A draft jockey box is a fantastic piece of equipment that allows you to enjoy a cold pint of beer, straight from the keg, no matter where you are. Whether you're at a backyard BBQ, a tailgate party, or a picnic in the park, a jockey box ensures that your beer stays chilled and refreshing.
So, how does a draft jockey box work? Let's break it down step by step.
1. The keg is connected to the jockey box: To start, you need to connect the keg to the jockey box. This is typically done using a CO2 line and a coupler that attaches to the keg. The CO2 line helps maintain the pressure inside the keg, allowing the beer to flow smoothly.
2. The beer travels through stainless steel coils: Once the keg is connected, the beer starts flowing into the jockey box. Inside the jockey box, there are stainless steel coils that act as a chilling mechanism. These coils are designed to be long and narrow, allowing for maximum surface area contact with the ice.
3. Ice surrounds the coils: The jockey box is then filled with ice, completely surrounding the stainless steel coils. The ice acts as a coolant, rapidly cooling down the beer as it flows through the coils. The cold temperature of the ice helps maintain the beer at a refreshing temperature, ensuring that every pint is perfectly chilled.
4. Beer is dispensed from the faucet: As the beer travels through the coils, it gradually cools down. Once it reaches the faucet on the front of the jockey box, it is ready to be dispensed. Simply pull the tap handle, and a cold, frothy pint of beer is poured into your glass.
Now, let's talk about why a jockey box is such an effective cooling system for draft beer.
1. Efficient cooling: The stainless steel coils inside the jockey box are excellent conductors of heat. When surrounded by ice, they quickly transfer the cold temperature to the beer, cooling it down rapidly. This ensures that the beer stays cold from keg to glass, even on a hot summer day.
2. Portability: One of the great advantages of a jockey box is its portability. It is designed to be easily transported and can be taken anywhere you want to enjoy draft beer. The ice-filled cooler keeps the beer cold without the need for electricity or bulky refrigeration units.
3. Versatility: Jockey boxes are versatile and can accommodate multiple kegs or even different types of beverages. Some jockey boxes have multiple taps, allowing you to serve different beers simultaneously. This versatility makes them a popular choice for events and gatherings where variety is appreciated.
In my personal experience as a brewer and beer enthusiast, I've used jockey boxes in various settings, from backyard parties to beer festivals. They have never failed to impress me with their ability to keep the beer cold and refreshing, no matter the external temperature. The convenience and portability of a jockey box make it a must-have for any beer lover who wants to enjoy draft beer on the go.
A draft jockey box works by flowing beer through stainless steel coils that are surrounded by ice, chilling the liquid down to the perfect temperature. It is a simple yet effective cooling system that ensures a cold and satisfying pint of beer, wherever you may be. Cheers!