A keg beer with nitrogen is a unique style of beer that is served with a gas blend of nitrogen and carbon dioxide (CO2) instead of just CO2. This style of beer is commonly found in Irish stouts, such as Guinness, but can also be found in other beer styles like cream ales or porters.
The use of nitrogen in the gas blend has several effects on the beer. Firstly, it helps to create a smoother and creamier texture in the beer due to its lower solubility compared to CO2. This gives the beer a velvety mouthfeel and a dense, long-lasting head. When poured, the beer cascades down the glass in a mesmerizing display of bubbles, creating a visually appealing experience.
Additionally, the use of nitrogen reduces the carbonation level in the beer. This lower carbonation not only adds to the creamy mouthfeel but also allows the flavors of the beer to shine through. The nitrogen gas does not dissolve into the beer as readily as CO2, which means that the carbonation does not overpower the flavors and aromas of the beer. This results in a beer that is smooth, balanced, and easy to drink.
One of the advantages of serving keg beer with nitrogen is that it eliminates the concerns of flavor degradation that can occur with traditional cask ales. Cask ales are typically served by hand-pumping air into the keg, which can introduce oxygen and lead to oxidation of the beer. This can result in off-flavors and a shorter shelf life. With nitrogen, the beer is pushed out of the keg using a gas blend, ensuring that minimal oxygen contact occurs and preserving the beer's freshness and flavor.
I have had the pleasure of enjoying keg beers with nitrogen on several occasions. One memorable experience was at a local pub that had a dedicated nitrogen tap for their Guinness. The bartender poured the beer with precision, allowing the cascading bubbles to settle before topping it off with a creamy head. The first sip was a revelation – the smoothness and creaminess of the beer were unlike anything I had experienced before. The flavors of roasted malt and chocolate were prominent, and the lower carbonation level allowed these flavors to shine through without any harshness. It was a truly enjoyable and refreshing pint.
A keg beer with nitrogen is a unique style of beer that is served with a gas blend of nitrogen and CO2. The nitrogen creates a smoother and creamier texture, while the lower carbonation level allows the flavors of the beer to be more pronounced. This style of beer eliminates the concerns of flavor degradation found in traditional cask ales and provides a delightful drinking experience.