How to Setup and Store Polypins and Mini Casks
Polypins
Instructions on delivery:
Once your beer has arrived, tear off the perforated section from the box to reveal the tap, stand your polypin upright (tap side upwards) and open the tap to allow any excess gas to escape, close the tap, place the polypin on its side (tap side in the position you’ll be serving from) and allow to settle in a cool place for 12 hours, after that your polypin of real ale will be good to go!
For best results, store in a cool place out of direct sunlight at 8-12c.
Once settled avoid moving or disturbing your polypin, and to ensure the freshness of your beer it is best consumed within 5 days of opening. In ideal storage conditions, a polypin can last up to 2 weeks unopened*.
If the polypin has inflated, don’t worry, this just means you may need to vent it to release the excess gas.
To vent, simply turn the polypin so the tap is no longer submerged in liquid, and open it, releasing the gas gently until the polypin regains its normal shape. As this procedure may have disturbed any sediment, you may wish to let it settle again for a few hours before continuing to serve.
*Remember to vent regularly if required.
Mini Casks
Instructions on delivery:
Follow these steps to get the best experience from your cask. This is a LIVE product, so when you receive it, let the yeast settle before drinking.
For best results, store in a cool place out of direct sunlight at 8-12c.
Once settled avoid moving or disturbing your minicask, and to ensure the freshness of your beer it is best consumed within 5 days of opening. In ideal storage conditions, a minicask can last up to 2 weeks unopened*.
Leave to stand for 24-48 hours, longer if necessary, for your beer to settle and clear. Sometimes heavier and stronger beers may take even longer than 48 hours.
Do not move your casks or you will disturb the sediment and it will become cloudy again!
Pour beer by turning the tap half a turn anti-clockwise. The first pint or two will come out under its own pressure.
When beer stops pouring or slows down, gradually open the vent at the top of the cask (quarter turn anti-clockwise) to allow air in and beer out.
After each pour close top vent to maintain the condition of the beer.