Tapping a keg of beer with a CO2 unit is not as complicated as you may think. But before you're ready to tap the keg, there are a few things you'll need to do first…
If your keg of beer has just undergone significant jostling (like in a vehicle), it will need to sit for 2 to 3 hours before you tap it. Tapping a keg that has been shaken will result in foamy beer. The more you move the keg the more the beer gets agitated. When Beer is agitated it will release the CO2 from the beer and increase the pressure in the keg or worse release the CO2 while you are pouring your beer. Either way both of these will cause foamy beer.
When using a Jockey Box you don't need to put the keg in an ice bath UNLESS; it's warmer than 12 C, or you're pouring lots of beer at once, or you're pouring over an extended period of time. If you are using an ice bath see “Chilling Process” Below.
Beer should be around 2-4◦C. While your beer is un-jostling itself, set it in a tub filling the remaining room with ice. The ice should be able to cool the beer within an hour. If your keg is outside on a hot, sunny day, add ice as needed.
Attach the Regulator to the CO2 tank and tighten with a wrench. Open valve on the top of tank and please ensure that you turn the regulators “Shut Off” valve located below the Dials attached to the CO2 hose to the “ON” position which is parallel with the hose, this will pressurize the system. With the system pressurized listen for leaks (a HISSING Sound). The other way to check for leaks is to close the tank valve on the CO2 and see if the pressure drops on the regulator gauges.
Please Note That ALL Our Regulators on our equipment are pre-set to the correct pressure for dispensing beer. If you prefer to set your own pressure first you must release all the pressure in the keg. See “Pressure neutralizing your keg” section below. The correct pressure ranges for our Jockey Boxes are as follows;
Now you will need to connect the “Coupler” to the keg. Line up the two notches on the keg with the two indentations on the bottom of the Coupler. Then, push down, and rotate the tap clockwise a Half a turn or until Snug. Then Pull the “Lever” on the “Coupler” out away from the Coupler and down to engage. The “Lever” should lock into place. This will open the beer line and CO2 ports in the keg. The keg is now tapped!
Start by turning the “Shut Off” valve at the base of the Regulator to the OFF position (perpendicular to the
