Having a kegerator has been such a huge upgrade to my home bar. The ability to pour myself a draft beer is equally delicious and fun. My guests love it too. But every time the keg kicks, I’m faced with the choice of what beer to get next. Picking a single beer to have on draft is challenging. It has to be a beer that’s great to drink often but also something most guests will enjoy. Lucky for me, my draft options just doubled as I got my hands on an upgrade to my kegerator . . . it is now a Dual Tap Kegerator.
The timing of this upgrade couldn’t have been better as the NFL Playoffs had just started and my thoughts are focused on the “big game”. As with past years, I’d be hosting a party and having two beers on tap just felt right. So, I was no longer limited to a single beer but now I needed to decide how to pick two beers that provided the right balance of choice, balance, and approachability.
This led me down a path of all types of ideas and ways I could go about picking these two beers. Here are all of those different ways that I considered.
While my mind initially went directly to the styles of the beers that I’d pick, it didn’t take long for me to realize I also had an opportunity to include the brewery in the selection process. And I think that’s actually where it makes sense to start. But first, let’s talk about my upgrade using the Newair Dual Tap Kegerator Kit.
Upgrading To The Newair Dual Tap Kegerator Kit
Having a Newair Kegerator in my home bar has been a ton of fun. There’s something nearly magical about pouring a draft beer. Want to learn more about the kegerator itself? . . . Check out my full review here.
After having the kegerator for about a year or so, I got my hands on the Newair Dual Tap Kegerator Kit (NKR-DualTapKit). This upgrade doubles the taps so I can have 2 beers on tap at the same time using the same kegerator. If nothing else, it’s a more efficient use of space.
Installation of the dual tap was straightforward. Just a few screws removed the old single tap tower, and the same screws hold in the new tower. Then the I just had to swap out the regulator to the new one that accommodates two beer lines with two couplers. All of these items were included in the kit.
I’d say it took me less than 30 minutes to complete the upgrade to the Dual Tap Kegerator. It looks great and the taps are at a great angle to fit two into the same space. And just like the original the faucet handle is removable so I can use full size tap handles. Now it’s time to pick two kegs of beer and try it out.
Brewery Selection Process
As I mentioned, considering which breweries to get beer from doesn’t have to impact which two beers to put on tap but it definitely can. It’s a nice way to add layer to it and create some conversations about the beers and your passion for them.
Here are some ideas on how to consider breweries in this process:
Both Beers From The Same Brewery
While some breweries have a narrow focus on a few styles, most offer a wide selection of styles and flavors. So, it would be very easy to pick two beers from a single brewery. What’s great about this is it showcases that brewery’s ability to make different styles while also exhibiting how they can share some flavor profiles too.
For guests that aren’t familiar with that brewery, it is a great introduction into their beer.
Local Vs National
While we love to talk about local beer, the national brands exist for a reason and have a place in craft beer. So, you could easily place a local and a national beer on tap. Where I think this becomes a lot of fun is when they are similar or complimentary styles.
For example, you could do a wheat beer from one brewery and a fruited wheat from another brewery. In this way, the style is highlighted while also showing how a local brewery shows off a specific style versus the national brewery. Or it can be any other two styles, but the point is it is a way to show how local and national brands produce great beer and opens the door for a conversation.
West Side Vs East Side
Here in Cincinnati, the city is separated by a highway into the East Side and West Side. While we are still one city, there are comparisons between the food, schools, etc. on each side. The comparison of breweries is another way these parts of town can often be compared.
Have a beer from each side and let your guests vote for their favorite side of the city. And while this is specific to Cincinnati, most cities have something similar that could be used for picking which breweries to get kegs from.
Beer Style/Type Selection Process
Lager / IPA
To me, this is a very logic selection. Lager is the best-selling style in the world (including non-craft beer) and IPA is the quintessential craft beer.
The lager is the easy-drinking, lower ABV option while the IPA bring bigger flavor and likely a higher ABV. For those that don’t love IPAs, there’s a good chance that they like lagers. And the same goes for those that aren’t lager fans, they probably like IPAs.
Stout / Blonde
Staying with the theme of picking beers that are often seen as opposites, a stout and a blonde are about as far apart as beers get. The blonde is the approachable beer, the stout is the crowd pleaser and brings bigger flavor.
Fruited Wheat / Fruited Sour
In the mood for something fruity? Then a fruited wheat and a fruited sour could be the right choice.
While both focus on fruit flavors, these styles have completely different ways of presenting those flavors. The result is a great way to introduce your guests to sours. For example, if your guests like a peach wheat beer then they might like a peach sour.
Seasonal / Saison
Ok, this one is a bit silly. Seasonal and Saison are very similar looking words. In fact, early in my beer journey, when I first saw a Saison on a tap list, I thought it was a seasonal beer. Which wasn’t a crazy thought because Saison is French for Season. But as you know, a Seasonal beer can be just about any style or flavor profile while Saison is a formal style. But again, having the right styles on tap can produce fun conversations about craft beer.
High ABV / Low ABV
Another element to consider is the ABV of the beers selected. While it would be ok to have two low ABV beers on tap, you probably do not want two high ABV beers. I’m a fan of higher alcohol content in beer but there are many situations when low alcohol is the right choice. So, having both is a great way to meet the needs of all types of moments in your life.
NA beer / seltzer
While not my favorite options, consider who visits your home. We all know how popular seltzers have become and NA beer is on the upward trend. Some practice Dry January as well. For me, Sam Adams Just The Haze is the best NA beer I’ve had followed by the Athletic Run Wild IPA. Both would be great to have on tap for those looking to avoid alcohol.
Final Thoughts On Picking The Right Beer To Have On Tap
What criteria would you use when picking which beers to have on tap during the NLF Playoffs and the “big game”?
Having two beers on tap instead of one is double the fun but also means another decision must be made. Luckily, there are lots of great ways to help make that decision easier and more meaningful. Regardless, make sure that the beer selected is craft beer – outside of that you can’t go wrong!
Want a Dual Tap Kegerator for yourself? Check out the Newair kegerator here as well as the dual tap tower here.
And you can save 10% with this code: CBJOE10
That’s a double-digit discount on a double tap experience!
