pull the spout toward you and pour until the glass is ¾ full (to the top of the harp logo).

Step 4
Let the beer surge, or cascade. According to Guinness, this process takes exactly 1 minute and 32.5 seconds.

Step 5
Top off your pint by pushing the tap handle away from you. This limits the power of the flow. The beer should be set straight under the spout during this second pour.

Step 6
Serve the beer with the logo facing toward the drinker. To the drinker: Look to the horizon. Stand proud. Enjoy your Guinness.

The official word from Guinness is that this entire 6-step process process takes 119.5 seconds in total. Not 119 seconds, not 2 minutes, 119.5 seconds! Be sure to have your stopwatch at the ready.

The head size on your Guinness should be between 18-20mm, which is somewhere between 11/16″-12.5/16″.

Learn more: kegworks.com/blog/how-to-pour-a-guinness-the-right-way-but-does-it-really-matter