The difference between a keg and a brite tank lies primarily in their design and purpose in the brewing process. As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to work extensively with both kegs and brite tanks, allowing me to gain a deep understanding of their unique characteristics and functions.
1. Design:
– Keg: A keg, also known as a corny keg, is typically a cylindrical stainless steel container with a smaller bottom surface area compared to a brite tank. It is designed to hold and dispense beer under pressure. Kegs come in various sizes, commonly ranging from 5 to 15 gallons.
– Brite Tank: On the other hand, a brite tank, also known as a bright tank or conditioning tank, is a larger vessel specifically designed for secondary fermentation, carbonation, and maturation of beer. It has a larger surface area at the bottom, allowing yeast and other sediment to settle more easily.
2. Purpose:
– Keg: Kegs are primarily used for storing and dispensing beer. They are commonly used in commercial settings such as bars, restaurants, and breweries. Kegs are portable and often connected to a tap system to deliver beer directly to the consumer.
– Brite Tank: Brite tanks, on the other hand, serve multiple purposes in the brewing process. They are used for carbonation, clarification, and conditioning of beer before packaging. Brite tanks allow brewers to fine-tune the flavor, carbonation levels, and overall quality of the beer before it reaches the consumer.
3. Settling of Yeast:
– Keg: Due to their smaller surface area at the bottom, kegs have limited space for yeast and other sediment to settle. This can make it more challenging to gather and remove the yeast after fermentation. However, some homebrewers and craft breweries utilize kegs for secondary fermentation and conditioning, allowing the yeast to settle to the bottom before transferring to serving kegs.
– Brite Tank: Brite tanks, with their larger surface bottom area, provide ample space for yeast and other sediment to settle effectively. This makes it easier to collect and remove the settled yeast, ensuring a clearer and cleaner beer. The ability to separate the beer from the sediment is crucial for achieving a desirable appearance and flavor profile.
4. Additional Functionality:
– Brite Tank: One notable advantage of brite tanks is their versatility. In addition to their primary function in the brewing process, brite tanks can also be used as cask ale devices, commonly referred to as firkins. Cask ale is unfiltered and naturally carbonated, and brite tanks can be used to condition and serve this type of beer.
While both kegs and brite tanks are used in the brewing industry, they serve different purposes and have distinct design features. Kegs are primarily used for storing and dispensing beer, while brite tanks are utilized for secondary fermentation, carbonation, and maturation. The larger surface area of brite tanks allows for easier settling of yeast and other sediment, contributing to a clearer and cleaner beer. Additionally, brite tanks can be utilized as cask ale devices, showcasing their versatility in the brewing process.