A perfectly poured beverage may look effortless, but behind every smooth pour is a carefully designed draft system working in harmony. Understanding how a draft beverage system works — from tank to tap — helps explain why proper setup and maintenance are so important for quality, consistency, and efficiency.
It all begins with the beverage source, typically a keg, bag-in-box, or bulk container. Inside the keg, the beverage is sealed to protect freshness. To move it from the container to the tap, the system relies on pressurized gas, most commonly carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen (N₂), or a blend of the two. This gas applies consistent pressure, pushing the beverage out of the container without exposing it to oxygen.
From there, the beverage travels through beverage lines — specialized tubing designed to preserve flavor and carbonation. Line length, diameter, and material are carefully selected based on the beverage type and distance to the tap. In longer-draw systems, additional considerations such as elevation changes and cooling become critical.
Temperature control plays a major role throughout the journey. Refrigeration systems keep the beverage cold from storage to dispense, preventing excess foam and protecting taste. In many setups, glycol-cooled trunk lines are used to maintain consistent temperature all the way to the faucet, even across long distances.
At the tap, a faucet and coupler system controls the final pour. When properly balanced, the result is a beverage with the correct carbonation, aroma, and head — served efficiently and consistently every time.
A well-designed draft system is more than equipment; it’s a calibrated ecosystem. Factors like gas pressure, temperature, line cleanliness, and system balance all influence the final product. That’s why working with experienced providers like Irish Beverage Services makes a meaningful difference.
From tank to tap, every component matters. When everything works together, customers can taste the difference.
