Adding Stout Tap

[Barr]

Thinking of adding a stout tap to my current system. I can fit one more keg into my keezer and I really been enjoying nitro charged stouts and porters. Anyone have some advice on this? Been looking at this kit online. http://www.ontariobeerkegs.com/product_ ... et-kit.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I've been told I would need a different type of regulator. Anyone know where to get the gas? Is this beer gas the way to go? Any direction would be helpful.

[NASH]

You need a nitrogen or 'beer gas' regulator, same thing. Then you'd want an N2 (or 'beer gas') bottle filled with 75% N2 / 25% CO2 blend, and of course, the faucet. Any place that sells 'beer gas' and fills for the little guys would work. Last I checked they wouldn't put beer gas into a CO2 bottle without swapping out the valve assembly and retesting at the very least. CO2 runs ~ 800 PSI I think, N2 is more like 2500 PSI

[Barr]

Wow that's a lot of pressure. Good thing they are extra careful. So is there anywhere to buy a bottle of beer gas around here? I could just get the kit without a tank.

[chicanuck]

I serve my stout out of a stout tap on my home keggerator and the restrictor plate does make a noticeable difference with a creamier head on the beer at the right pressure (~12 psi with CO2). I have also tried the 75/25 "Beer gas" from Linde's in Burnside (see attached) about 1 year ago; I recall it was expensive, I had to serve the beer at 20-30psi and I could not serve any other beer on the gas (due to the high psi).....I have a dual tap and room for one gas tank inside the mini-fridge, so that was a pain in the ass. The beer tasted fine but my beer line is only ~3ft, this beer gas is likely designed for moving beer over much longer beer lines at the high pressure.

Overall, in my experience the "beer gas" is a cool idea but a waste of money in my small set-up. That being said, I do have a N/CO2 regulator adapter for sale......barely used for $15

- chicanuck

[NASH]

Honestly, it doesn't matter how far the faucet is from the keg, the system needs to be balanced by design. In other words you'll need to use a choker line of appropriate length. That said, a stout faucet offers up much greater head restriction compared to a standard faucet. In order to keep appropriate levels of co2 and N2 in suspension you'd want to run it at ~ 25-30 psi (dependent upon temperature of your cooler) with the 75/25 blend. That, is how it's done, appropriately.

Transmitted from the hop-phone.

[AllanMar]

Buddy of mine uses Air Liquide for beer gas, It's not cheap. Although it is nice to have.

[Barr]

Honestly, it doesn't matter how far the faucet is from the keg, the system needs to be balanced by design. In other words you'll need to use a choker line of appropriate length. That said, a stout faucet offers up much greater head restriction compared to a standard faucet. In order to keep appropriate levels of co2 and N2 in suspension you'd want to run it at ~ 25-30 psi (dependent upon temperature of your cooler) with the 75/25 blend. That, is how it's done, appropriately.

Thanks for all the info. I will have to study up a little more before buying anything. As goes for most things in brewing it is more complex then you first imagine. Part of what makes it such a great hobby.