Pouring Over the Top Tap Beers for Beer Enthusiasts
Beer is a staple drink in many cultures, and the art of brewing it has been around for centuries. As a beer enthusiast, you know that there’s nothing quite like a cold, refreshing glass of beer on a hot summer’s day. But what makes a beer even better? Pouring it from a top tap. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at top tap beers and what makes them stand out from the rest.
What Is a Top Tap?
A top tap is a draft beer system that sits on top of a bar counter or table. It typically consists of a metal tower with one or more taps that dispense beer directly from a keg that’s stored below. Compared to traditional draft systems, top taps are designed to optimize the sensory experience of drinking beer.
How Do Top Taps Work?
When beer is poured through a top tap system, the pressure and temperature of the beer are carefully maintained to ensure that the beer is delivered to the glass the way the brewer intended. Top taps typically use a combination of carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas to keep the beer from getting too fizzy or flat. The beer also flows through chilled lines to ensure that it stays at the optimal serving temperature.
Types of Beers Best Suited for Top Taps
Not all beers are created equal when it comes to top taps. Some types of beer are better suited for this type of serving method than others. Here are a few types of beers that tend to work well with top taps:
IPA
India Pale Ales, or IPAs, are hop-forward beers that are often served from top taps. This is because the pressure and temperature of the beer tend to showcase the hops’ aroma and flavor in a way that’s harder to achieve with other serving methods.
Stouts and Porters
Dark, malty beers, such as stouts and porters, are also great candidates for top taps. The slow pour that top taps provide allows the beer to develop a creamy head, which enhances the beer’s rich, chocolatey, and roasty flavors.
Belgian Ales
Belgian-style beers are often high in carbonation and alcohol content, making them a good match for the slow pour of top taps. The carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas blend used in top taps can help to soften the beer’s high alcohol content, making for a smoother, more enjoyable drinking experience.
Advantages of Top Taps for Beer Enthusiasts
So, why should you choose a top tap when you’re enjoying a beer at your favorite bar or brewery? Here are a few advantages of this serving method that beer enthusiasts appreciate:
Better Flavor and Aroma
Because top taps are designed to maintain the beer’s pressure and temperature, you’re more likely to get a beer that delivers its optimal flavor and aroma. Plus, the slow pour and creamy head of the beer can add to the sensory experience.
Fewer Contaminants
Top taps are specifically designed to minimize the amount of air that comes into contact with the beer as it’s poured. This can reduce the amount of contaminants, such as yeast or bacteria, that may affect the beer’s flavor.
Better-Looking Pours
Finally, top taps often provide a better-looking pour. The slow, controlled pour can create a creamy head that adds to the beer’s overall appearance and aesthetics.
FAQs
Can any beer be served from a top tap?
While any beer can technically be served from a top tap, certain types of beer tend to work better with this serving method than others.
What should I look for when choosing a bar or brewery with top taps?
Look for bars or breweries that specialize in craft beer and have a wide selection of top taps. This can give you the opportunity to sample a range of different beer styles and find the ones that you enjoy the most.
Do top taps require special maintenance?
Yes, top taps require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure that they’re functioning properly and not harboring bacteria or other contaminants. This is typically the responsibility of the bar or brewery staff, and you shouldn’t be able to tell that this is happening behind the scenes.
Conclusion
Overall, top taps can add an extra element of fun and flavor to your beer-drinking experience. Whether you’re enjoying a hoppy IPA or a rich, chocolatey porter, a top tap can help you get the most out of your favorite beer. Be sure to seek out bars and breweries with top taps, and don’t be afraid to ask the staff about their selection and maintenance practices. Cheers!