As a sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with a detailed explanation of what “draught” means in the context of beer. Draught beer refers to beer that is served from a cask or keg, rather than being packaged in bottles or cans. This traditional method of dispensing beer has been used for centuries and is still popular today.
When beer is served on draught, it is typically stored in a keg or cask that is pressurized with carbon dioxide or a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen. This pressure helps to push the beer out of the container and through the tap, ensuring a steady flow of beer into the glass. The use of a tap or faucet allows for easy control of the beer flow and helps to create a frothy head on top of the beer.
One of the advantages of serving beer on draught is that it can often provide a fresher and more flavorful drinking experience. Because the beer is stored in a sealed keg or cask, it is protected from light and oxygen, which can cause beer to spoil or lose its flavor. Additionally, the carbonation levels in draught beer can be carefully controlled, resulting in a smoother and more enjoyable drinking experience.
It's worth noting that some companies also use the terms “draft” or “draught” as marketing terms to describe canned or bottled beers. In these cases, the term is used to evoke the idea of freshness and quality that is often associated with beer served on draught. However, it is important to differentiate between true draught beer, which is served from a keg or cask, and packaged beer that is simply labeled as “draught” for marketing purposes.
In my personal experience, I have always found draught beer to be a preferred choice when available. There is something about the process of watching the beer being poured from the tap, seeing the frothy head form, and experiencing the freshness of the beer that adds to the overall enjoyment. Whether it's at a pub, brewery, or even at home with a kegerator setup, there is a certain charm and authenticity to drinking beer on draught.
To summarize, the term “draught” in beer refers to beer that is served from a keg or cask rather than being packaged in bottles or cans. This method of dispensing beer offers a fresher and more flavorful drinking experience, and is often associated with the idea of quality and authenticity. However, it's important to be aware of companies using the term “draught” as a marketing tactic for packaged beers that may not actually be served on draught.
