Long Draw and Direct Draw Draft Beer Systems: Unraveling the Differences
WHY INVEST IN A DRAFT BEER SYSTEM?
Before we delve into the differences between Long Draw draft beer systems (a.k.a. Glycol Cooled Remote Draft Beer Systems) and Direct Draw draft beer systems, let's first understand why investing in a draft beer system is essential. Owning a draft beer system can be a game-changer for a bar's profitability. While it does entail a significant capital investment initially, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. Compared to selling packaged beer, draft beer far outsells packaged beer and offers consistent advantages in terms of profitability and customer satisfaction. One of the main objectives of owning a draft beer system is to boost an establishment’s profits, and there are several reasons why this is achievable. Firstly, draft beer generally has a higher profit margin compared to packaged beer. On average, draft beer profit margins can be as high as 25% more profitable than packaged beer and, in some instances, even higher. This is primarily because the cost per serving of draft beer is significantly lower when considering the bulk pricing, keg yields, and lower packaging costs. Such increased profit margins are essential for owners looking to maximize profits and achieve sustainable growth. Furthermore, the consistent quality and freshness of draft beer can contribute to its higher profitability. Serving beer directly from the keg to the customer's glass ensures a more enjoyable drinking experience, ultimately leading to customer loyalty and increased sales.
When it comes to beer systems, two terms that often leave people scratching their heads are "Long Draw" and "Direct Draw." These terms refer to distinct types of beer dispensing systems found in bars, restaurants, and countless other establishments that serve draft beer. To better understand the advantages and disadvantages of each system, it's essential to delve into the intricacies of each beer draft system.
LONG DRAW DRAFT BEER SYSTEM: TAPPING INTO EFFICIENCY AND FLEXIBILITY
The Long Draw draft beer system is a versatile and efficient solution for establishments with extensive bar setups or multiple serving locations. In this system, the kegs are stored remotely in a walk-in cooler located in another room or often in a cellar, and then the beer is transported through glycol cooler insulated lines to the taps where it is dispensed. One of the significant advantages of the Long Draw system is the ability to have a vast selection of beers available on tap without taking up valuable space behind or below the bar. With the kegs located elsewhere, the bar area remains clutter-free, allowing for a more efficient workflow and improved customer service. Additionally, the remote storage of kegs minimizes temperature fluctuations and ensures that the beer remains fresh, resulting in better taste and quality.
The popularity of these Long Draw draft beer systems has grown with the popularity of the many Craft Beer Styles and the need to offer more beer selections to the customer. A remote walk-in cooler allows more keg storage, and a properly designed, installed, and maintained draft beer system can consistently deliver high-quality draft beer while employing specially designed custom draft beer towers and can preserve the product's integrity from keg to tap.
Long Draw draft beer systems can sometimes be considered hard to maintain and are thought to create a lot of beer waste during line cleaning. However, if properly designed, properly installed, and properly maintained, your Long Draw draft beer system should be hassle-free and should allow you to enjoy higher sales and higher margins for many years. For line cleaning, the emergence of Automated Line Cleaning Systems such as Glanola can make line cleaning a low-cost, high-yield process with little or no waste. When used properly, Glanola Automated Beer Line Cleaning Systems can ensure you have the freshest-tasting draft beer, just as the brewery intends it to be served.
Here’s a short overview of the pros and cons of the Long Draw system.
Advantages:
Expanded Brand Offerings: Long Draw systems allow you to offer a wider selection of beer brands to customers, expanding choices and potentially increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Revenue Maximization: By offering a broader range of brands, establishments utilizing long-draw systems have the potential to maximize revenue through increased customer engagement, brand loyalty, and overall improved guest experience.
Customization Opportunities: Long Draw Systems offer extensive possibilities for customization, enabling the installation of a unique and tailored draft system that maximizes space utilization and functionality.
Disadvantages:
High Initial Investment: Long Draw systems necessitate a substantial upfront investment, including the need for a dedicated walk-in cooler, which can present a significant financial barrier for some businesses.
Maintenance Costs: Glycol Cooled Long Draw draft beer systems require regular maintenance to ensure the consistent optimization of pour quality for each beer, contributing to ongoing operational costs that should be factored in. Higher beer waste during line cleaning can be mitigated with an automated line cleaning system, as mentioned previously. There is a cost for this. However, the monthly cost is typically lower than manual line cleaning services.
Mechanical Complications: A broader system inherently introduces an increased potential for mechanical issues if not maintained regularly, which may translate to heightened maintenance requirements and potential disruptions to operations. To avoid this, regular maintenance is highly recommended.
DIRECT DRAW BEER SYSTEM: SIMPLICITY IN STYLE
The Direct Draw draft beer system offers a sleek and efficient solution for establishments looking to serve draft beer. Unlike the Long Draw system, the Direct Draw system is a simple and space-saving setup that places the kegs directly under the bar counter in an under-counter refrigeration unit or a walk-in cooler directly behind the tap wall. This design allows easy access to the kegs, eliminating the need for long glycol-cooled beer lines from remote storage and enabling quick keg changes and streamlined maintenance. These highly profitable systems not only add a personal touch to any space but also increase the tap count, offering a wider selection of beers to valued customers. Furthermore, the compact nature of the Direct Draw system can significantly reduce installation time and costs, as well as long-term maintenance costs, compared to the Long Draw system.
However, it's essential to consider that the Direct Draw system does have its limitations. For establishments wanting to offer a wide variety of beer options, accommodating more than eight kegs in an under-counter refrigeration unit may prove challenging and could encroach on valuable storage or floor space. Additionally, the proximity of the kegs to the tap lines in this system can expose the beer to temperature fluctuations if proper insulation or refrigeration management is not in place. However, while its space-saving design offers significant advantages, careful consideration is needed for venues with a broad beer selection to ensure that storage and temperature control needs are adequately met.
Advantages:
Easy to Use Direct Draw Kegerators: Ideal for new start-ups, direct draw kegerators present the lowest investment, providing a good balance between cost-effectiveness and functionality.
Convenient Beer Walls: Known for being highly profitable, beer walls represent a reasonable investment option among all the draft beer systems, making them an attractive option for maximizing returns.
Maintaining Beer Chemistry: A key advantage of direct-draw systems is the reduced likelihood of chemistry complications due to the short distance of beer delivery, ensuring that the quality of your product remains intact.
Disadvantages:
Walk-in Coolers for Beer Walls: Beer walls require a walk-in cooler located directly behind the common wall of the back bar. This requirement can be a hindrance, especially for smaller establishments with limited space, and can increase construction and installation costs.
Limited Suitability for High-Volume Operations: Direct draw systems with under-counter refrigeration may not be the best choice for establishments with high-volume operations because the need to change kegs at the bar can impact overall productivity, causing delays in serving customers during peak times. Also, when changing kegs, there is a need to allow the keg to sit so it can get down to temperature before serving from it.
Limitation on Faucet Capacity on Kegerators: Most direct draw towers can accommodate up to eight faucets. For establishments requiring a larger variety of beer options on tap, this limitation can be a significant drawback. The need for multiple towers, which can occupy additional space and incur higher costs, may become necessary. Also, direct draw towers are air-cooled and require a blower in the refrigeration unit that will blow cold air into the tower. The bigger the tower, the bigger the blower, meaning the blower will take up precious keg space.
IMPROVING BEER POUR QUALITY IN DRAFT SYSTEMS
It is crucial to emphasize the significance of beer pour quality in both Long Draw and Direct Draw systems. Understanding the impact of temperature, pressures, and line cleanliness on beer pour quality is paramount for ensuring an optimal drinking experience.
Maintaining the correct cooler temperature is crucial for preserving the freshness, aroma, and flavors of the beer, as intended by the brewer. Draft beer kegs should be stored and kept at a consistent temperature of 36° to 38°F (2.22°C - 3°C). This precise temperature is critical in preventing undesirable outcomes such as excessive foaming, pouring difficulties, and, ultimately, diminished profits. When the cooler temperature exceeds 38°F (3°C), the beer's natural carbonation is prematurely released, leading to noticeable issues in the beer's appearance and, more significantly, its taste. It will also lead to more foam at dispense and lower keg yield. Craft beer enthusiasts readily perceive any decline in beer quality due to temperature variations, which could result in decreased satisfaction and fewer returning customers. Therefore, maintaining the cooler temperature at 36° to 38°F (2.22°C - 3°C) is fundamental to upholding beer pour quality, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maximizing profits.
Also equally important is managing the pressure of beer to achieve the perfect pour. Every beer has its inherent pressure due to the carbonation process, but this pressure may need to be adjusted to propel beer through the system using secondary regulators. It's important to balance the pressure to avoid negative outcomes like flatness or excessive foaming. Temperature and pressure can impact beer pour quality, which can affect customer satisfaction. By understanding and managing these factors, establishments can maintain the integrity of their beverages.
LONG DRAW vs. DIRECT DRAW BEER SYSTEMS: MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR ESTABLISHMENT
When selecting the most suitable beer system for your establishment, the decision between a Long Draw and a Direct Draw system is pivotal. Each option has unique advantages and drawbacks, so it's essential to carefully evaluate your specific requirements before making a commitment. Factors to consider include:
1. Space and Layout: Assess the available space and layout of your establishment. Direct Draw systems are compact and ideal for smaller spaces, while Long Draw systems require more space for the keg storage and draft lines.
2. Maintenance and Cleanliness: Consider the ease of maintenance and cleanliness. Direct Draw systems are generally easier to clean and maintain due to their proximity to the tap, while Long Draw systems may require more frequent maintenance of longer beer lines.
3. Desired Beer Selection: If you prioritize versatility and offering a wide selection of beers on tap, a Long Draw system is an excellent fit. On the other hand, if you prioritize simplicity, quick keg changes, and limited space, a Direct Draw system will be a better choice.
4. Beer Quality and Temperature Control: Evaluate the importance of beer quality and temperature control. Long Draw systems require a glycol system for maintaining beer at optimal temperatures, while Direct Draw systems rely on the air temperature in the cooler without a need for a glycol system.
5. Customization and Flexibility: Determine the customization and flexibility required. Long Draw systems offer more flexibility in terms of beer selection but require more planning for the glycol system and the line length, while Direct Draw systems are convenient for serving a limited selection of beers with a typically lower upfront investment.
Get in touch with us today, and let's work together to create the perfect draft system for you.