How do I Tap a CO2 Keg?

Avoid an overly foamy keg by letting it settle before tapping it.

Tapping a keg may seem like an afterthought, but doing it improperly can result in a slow, foamy beer stream. Proper tapping technique actually begins by letting the keg sit for a few hours and so the beer can settle. This will keep as much of the carbon dioxide (CO2) in the keg as possible, which will allow you to avoid excess foam. After leaving it alone for awhile, you just need to slowly insert the tap to ensure a tight fit that avoids letting excess gas in or out.

Instructions

1. Place the keg in an ice bath for two hours before attempting to tap it to ensure that you do not release too much foam.

2. Insert the tap into the hole in the top of the keg, pushing it down slowly until you feel it fit into the grooves.

3. Turn the tap clockwise until it won't move any further.

4. Press the lever down and in to lock it in place. Your CO2 keg is now tapped.

References

• Kegerators: How To Tap A Keg
• YouTube: Keg Tapping Video
• Micromatic: Keg Tapping Instructions