The name for a bar tap is commonly referred to as a faucet. However, it is important to note that the term “tap” is often used interchangeably by many people. This confusion arises from the fact that the tap handle is the most visible part of the draught system and is what the bartender pulls on to dispense the beer.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to work with various draught systems and interact with different terminologies used in the industry. While the technical term for the device is a faucet, it is understandable why many people refer to it as a tap. The word “tap” has become ingrained in our everyday language when it comes to beer dispensing, and it is often used colloquially to describe the entire system rather than just the faucet itself.
In my experience, I have found that the term “tap” is more commonly used among consumers and even some industry professionals. When a customer asks for a beer on tap, they are usually referring to the available draft options rather than specifically asking for a faucet. This is because the tap handle is the visible representation of the diverse beer selection available at a bar. It serves as a visual cue for customers to identify their preferred beer style or brand.
It is worth mentioning that the confusion surrounding the terminology can also be attributed to regional variations. Different countries or even different regions within a country may have their own unique terms for the bar tap. For example, in some parts of the United Kingdom, the term “pull” is used instead of “tap” to describe the action of dispensing beer. These subtle variations further add to the complexity of terminology in the industry.
To summarize, while the technical term for the device is a faucet, the colloquial term “tap” is commonly used to refer to the bar tap. This terminology confusion is understandable given the prominence of the tap handle as the visible representation of the draught system. The term “tap” has become deeply ingrained in our everyday language, and it is often used by consumers and industry professionals alike.