Cask Conditioning, Corney Keg Fills

Recently, we have acquired all the supplies to start cask conditioning some of our beers and serving them through a hand-pump, or “beer engine.” Sounds awesome, but what does it mean?! Essentially, we here at Black Star have another avenue to serve our Member-Owners interesting, quality beers. Cask conditioning, much like bottle conditioning, has some fermentation happen inside the container (the cask) that provides carbonation and maturation. Additionally, ingredients are usually added into the cask during this time–typically whole hops. We can even get creative and add cool things like vanilla beans, chili peppers, coffee, etc. The cask is then stored and served at “cellar temperatures,” which usually range between 50F and 55F. CO2 levels at this temperature tend to be lower than usual keg beers. Therefore, you’ll see that the cask conditioned beer will have less carbonation, but when served properly through a beer engine, turbulence is created and a nice, dense, foamy head rests atop the beer. The slightly higher temperature, added ingredients, and proper pour allows the matured beer to be experienced with a much more elegant, refined aroma and flavor that cannot be achieved with higher carbonated kegged beers. The result? Come in and find out!

Also, we would like to announce that we will start filling corney kegs for homebrewers and/or people that have kegerators at home and wish to enjoy our beers over a longer period of time. Generally, it will take 24-48hrs to get your cleaned/sanitized corney filled after it’s dropped off. Not all beers are available at all times, so inquire with your bartender or email us.