Draft mead dispenser
1. Mead kegs: The mead is stored in conventional metal kegs, Corny kegs and bag-in-keg containers to maintain the drink’s freshness and quality. The kegs are usually made of stainless steel, which guarantees durability and makes cleaning easier.
2. Fittings and tubing: The fittings and tubing in the mead dispensing system must be made from food-grade materials such as stainless steel or high-quality plastic. These materials ensure there is no contamination or alteration of the mead’s flavor.
3. Pressurization system: To dispense mead from the keg to the tap, you need a pressurization system, which usually uses carbon dioxide (CO2) or a mixture of CO2 and nitrogen (N2) when the keg is kept cold. The right pressure is essential to maintain the mead’s carbonation and texture.
4. Dispensing tap: The dispensing tap should be specific for mead, with flow control compensators that allow a controlled, even flow of the drink. Stainless steel taps are ideal for this purpose, as they are corrosion-resistant and easy to clean.
5. Cooling: Mead must be served at the right temperature to maintain its flavor and quality. A cooling system is needed to keep the mead kegs at the proper temperature, which may vary depending on the type of mead and consumer preferences.
Installing a mead dispensing system from keg to tap involves connecting the system components, such as kegs, fittings, tubing, coolers, pressurization system and dispensing tap. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure correct installation and operation. It is advisable to use a specialized technical service to guarantee proper installation and servicing.
Maintaining the mead dispensing system is essential to ensure the drink’s quality and safety. This includes regular cleaning and disinfection of the lines and taps, as well as inspection and replacement of seals and fittings if necessary. In addition, it is important to check and adjust the pressure of the pressurization system and make sure the cooling system is working properly.
Mead dispensing is a method of serving mead stored in kegs directly through taps. This method is similar to that used to dispense beer, cocktails and other drinks, and offers a convenient way to serve mead in bars, restaurants and at events.
The key components of a mead dispensing system include the mead keg, suitable fittings and lines, the pressurisation system (usually using CO2 or a blend of CO2 and nitrogen), the cooler and the dispensing tap.
Dispensing mead from keg to tap offers several advantages, such as reducing glass waste, reducing storage needs, a lower environmental impact due to less packaging, and a lower likelihood of mead oxidation, as it is kept in a pressurised environment and protected from sunlight.
Although it’s possible to use standard beer taps to dispense mead, it’s recommended to use a tap specifically for mead or wine, without flow compensator or filters. These taps are designed to properly handle the unique characteristics of mead and maintain its quality during dispensing.
CO2 or a blend of CO2 and nitrogen is generally used when the keg is kept cold to pressurise mead in a tap dispensing system. These gases help maintain the proper carbonation of the mead and prevent oxidation.
As with any dispensing system, it’s important to carry out regular maintenance, such as cleaning and sanitising the lines, couplers and taps, as well as checking fittings and seals. It’s also important to ensure that the pressurisation system is working properly and to maintain the right pressure for the type of mead being dispensed.