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W W W . V I N O T E M P . C O M
BEER DISPENSING TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Problem: Cloudy or Flat Beer
When beer in glass appears hazy and is not clear, this is considered cloudy. When the
foamy head disappears quickly and beer lacks its usual zestful brewery-fresh flavor,
this is considered flat.
Causes
Corrections
1) Greasy glass
•
Do not wash beer glasses together with other
items which have contained milk or other fatty
substances. Be sure to remove all lipstick from
the glass before washing.
•
Excess amount of germicides can build up and
leave a fatty film on glass, which may cause flat
beer.
•
It is preferable to steam and sterilize glasses
where health laws permit.
•
Wash glasses thoroughly with a good detergent.
Do not use soap.
•
Rinse in fresh, cold water just before serving
beer.
•
Do not dry-wipe glasses. Permit glasses to air-
dry by placing them on wire rack or corrugated
metal.
2) Improper drawing of beer
into glass
•
Open faucet quickly and completely.
•
Check and find the correct distance to hold glass
from faucet when drawing. When done properly,
foam should be a tight creamy head, and the
collar on the average glass should be ¾” to 1”
high.
•
Beer drawn without head has appearance of
being flat.
3) Over chilling cooler or beer
system
•
Excessive low temperatures may cause hazy,
cloudy beer, particularly when beer lies in cold
coil for long periods of time. Make certain that
lines are thoroughly cleaned and then raise
temperature slightly.
•
With an accurate thermometer, check
temperature in cooler. Temperature at the faucet
should always be colder by at least 2 degrees
than at the precooler.
4) Not enough pressure
•
Increase pressure if beer runs too slowly. Correct
flow should fill a 10-ounce glass in about 4
seconds. (Be sure not to overcorrect pressure.)
•
Check the pressure source for obstructions in the
pressure line.
•
Check for a sluggish or defective regulator.
5) Cracking or partially opening
beer faucet
•
Open faucet quickly and completely.
•
Replace worn washers and parts in faucet when
necessary to permit full opening of faucet.
