draft beer Archives - SC Beverage

Types of Beer Systems

September 27, 2024

There are several types of beer systems for serving draft beer that businesses can use in their bars. Each of these systems serves a unique purpose and matches well with different kinds of setups.

Knowing the difference between these types of systems can help you make the right choice in terms of purchasing the equipment you need to make your business a success. This can save you time and money in the long run.

If you’re interested in learning about the different kinds of beer systems that are available, take a look at this guide, which describes what’s available in terms of a beer dispensing system.

Why Worry About Different Systems?

Picking the type of beer system that works well with your existing infrastructure is absolutely essential to keeping things running smoothly in your bar or restaurant. Selecting the wrong type of system for your needs has the potential to be a very costly mistake that can take some amount of time and finesse to repair.

Sometimes, utilizing multiple systems may be an appropriate situation for your business. Consulting with a professional service has the potential to elucidate some of the elements.

Types of Beer Systems

There are three primary types of systems that are commonly utilized in most commercial spaces. The details of these systems are outlined below.

Air-Cooled Beer System

Air-cooled systems describe a class of beer systems that utilizes circulating cold air to keep the space surrounding the kegs, as well as the beer lines and the faucets. This type of system was the original and only type of system that existed for some time. Once glycol was invented, other methods were available to keep beer cool.

Although other types of systems have been developed, this type of system is still a legitimate option for many types of spaces. If you have a small business and a small budget and are just starting to experiment with the types of systems that are available, then this type of system might best fit your needs as a starting point.

Glycol-Cooled Beer System

This is a very popular option that pairs well with a long-draw dispensing system that involves tubes that are 25 ft or longer. This type of system is able to maintain cooler temperatures at longer distances, which keeps your beer cold.

In this type of system, the beer is kept in kegs that are kept cold by placing them in a walk-in cooler. Glycol circulates through the coolant lines and helps to keep the beer at a consistent temperature as it travels from the kegs to the taps.

On the downside, this type of system is considered one of the more expensive options for commercial spaces. However, the expenses of this type of system are well worth it if the system is the appropriate one for your space.

Direct Draw Beer System

This type of system is the top choice for situations where the beer only has to travel a short distance. This makes it very convenient in situations where the beer only goes a few feet from a keg to the taps. This makes it a common sight in commercial keg boxes, home bars, and refrigerator conversions.

This type of system is generally less expensive than a glycol system and has the added benefit of being minimally wasteful. There is some variability depending on the size of one’s equipment, as well as the overall complexity of the system that it’s intended to service.

Which One is Right for Me?

When you’re determining which type of system you need, you should ask yourself what your exact needs are in terms of what you’re looking for.

What is the overall purpose and goal of your business?
What is your budget for this project?
What is the overall complexity of the beer system that you’re looking to serve
What is the distance between your legs and your taps
Do you already have a beer dispensing system

The answers that you find with regard to this may help you reach a conclusion on which types of beer systems serve your situation. Additionally, following up with a professional consultant can give you a strong sense of direction in this way.

Your Friends in Beverage

SC Beverage is the most dedicated beverage equipment supplier in California. We deliver high-quality equipment to those who are passionate about their beer. If you’re interested in holding a discussion with one of our professional advisors regarding which beer systems would benefit you the most, contact us to have that conversation.

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What Are The Differences Between Draft and Bottled Beer?

July 9, 2024

A glam shot of a beer barrel and beer bottle surrounded by green fruit to represent the differences between draft and bottled beer.

People have very strong opinions about their beer preferences. Often, beer drinkers are loyal to a specific type and brand. However, another factor can play into people’s choice of beer: whether it is draft or bottled. You may not know the differences between draft and bottled beer. In this guide, you will find information about the unique differences between the two types.

What Are The Differences Between Draft and Bottled Beer?

If you have ever had a draft or bottled beer, you may have noticed the differences between the two yourself. They each provide a different taste and feel as you enjoy them. Draft beer is served from a keg, a large container that holds beer. The beer gets from the keg to your glass through a tap system. Draft beer is commonly consumed at bars or restaurants. On the other hand, bottled beer is packed in a bottle. Unlike draft beer, bottled beer is what most people are most likely to drink when they are at home.

Packaging

One major reason draft and bottled beer taste different is the packaging. Draft beer is often kept in stainless steel kegs. The steel kegs keep out light and air, which improves the flavor and quality of the beer. They are also often installed by experts in beverage equipment installation and servicing, which ensures optimal flavor and quality.

Bottled beer is bottled in various colors, including clear, green, and brown. This allows the beer to be exposed to light, which can negatively impact its flavor. For bottled beer drinkers, it is best to store their beer in a dark, cool, and dry space.

Storage and Temperature

Another factor that separates draft beer from bottled beer is the way it is stored, with special attention to temperature. Draft beers are kept in keg beer systems that are constantly cool. The beer inside the keg is also protected from light, which ensures its quality once it is poured.

Bottled beer can be stored in various conditions, which ultimately impacts its quality once it is cracked open. When transported, bottled beer can be exposed to light and warm temperatures. The change in temperature can impact the taste and cause the beer to spoil faster.

Carbonation

Carbonation makes a considerable difference in beer and many other drinks. The bubbliness evokes freshness and stimulates the taste buds. Draft beer is carbonated differently than bottled beer. It has excellent carbonation because its method of creation utilizes carbon dioxide in the keg and tap process to provide a more uniform and consistent taste.

Bottled beer does not have consistent carbonation levels, likely because of how it is bottled or stored. Consequently, this inconsistency impacts the taste of the beer, sometimes even within the same brand.

Beverage Equipment Installation and Servicing

Owning or running a bar or restaurant can be overwhelming. The last thing you want to worry about when your establishment is packed is the quality of your beverages. From soda to beer, having fresh drinks that taste great is important. The team at SC Beverage has been in business for decades and has worked with some of the top companies in the industry, including Coca-Cola. Contact them today for any of your beverage equipment needs!

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Beer tap system troubleshooting

November 8, 2023

Bars are something many Americans frequent on the weekends, after work, or to watch their favorite sports team. A major part of a successful bar business is having a wide variety of drinks on tap. As with any aspect of running a business, you can run into issues. A common issue bar owners face is beer tap system issues. Below, you will find helpful information on beer tap system troubleshooting. These tips will ensure that your customers are happy with their favorite beer in hand.

Beer tap system troubleshooting

Depending on the specific beer tap issue you are facing, there are a number of possible solutions. Consider these tips if you run into any of the following beer tap problems.

Keg Will Not Pour:

If your keg is not dispensing beer, this can be a serious problem. Patrons want beer on tap fast and refills as needed. Pour issues with your keg can be for a number of different reasons. Common reasons include an empty keg, an empty gas cylinder, or your ket may have been incorrectly tapped. Still, in some cases, your gas may be turned off, or your beer lines may be frozen. Run through this list before you call for maintenance, as you may be able to solve the problem yourself.

Foamy Beer:

Nobody wants to drink beer that is too foamy. While this is a common problem, it’s a pretty easy fix. Common reasons you may have foamy beer include the draft cooler being too warm, the beer lines being too warm or too cold, or there is too much pressure in your system. In addition, there may be an issue with your beer being improperly dispensed, or the taps being dirty, or just malfunctioning overall. Be sure to check your tap lines, as any damage or obstruction can mess with the quality of your beer.

Flat Beer:

Customers want fresh beer from the tap for a reason. If your beer is coming out flat, you can usually fix the issue pretty easily. Common reasons the beer comes out flat include an obstruction in the tap lines, not enough pressure in your system, or that you are using an air compressor for pressure. Be sure to also check that your beer isn’t too cold and that the glasses have been properly cleaned. Run through this list, as the issue will likely resolve pretty quickly. If it doesn’t, consult with a beverage equipment supplier for support.

Poor Tasting Beer:

Bad-tasting beer, especially from the tap, can tank your business. Customers want a beer that is both fresh and tastes refreshing. Common reasons your beer tastes bad include dirty beer lines or faucets, warm keg or beer lines, contaminated gas cylinders, or issues with the beer lines not being properly flushed between kegs. Be sure to also check that you aren’t serving old beer and that the glasses are properly cleaned. This issue is pretty easy to resolve. Be sure to schedule regular maintenance on your beer dispensing equipment to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Cloudy Beer:

A great beer should have a 1-inch head and be carbonated yet clear. Cloudy beer can be unappealing and make your customers look at you sideways. Some beers are meant to be cloudy, but if they aren’t, consider checking your tap system to address the issue. Still, common reasons beer may be cloudy include inadequate cleaning of the beer lines or taps. It may also be due to pressure source contamination or over-chilled beer in the beer lines or keg. Run through each of these potential solutions to address the issue. If your beer is still cloudy, you may need to contact an equipment supplier for help.

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Bar Beer Pricing Guide

October 25, 2022

Craft beer, local brews, and even old reliables on tap are getting more popular by the day. While the bar landscape will always be the same at heart, there are many elements of the beer market that are constantly changing. No matter what kind of vibe you’re trying to bring to your bar, it might be helpful for you to familiarize yourself with the newest bar beer pricing guide to keep you on the right track to success.

Bar Beer Pricing Guide

Your Southern California Beverage Company pros have arranged a short pricing guide to help you understand the market and get more used to some changes that are going on in the bar scene. Let’s talk markups, macro brews, and major discounts!

New Markups

Pricing beer for your bar is a lot different than pricing out beer for retail customers. Currently, average markups on beer are between 200% and 300%. Interestingly enough, restaurants are seeing a similar markup with wines, but profits are measured differently for wine than for beer.

The cheaper the beer, the easier it will be to mark up. Macro brew bottles and cans can be marked up by almost 500% in some bars. Some bars are still choosing not to mark them up as high since wholesale prices are still expensive. It’s important to make sure that your markups earn you a profit and don’t lose your earnings during happy hour prices.

How to Price Your Draft Beer

Kegs are currently being priced 40% – 45% less per ounce than they used to be. Draft beer pricing for kegs should be different than for specialty beers. The best advice is to try and hit a liquor cost of 20% – 30%. Setting drink prices can be tricky depending on your equipment and system needs. Not to mention, with beer comes CO2 and nitrogen costs, which come with their own rates of inflation.

Running a bar business will give you a lot of margins for error. Spillage, messes, unexpected cleanups, and over-pouring could make your previous calculations moot. Other factors like keg and glassware size can determine how you’ll price your kegs.

Bottled Vs. Craft Beer

Pricing craft beer is always going to be more difficult because there are so many great varieties of beer to choose from. Because there are a lot of similarities and differences between craft beers, there are a couple of pricing guidelines that you should follow:

Always understand your liquor costs and calculate what it would take to achieve them based on your craft beer pricing.
Add more variety to your pricing. It’s okay to sell mainstream beers at a different price than your specialty local crafts.
But keep your canned, bottled, and draft beers at the same price.

A good way to achieve these goals is to calculate your menu prices for draft beer and then follow suit with your bottled and canned selections to meet your profit goals.

Think About the Products You Offer

Do you offer wine by the glass? Do you offer beer flights for interested parties? There may be different strategies involved depending on the different types of products that you are selling at your bar. Margins are constantly changing, but adjusting your pricing to reflect these goals can help you remain afloat.

Learn More with SC Beverage

Whether you are starting a new bar or investing in new systems, you can benefit from the wide range of top-notch Los Angeles beer dispensing equipment that we have to offer. By keeping up with the latest pricing trends, you will be able to stay on track to meet your profit goals without having to constantly juggle new price points. Call us today and consult with our specialists to figure out the perfect beer pricing points for your own bar venue.

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How to Price Draft vs Bottled Beer

January 7, 2022

If you’re brand new to running a restaurant or bar, then you know pricing is one of the most challenging aspects of getting started. You want to make a profit while offering quality products at prices appropriate for your area and customer base. It sounds easy at first, but there’s actually a lot involved, especially if you want to maintain a balance that allows you to thrive. So, let’s look at how to price draft vs bottled beer.

How to Price Draft vs Bottled Beer

For many restaurants and bars, this means that you have different profit margins for different products. There will likely be just a few items on your menu that really up your businesses profits. While you might experience a slight loss on one or two other items to stay competitive. Fortunately, if you have a beer and wine license, it can be really easy to make up for those small deficits.

The Profit in Beer

One of the restaurant industry’s best-kept secrets is the absolutely ridiculous profit margin on draft beer. With the right set up, draft beer in particular can rake in up to an 80% profit margin. Bottled beer can bring in a pretty profit as well, but it typically costs 40-45% more per ounce, so it isn’t the most cost-effective option if you’re planning to own your business for more than a few years.

With that said, most savvy bar and restaurant owners do serve both. Having draft and bottled beer available allows you to serve a wide variety of preferences even if you’re only able to sustain a three or six-handle draft beer system. However, in order to make that work, you’re going to need to know how to price both appropriately.

Pricing Draft VS. Bottled

Draft and bottled beer are priced differently according to their pour costs. The pour cost is the initial cost of the beverage divided by its sale price. On average, you can expect a draft beer’s pour cost to be about 20%. A bottled or canned beer’s pour cost will be about 25%. This is a result of the fact that draft beer is substantially cheaper per ounce and also tends to fetch a higher price point. However, you might wonder why the difference in pour cost isn’t greater.

The truth is that there is a lot of overhead associated with purchasing and properly maintaining Los Angeles Beer Dispensing Equipment. You need the space, the pipes, the handles, the nitrogen, the CO2, the refrigeration. And a whole host of other smaller pieces necessary to serve a quality, safe draft beer. All of that overhead brings your pour cost higher. But even with all of that draft beer remains more profitable than bottled or canned beer.

Putting Together Your Final Prices

When you’re first getting started, you can certainly look at other businesses in your area for an idea of what your prices should be. You just need to be careful that you don’t assume their costs are the same. If you want to be certain that your prices are right for your business, you need to take all of your overhead into account and budget it to get an accurate pour cost.

For newer businesses with higher overhead, you can start by pricing your beers individually according to precise pour costs. Over time, as you get more comfortable with your business, you can embrace a grouped price point model. By that we mean you can start charging a standard rate for domestics, internationals, and specialty beers. This model can make your life much easier if you’re planning to consistently exchange what you have on tap.

Getting Started

Running a bar or restaurant is hard, and it takes an exceptional level of dedication. Fortunately, with the people of Southern California Beverage Company in your corner you can be sure that you’ll have the right equipment to make your business everything you hope it will be.

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