This simple technique is the most consistent & controlled method for force carbonating your Homebrew keg. It also gives you the ability to dial in the specific carbonation levels best suited for particular styles of beer.
Step by Step
Step 1: Chill the beer in your keg down to serving temperature (2-6c)
Step 2: Set your regulator to 10-12psi
Step 3: Connect Gas to ‘Gas In’ post
Step 4: Leave keg to sit in the fridge under pressure for anywhere between 7-14 days.
Step 5: After the 7-14 day period, connect your tap line onto your ‘liquid out’ post.
Step 6: Sample to evaluate your carbonation levels. If it is still under carbonated, leave to sit for a further 24 hours and re-evaluate.
Step 7: Once you are happy with your levels of carbonation, dial back your regulator to serving pressure (8-10psi). Pour & Enjoy!
Dial in Your Carbonation
On top of the set & forget method discussed above, you also have the flexibility to accurately dial in your carbonation levels suited for a specific style of beer.
Using the method discussed below, you will be able to determine the specific psi level required to carbonate your beer to an accurate level.
Step by Step
Step 1: First you need to find out what levels of co2 are expected for the style you are carbonating.
Here is a carbonation guideline that you can work from:
British Styled Ales: 1.5 – 2.0 volumes
American Styled Ales: 2.0 – 2.7 volumes
Belgian Styled Ales: 2.4 – 3.0 volumes
Select a carbonation level that fits within the carbonation guidelines provided above.
Step 2: Now it’s time to refer to a carbonation chart to determine what psi level is required for carbonating your beer to the chosen level.
First: Find on the chart what temperature your beer is currently sitting at.
Second: Work your way across the chart until you intersect the carbonation level you are aiming for.
Third: Now work your way directly up to determine what psi is required for carbonation.
Step 3: Set your regulator to the the psi determined in the above step. Leave for 7-14 days.
SERVE & ENJOY!
