Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Exam

Which component is essential for proper tapping of a keg?

1. Thermometer

2. Keg Coupler

3. Hand Pump

4. Faucet

The correct answer is: Keg Coupler

The essential component for proper tapping of a keg is the keg coupler. The keg coupler is designed to connect the draft beer system to the keg, allowing beer to flow out of the keg and into the serving mechanism. It engages with the specific type of keg, safely sealing it while also creating a pathway for the beer to be dispensed. Using a keg coupler is crucial because it ensures that beer is served at the right pressure and avoids contamination. Different keg types use different couplers, so choosing the right one is important for effective and safe dispensing. While a thermometer can be useful for monitoring the temperature of the beer, it is not required for the physical act of tapping a keg. A hand pump, or beer engine, is used for serving beer from a keg in specific situations involving cask beer but is not necessary for standard keg tapping where CO2 or nitrogen is utilized. Similarly, a faucet is important for dispensing the beer but cannot be used independently without the keg being tapped with a coupler.