The American and European Sankey keg and coupler are two different types of fittings used in the beer industry. While they have a similar purpose of connecting the keg to the tap system, there are some key differences between them.
1. Size and Shape: One of the main differences between the American and European Sankey fittings is their size and shape. The American Sankey fitting is slightly smaller and has a twisted design. It is commonly referred to as a “D system” coupler. On the other hand, the European Sankey fitting is slightly larger and has a shorter stem. It is known as an “S system” coupler.
2. Compatibility: Due to the size and shape differences, the American and European Sankey couplers are not interchangeable. The American Sankey coupler will not fit on European Sankey kegs, and vice versa. This means that if you have a keg with an American Sankey fitting, you need to use an American Sankey coupler to tap it properly. Similarly, a keg with a European Sankey fitting requires a European Sankey coupler.
3. Market Standards: The American Sankey fitting has become the standard in the United States, while the European Sankey fitting is more commonly used in Europe. This difference in market standards has led to the development of two distinct types of keg and coupler systems. It's important to note that there are other keg and coupler systems used in different parts of the world, but the American and European Sankey are the most widely used.
4. Tap Mechanism: Another difference between the American and European Sankey couplers is the mechanism used to tap the keg. The American Sankey coupler typically has a lever-style handle that needs to be pulled down to engage the tap and dispense the beer. On the other hand, the European Sankey coupler often uses a slide-style handle that is pushed forward to tap the keg. This difference in tap mechanism is simply a design variation and does not affect the functionality of the coupler.
5. Branding and Labels: In some cases, the kegs themselves may have labels or branding indicating whether they are American or European Sankey fittings. This can help you identify the type of coupler you need to use. However, it's always a good idea to double-check the fitting size and shape to ensure compatibility.
In my experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have encountered both American and European Sankey kegs and couplers. It's important to be aware of the differences between them to avoid any issues when tapping a keg. I remember one time when I was at a beer festival in Europe and mistakenly tried to use an American Sankey coupler on a European Sankey keg. It simply would not fit, and I had to quickly find the correct coupler to ensure the beer could be served properly. It was a valuable lesson in understanding the nuances of different keg and coupler systems.
To summarize, the main difference between American and European Sankey kegs and couplers lies in their size, shape, compatibility, market standards, and tap mechanism. It's crucial to use the correct coupler for each type of keg to ensure a successful and efficient tapping process.