Craft Beer 101: How To Get Delicious Beer On Tap At Home

Summer is almost here, and what better way to enjoy the warm weather than with a cold, refreshing beer on tap in the comfort of your own home? While it may seem like a daunting task, setting up a kegerator for your favorite brews is actually quite simple. With just a few easy steps, you can have fresh, cold beer on tap anytime, all season long. In this guide, we'll show you just how easy it is to set up a kegerator at home, and why it's the perfect addition to your summer entertaining arsenal. So sit back, grab a beer, and let's get started.

STEP 1: FIND YOUR KEGERATOR

The first step in setting up a kegerator is to choose the right one. There are a variety of kegerators on the market, ranging from small, compact models to larger, more advanced systems with multiple taps. Consider your needs and budget, as well as the space you have available for the kegerator.

STEP 2: JOIN THE OLD YALE KEG EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Did you know that OYB offers a Keg Exchange Program for those that always want amazing, local craft beer at home? That’s right, that means that you can pay a one time deposit that will roll over to each new keg you buy, without having to pay a new deposit every time. Any of our Four Season Beers are available for keg purchases. To get started fill out this form!

STEP 3: SET UP YOUR TAPS AND CO2

Once you've selected your kegerator and beer, it's time to install the tap and CO2 system. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, making sure that all connections are secure and the system is properly pressurized. CO2 cannisters can be purchased from any party or supply store.

STEP 4: TAP YOUR KEG

Put your keg in the kegerator and attach the tap to the keg. The exact steps in this will vary, so refer to your kegerator’s instruction manual for specific instructions. Make sure all of your connections are tight to avoid oxygen getting in your lines.

STEP 5: POUR YOUR BEER AND ENJOY!

All your hard work has paid off, and it is finally time to enjoy your ice cold beer on tap at home! Here are a few Pro Tips to ensure your pint at home is the best it can be:

PRO TIP 1: Put your glass at a 45 degree angle to the tap while pouring. When it is about 2/3rds full, straighten your glass to get a 1 inch head on the top of your beer.

PRO TIP 2: When your keg is first tapped, run the tap for 45-60 seconds to flush the line of any oxygen. It is common that the first few pours of a fresh keg will be very foamy, don’t worry!

PRO TIP 3: Make sure your keg is ice cold and hasn’t been shaken up too much in transportation. If your keg continues to pour foam, allow the keg to sit for 24 hours in the kegerator so it can settle and get nice and cold!

There you have it, friends. We hope this guide has been helpful in showing you just how easy it is to set up a kegerator for Old Yale beer at home. With a little bit of planning and the right equipment, you can enjoy fresh, cold brews all summer long without ever leaving your home. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at info@oldyalebrewing.com. Our team of experts is always here to help you get the most out of your beer-drinking experience. Cheers to a summer filled with good times and great beer!

NEW BEER: LAVENDER LEMON BLONDE ALE

This approchable Blonde Ale will remind you of the nicer weather and blooming flowers of spring. Don’t wait to get your hands on one of these.

LAVENDER LEMON BLONDE ALE

ALC: 5.0%

IBU: 20

Hops: Hersbrucker, Magnum, Citra LUPOMAX

Malt: Pilsen, Wheat

Availability: 473ml 4-pack

Tasting Notes:

Our Blonde Ale is absolutely bursting with a floral, zesty and bright character. Local Lavender, Lemon Peel and a delicate addition of Citra hops create a smooth and soothing flavour with a pleasant and inviting undertone. This Trailblazer Release is a refreshing tiptoe towards Spring...

This brew is a one time brew, so it won’t be around long! Shop online or head down to OYB Chilliwack to try it on draft or in a 4-pack, or stop by your favourite local liquor store!

Beats & Beers: A Match Made in Heaven

Is there really anything better than putting on some tunes and cracking a cold beer? We don’t think so. While we think that any genre of music would go well with and Old Yale beer, we think that there may be certain music that goes perfectly with certain beers. So Team OYB spent countless hours researching, listening, drinking, listening, drinking, researching to figure our the definitive Beer and Music Pairings.

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the beer: moon dance mango wheat

the music: kokomo - the beach boys

First up, we have Moon Dance Mango Wheat. This beer is like a tropical vacation in a glass, with its juicy mango flavour. To really set the mood, we recommend playing "Kokomo" by The Beach Boys. This classic beachy tune will transport you to a tropical paradise and have you sipping on your Moon Dance Mango Wheat like you're on a Caribbean island.

the beer: Fraser Valley Lager

the music: summer of ‘69 - bryan adams

Next, we have Fraser Valley Lager. This beer is a crisp and refreshing representation of the Fraser Valley, with its balanced malt and hop flavors. To really bring out the taste, we recommend playing "Summer of '69" by Bryan Adams. This anthem of summer will have you feeling like you're at a backyard BBQ and sipping on a Fraser Valley Lager like it's the hottest day of the year.

the beer: brown sugar oat stout

the music: wonderwall - oasis

For a cozy and comforting experience, we suggest pairing Brown Sugar Oat Stout with "Wonderwall" by Oasis. The rich and smooth oatmeal and brown sugar flavors will have you feeling like you're sitting by the fire, and the classic ballad will make you want to curl up and stay awhile. Anyway, here’s Wonderwall.

the beer: earl grey grapefruit pale

the music: here comes the sun - the beatles

If you want something a little more unique, try Earl Grey Grapefruit Pale with "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles. The subtle floral and citrusy notes of this beer are perfect for any day and the classic song will have you feeling like you're at a festival and enjoying every sip of this refreshing and unique brew.

the beer: off trail pale ale

the music: don’t stop believin’ - journey

Next we have Off Trail Pale Ale. This beer is a bold and hoppy adventure, perfect for those who like to wander off the beaten path. To really bring out its bold flavors, we recommend playing "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey. This classic rock anthem will have you feeling like you're on an epic adventure and ready to conquer the world, or at least your thirst, with your Off Trail Pale Ale.

the beer: gin fizz citrus sour

the music: i wanna dance with somebody by whitney houston

The Gin Fizz Citrus Sour is a bright and effervescent beer with a tangy citrus kick. Now, when you're sipping on this beer, you might think it would pair well with a tropical, upbeat song. But trust us, "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" is the perfect match. The lively beat and Whitney's powerhouse vocals perfectly complement the beer's effervescence, while the lyrics about feeling alive and ready to party match the beer's playful and refreshing taste. So next time you're cracking open a can of Gin Fizz Citrus Sour, put on "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" and let the good times roll.

So there you have it, folks! Pairing beer with music can be a fun and delicious way to enhance your next listening session or party. It's all about finding the right combination of flavors and vibes that work well together. Whether you're a hophead who loves a good IPA or you're more of a sour fan, there's a perfect song out there for you. And don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. You never know, you might discover a new favorite pairing!

Cheers, friends!