Are tap handles universal? This is a question that often arises among beer enthusiasts and homebrewers. As someone who is both a sommelier and a brewer, I can shed some light on this topic.
Tap handles, or faucet handles, are an important component of any beer dispensing system. They not only serve a functional purpose by allowing you to pour beer, but they also add a touch of personality and branding to a bar or homebrew setup. With so many different breweries and beer styles out there, it's only natural to wonder if tap handles are universal or if they are specific to each beer brand.
The good news is that, in the United States at least, tap handles are interchangeable. This means that you can use a tap handle from one brewery on a faucet from a different brewery, and vice versa. This is because all faucet handles and faucets produced in the U.S. adhere to the beer industry-standard 3/8″-16 UNC threads.
These threads ensure that tap handles and faucets can be easily screwed together, regardless of the manufacturer. It's similar to how most screws and bolts have standardized thread sizes and pitches, making it possible to mix and match them from different brands. In the case of tap handles, this standardization allows for greater flexibility and creativity in designing and displaying them.
I have personally experienced the interchangeability of tap handles in my own brewing endeavors. As a homebrewer, I often experiment with different beer styles and enjoy showcasing them to friends and family. I have a collection of tap handles from various breweries that I use to pour my own beers. It's always fun to see the reaction when someone recognizes a tap handle from a local brewery, even if the beer being poured is one of my own creations.
This universality of tap handles also offers advantages for bar and restaurant owners. They can easily switch out tap handles to feature different beers on tap, without having to worry about compatibility issues. This allows them to keep their beer selection fresh and exciting for customers, and also gives them the freedom to showcase special limited edition beers or collaborations.
Tap handles in the U.S. are indeed universal. The standard 3/8″-16 UNC threads ensure that they can be easily interchanged between different breweries and faucets. This universality adds a level of convenience and creativity for both homebrewers and commercial establishments. So, the next time you come across a unique tap handle, don't hesitate to add it to your collection or use it to pour your favorite beers. Cheers!