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One of the most important components of a draught beer system, often the most overlooked, is the tap. If a tap is properly maintained, the beer will flow through smooth and silky. If the tapis not kept clean or damaged, it can cause the beer to foam, leading to lots of beer being poured down the drain. If the tap is not properly maintained, the beer can develop an “off taste” or, worse yet, appear cloudy and not very appealing.

The typical tap you see in a bar today is the standard free flow beer tap used with lager beers, ales, and craft brews. Many bars today also have a stout tap. The stout tap is designed specifically to dispense nitrogenous beers, such as Guinness.

OPENING THE TAP Many people think you need to grab the tap handle at the top, then yank it forward to open it, and jam it back to close it. This misconception probably comes from people watching “bartenders” in the movies pulling on the top of the beer taps as if they were handles you need to hang on to. Those brightly coloured, large handles provided by beer companies are actually advertising pieces designed to promote their beers. Pulling on the top of that fancy handle will lead to broken and damaged tap.

The correct way to operate a standard tap is to place two/three fingers on the bottom of the tap handle and then to snap the tap handle forward to open quickly. When done pouring, use your thumb and two fingers on the handle's base to quickly snap the handle back for the tap to close.

The correct way to operate a stout tap is to move the handle forward to allow the beer to flow. Pushing the handle all the way back allows for creaming the beer to create the foam. A stout tap is closed when the handle is in the upright position.

CLEANING THE TAP Cleaning is another important maintenance procedure. To remove the tap, use the specially designed tap spanner. Brush around the outside of the tap and up into the tap opening with a small soft brush and warm water. Brushing all around the coupling nut and flange can help to prevent sediment build-up. Internal parts of the standard and stout tap should be cleaned as well. When cleaning the tap parts with a properly diluted beer line cleaning solution, wear protective glasses and gloves.

The brushing will also help to make certain that no “off tastes” develop in your beers. Simply pouring warm water over the fixture at the end of the day can help prevent build-up as well. Having the right type of tap, using a tap correctly, and maintaining a proper cleaning schedule will add life to your system and improve the quality of your draught beer!