Post
by Trefoyl » Tue Sep 28, 2021 3:28 pm
As F00b4r said, I use new kegs. My favorite brand is AEB from Italy but I have Chinese ones that work just as well. I don’t see why just replacing the seals in an older keg wouldn’t work just as well, except I don’t trust the relief valves on my old kegs. That’s where I always lost pressure before buying new kegs.
I do like give the keg an initial burst of CO2 to purge Oxygen and also be sure the lid is seated.
What float you use, if any, is up for discussion. If you use a yeast that flocs well, then your beer will be pretty clear after the first couple pints with a regular dip tube. I also prefer to transfer to the keg after only 3-4 days in primary, when airlock activity has nearly but not yet stopped, and let it finish in the keg to condition rather than add sugar.
And yes, a breather is essential.
Sommeliers recommend that you swirl a glass of wine and inhale its bouquet before throwing it in the face of your enemy.