As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can shed some light on the difference between the spellings “draught” and “draft” when it comes to referring to beer. It is important to note that these variations in spelling are primarily influenced by regional differences in English usage. In American English, the term “draft” is commonly used, while in British English, “draught” is the preferred spelling.
The word “draught” or “draft” refers to a type of beer that is served from a keg or cask, rather than being packaged in bottles or cans. This method of serving beer is often associated with a fresh and flavorful taste, as the beer is typically unpasteurized and undergoes a secondary fermentation process in the keg or cask. This allows for the natural carbonation to develop, resulting in a unique drinking experience.
In my personal experience, I have found that the term “draught” is more commonly used in the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries influenced by British English. When I traveled to London, I had the opportunity to try various types of beer on draught, and I was impressed by the rich and distinct flavors that were not always present in bottled versions.
On the other hand, in the United States, the term “draft” is predominantly used to refer to beer served from a keg or tap. When I worked in a brewery in California, we often had customers requesting a “draft beer,” indicating their preference for the fresher and often locally brewed options available on tap. The use of the term “draft” in American English may be attributed to linguistic simplification and the influence of other draft-related contexts, such as “drafting” a document or “military draft.”
To summarize, while the spellings “draught” and “draft” represent the same concept of beer served from a keg or cask, the variation in spelling is primarily influenced by regional differences in English usage. American English commonly uses “draft,” while British English uses “draught.” Regardless of the spelling, enjoying a beer on draught or draft can offer a delightful and unique drinking experience.