Beer is indeed a beverage used for hospitality at all times and in all places. Depending on the location of the reception, consumers use different types of beer. Most of us try to classify beer but don’t fully understand it.
In this article, let’s explore the differences between bottled beer, canned beer, draft beer, and keg beer, as well as a unique style called “thick beer,” to give you a clearer understanding.
1 Similarities Between Draft Beer and Keg Beer Compared to Bottled and Canned Beer
Canned, bottled, draft, and keg beers all have their unique benefits, but they differ significantly in terms of technology, production processes, and stages.
The breweries cultivate pure yeast, ensuring its purity and consistency to achieve the distinct flavor profiles of each beer type.
During the fermentation process, which lasts about 7 to 10 days, foam will appear at the top of the beer. Once fermentation is complete, the yeast is removed and either heat-sterilized or micro-filtered to create the final product for consumers.
2 Differences Between Draft Beer and Keg Beer Compared to Bottled and Canned Beer
Bottled and Canned Beer
The fermentation process for bottled and canned beer takes longer than for keg and draft beer. During production, after one to three weeks of proper fermentation, the beer is cold-stored and then filtered once or twice before bottling or canning.
Before packaging, the beer undergoes heat sterilization or micro-filtration, resulting in a shelf life of up to six months when stored correctly.
Characteristics of bottled beer
Canned and bottled beers have the same ingredients and shelf life, resulting in identical product quality. However, bottled beer is more cost-effective for restaurants and pubs, as it is significantly cheaper than canned beer.
On the other hand, canned beer is more convenient for at-home consumption and easily purchasable from stores.
Draft Beer
Draft beer, also known as draft beer, has a fermentation period twice as long as keg beer and is brewed with a higher sugar content.
After fermentation, draft beer is filtered to remove all yeast and then pasteurized, similar to keg beer. No preservatives are added during the fermentation and aging processes.
Characteristics of draft beer (draft beer)
When consumed, draft beer retains a sense of freshness. In the market, draft beer is often associated with mini brewing systems installed directly in restaurants, typically with a small capacity. Draft beer has a longer shelf life than keg beer, lasting about a week.
Keg Beer
Keg beer is typically sold and consumed within a few days. Its production involves rapid pasteurization with high-temperature steam, resulting in a shorter shelf life.
After fermentation, keg beer is transferred to cleaned kegs using compressed air, water, hot water (800°C), and a caustic solution (2-3%). It is then pasteurized with hot steam (approximately 135°C) and cooled with CO2.
Characteristics of keg beer
In the Vietnamese market, consumers favor keg beer brands such as Hanoi Keg Beer, Saigon Keg Beer, and Viet Ha Keg Beer.
Keg beer is typically consumed at pubs and restaurants, dispensed from a tap, and should be used within three days.
Thick Beer
Thick beer is a unique style where bottled, draft, or keg beer is chilled using a special mist-spraying method, creating a frosty layer on the outside of the bottle and a slushy texture when the beer is gently stirred.
Pros and cons of bottled, canned, and thick beer
Thick beer offers an ideal drinking temperature while preserving the original flavor. It doesn’t freeze inside, and the taste isn’t diluted by ice or the beer warming up too quickly.
You can easily prepare thick beer at home, even during a pandemic, and enjoy its unique flavor.
3 Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Beer Type
Bottled, Canned, and Thick Beer
-
In reality, bottled, canned, and thick beer undergo similar production processes as draft beer, but they are packaged differently and pasteurized for extended shelf life, facilitating commercial transportation and market consumption. Bottled and canned beer usually have a longer shelf life, ranging from six months to a year.
-
However, during transportation and consumption, the beer’s quality can be affected by the ambient temperature.
Pros and cons of bottled, canned, and thick beer
Draft and Keg Beer
-
Draft beer has a more pleasant flavor and aroma. Additionally, the production and consumption processes of draft beer are less labor-intensive than bottled beer. The flavor and aroma of draft and keg beer are more enjoyable due to their lower alcohol content and refreshing qualities compared to bottled and canned beer.
-
However, it’s challenging to consume draft and keg beer at home, as you can only purchase and consume it immediately. These beer types are also difficult to store due to temperature and carbonation issues, which can affect their quality compared to bottled, canned, or thick beer.
Pros and cons of draft and keg beer
Overall, the basic ingredients for keg, bottled, canned, and draft beer are the same. However, the pasteurization process differentiates them by shelf life.
While draft and keg beer have shorter shelf lives, bottled and canned beer can last from six months to a year or more. Additionally, different brewing and fermentation techniques contribute to the unique flavors and alcohol content variations among beer brands.
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand the different types of beer and how to choose the most suitable option for your occasions!
