Beer Taps

Beer taps, also known as keg couplers, are what make the connection to the keg in your kegerator system. It allows CO2 to enter the keg and beer to go out to the faucet.

There's not much to buying a keg tap. They all function pretty much the same. You just have to buy the right type for the keg you want to dispense.

There are six different keg connections requiring six diferent keg couplers.

What are the six keg couplers?

• D System - American Sanke - Used by the major US Breweries such as Busch, Budweiser, Miller, Coors, Michelob, and most craft breweries.
• S System - European Sanke - Used by many European breweries such as Heineken, Pilsner Urquell, Amstel Light among others.
• A System - German Sliderused by Some breweries include Heineken, Pilsner Urquell, Amstel Light among others.
• G System - Some breweries include Anchor, Bass, Boddington's, Fuller's among others.
• U System - Some breweries include Guinness and Harp.
• M System - Some breweries include Aventinus, Einbecker, Schneider among others.

So how do you know which keg coupler to use?

First off, almost all U.S. breweries use the D System - American Sanke. There are some exceptions but it's rare.

For all other beers check the list of beer taps above for some of the more common beer types for each. The list above gives the major beers but if you have any doubts, ask your local beer store. They should be able to tell you what coupler you need.

Now that you have your keg coupler...How do you use it?

How To Tap A Keg

1. Pull the plastic handle out and pull up to make sure the tap is in the off position.
2. Align the tap with the keg opening and insert it into the keg.
3. Turn the tap clockwise until it stops. It will rotate approximately 90 degrees.
4. Pull the plastic handle out and push down. The keg is now tapped.

I almost forgot Step #5...Pour a beer and enjoy.

Please subscribe to my free Kegerator Guide E-zine