The Portable Beer Tap: Everything You Need to Know About Beer Jockey Boxes

The Portable Beer Tap: Everything You Need to Know About Beer Jockey Boxes

What is a Beer Jockey Box?

If you’re a fan of beer, you’ll be aware that it can be difficult to keep it cold when you want to enjoy it outdoors, especially on a hot day. Enter the beer jockey box – a portable beer tap that’s perfect for outdoor events, barbecues, and parties. A beer jockey box is basically a portable keg fridge that uses ice water or a coolant to keep the beer cool as it is dispensed.

How Does a Beer Jockey Box Work?

The beer jockey box works by using a coil of tubing that’s cooled by either ice water or a coolant. The beer is pushed through the tubing by CO2 or nitrogen gas, meaning there’s no need for electricity or a power source. As the beer passes through the chilled tubing, it’s cooled down to a temperature of around 38-40°F, the perfect temperature for drinking beer.

Types of Beer Jockey Boxes

There are two main types of beer jockey boxes, based on the cooling method they use.

Ice-water cooled beer jockey boxes:

These beer jockey boxes are cooled by placing ice and water in a container, which then flows through the coiled tubing and effectively cools the beer as it travels through. These beer jockey boxes are ideal for shorter events, as the supply of ice and water will eventually run out.

Coolant cooled beer jockey boxes:

These beer jockey boxes use a refrigeration unit to chill a glycol mixture, which is then circulated through the coiled tubing, effectively cooling the beer. These beer jockey boxes are ideal for longer events, as they do not require a constant supply of ice and water.

Advantages of Beer Jockey Boxes

There are many advantages of using a beer jockey box, including:

Portability:

Beer jockey boxes are portable and easy to transport, making them ideal for outdoor events, picnics, and festivals.

Consistent Temperature:

Beer jockey boxes maintain a consistent temperature, meaning that your beer will always be served cold and refreshing, no matter what time of day it is.

Large Amounts:

Beer jockey boxes can hold and dispense large amounts of beer, which is ideal for larger events where you need to cater to a lot of people.

No Electricity Required:

Beer jockey boxes don’t require electricity, making them perfect for outdoor events where there may not be a power source readily available.

Setting up a Beer Jockey Box

Setting up a beer jockey box is a relatively simple process:

Add ice:

For an ice-water cooled beer jockey box, fill the container with ice and add water until it reaches the level of the coil.

Connect the lines:

Connect the beer line to the keg and the CO2 line to the regulator.

Attach the tap handle:

Attach the tap handle to the front of the cooler and enjoy your cold beer!

Cleaning a Beer Jockey Box

It’s essential to clean your beer jockey box after each use to ensure that it remains in good working order. To clean your beer jockey box:

Empty and rinse:

Empty the remaining beer from the keg and rinse out the inside of the jockey box with hot water.

Clean the lines:

Clean the lines with a cleaning solution, following the instructions on the packaging.

Rinse the lines:

Rinse the lines out thoroughly with hot water to remove any cleaning solution.

Reassemble:

Reassemble the beer jockey box and refill the keg with fresh beer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beer Jockey Boxes

Q: How do you troubleshoot a beer jockey box?

A: Common issues with beer jockey boxes revolve around the CO2 regulator, such as too much pressure, not enough pressure, or leaking seals. Make sure to check all connections and adjust the pressure gauge to ensure your beer flows smoothly.

Q: How long can you store beer in a jockey box?

A: Beer can be stored in a jockey box for up to a month, providing it is kept at a consistent temperature and the lines are cleaned regularly.

Q: Can beer jockey boxes dispense other drinks besides beer?

A: Yes, beer jockey boxes can be used to dispense other carbonated drinks, including soda and sparkling water.

Q: How many kegs can a beer jockey box hold?

A: The number of kegs a beer jockey box can hold depends on its size and capacity, but most jockey boxes can hold between one and three kegs at a time.

Final Thoughts

A beer jockey box is a must-have accessory for any beer lover who wants to enjoy their favorite beverage outdoors without compromising on taste or temperature. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, attending a music festival, or just hanging out with friends, a beer jockey box is the perfect way to keep your beer chilled and refreshing. With the right setup and cleaning routine, you can get years of use out of your beer jockey box and enjoy frosty, delicious beer anywhere, anytime.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top