Why Keg Beer Is Better For You
by Jim hofman


Beer in all its various forms has been around for centuries. Whether it's called beer, ale, stout, porter, amber or any other beer style, beer has a long and storied history. Traditionally, beer has been available in kegs, and not until the 20th century did bottling and canning come into prominence.

Regardless of style, beer is brewed essentially the same. There are subtle differences of course, but all beer has a mix of ingredients mixed and fermented by brewing experts with the help of technology. Technology has revolutionized the beer industry, not so much through brewing techniques, but packaging and transportation methods.

Bottled and Canned Vs. Kegs

Bottling and canning beer became big business in the early to mid 20th century. New technologies were implemented allowing brewers to ship their beer over long distances to reach new thirsty markets. As markets changed, the brewing industry trend moved toward large regional brewers and away from small local breweries. That same consolidation trend continues today, as large brewers with big advertising budgets are better able to brand and distribute both nationally and internationally.

Yet, something important has been lost, and that is the freshness and taste of local, direct from the keg beer. Walk into any bar today, and chances are you'll see people drinking beer directly out of the bottle. While perhaps convenient, beer wasn't meant to be consumed right from the bottle, or the can for that matter.

Beer is a perishable food product, and like any food product, beer doesn't improve with age. Bottled beer and canned beer are pasteurized and added carbonation is injected to ensure a long shelf life without need for refrigeration. While there's nothing wrong with this process as it allows product availability to a wider spectrum of consumers, it is not beer in its natural state.

Have you ever been on a brewery tour? Notice how you're served your samples at the end of the tour. The brewery wants to put its best foot forward - they want to serve you their best and give you the best impression. As a result, you're served beer directly from the keg, not from a bottle or can. That's beer in its natural state - fresh from the tap.

In fact, here's something to try. Next time out at a bar or restaurant, enjoy your beer only from a bottle or can. Now, the following time out, consume it from the keg, on tap, in a glass. Take special care to note which gives you more stomach gas (burp!). Because keg beer has no additional carbonation added and the beer is allowed to breathe, the end result is a smoother, better tasting experience.

Keg beer is the way brewers want you to experience their beer. Keg beer is natural beer, with no preservatives. Next time out, enjoy your beer directly from the tap and notice the difference.

Jim Hofman is a beer lover who learned to enjoy keg beer from his father. Jim created a new website devoted to keg beer , and all things beer. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service