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Whether you’re a fan of ales, stouts, porters, lagers, or specialty beers, you’re one of millions of people who enjoy beer in its various styles. Beer has been around since people thought the earth was flat, and continues its popularity today. And while brewing beer has remained basically the same, how beer reaches the consumer is radically different now vs. even 100 years ago.

Along with just about any other technology, brewing technology has improved since brewing first started centuries ago. The general process remains the same. Beer is a mix of ingredients like hops, malt, grains, yeast, water, and often other specialty ingredients, mixed and fermented together over time. The biggest changes in the beer industry have been how brewers package their product and how it reaches the end consumer.

Bottled and Canned Vs. Kegs

Bottling and canning beer became big business in the early to mid 20th century. New technologies were implemented allowing brewers to ship their beer over long distances to reach new thirsty markets. As markets changed, the brewing industry trend moved toward large regional brewers and away from small local breweries. That same consolidation trend continues today, as large brewers with big advertising budgets are better able to brand and distribute both nationally and internationally.

Yet, something important has been lost, and that is the freshness and taste of local, direct from the keg beer. Walk into any bar today, and chances are you’ll see people drinking beer directly out of the bottle. While perhaps convenient, beer wasn’t meant to be consumed right from the bottle, or the can for that matter.

Beer is a perishable food product, and like any food product, beer doesn’t improve with age. Bottled beer and canned beer are pasteurized and added carbonation is injected to ensure a long shelf life without need for refrigeration. While there’s nothing wrong with this process as it allows product availability to a wider spectrum of consumers, it is not beer in its natural state.

Keg beer is beer in its natural state. Keg beer isn’t pasteurized, nor are any preservatives added. Keg beer needs refrigeration from the day it’s packaged until the day it’s consumed. The important factor to note is that keg beer isn’t injected with additional carbonation, which gives keg beer a smoother, cleaner taste.

Here’s a little experiment to try the next time you’re out enjoying beer. First, enjoy your beer only from the bottle or can. Now, the next time out, drink beer only on tap (from the keg). Notice the difference in how your digestion is affected. You’ll have less intestinal gas (burping!) from keg beer, as there’s no additional carbonation added. The beer is smoother, mellower, and less carbonated, making for a better tasting experience.

Beer is a great and well loved beverage, no matter how it’s consumed. However, next time out, enjoy your beer as the brewer intended - direct from the keg. You’ll appreciate the smoother taste!