The launch of the PerfectDraft home keg system has captured the attention of beer enthusiasts, offering a new way to enjoy fresh beer at home. This innovative device allows users to pour beer just like in a pub, bridging the gap between home brewing and the traditional bar experience.
Exploring the PerfectDraft System
The PerfectDraft, previously known as the Philips PerfectDraft, enables users to purchase miniature kegs that replicate the quality of pub beer. This system, owned by AB InBev, the world’s largest beer company, has garnered mixed feelings among beer aficionados. While it delivers the convenience of draft beer at home, it raises concerns about supporting big corporations over local breweries.
AB InBev is known for owning a range of popular beers, including Budweiser, Stella Artois, and Corona. Critics often highlight how such corporations acquire smaller breweries, potentially diluting the original brand’s quality. Despite this, the appeal of the PerfectDraft lies in its promise of fresh beer, which can be particularly enticing given the high costs of pub pints across the United Kingdom and the United States.
In the UK, a pint of Stella can cost over £6, while craft beers may soar to £8-9, especially in urban centers. The economics of the PerfectDraft system, priced at £329 for the Pro model, becomes increasingly appealing when considering the potential savings for regular beer drinkers.
The Cost-Effectiveness of Home Brewing
Each keg of beer generally costs around £33 and provides approximately 10.5 British imperial pints. This equates to just over £3.14 per pint, a significant reduction from pub prices. For avid drinkers, this can add up quickly. Over the course of a year, consuming two pints weekly would require approximately ten kegs, bringing the total expenditure to around £626. In contrast, purchasing the same amount of pints at a local pub could cost nearly the same, making the PerfectDraft financially sensible.
In the United States, the dynamics shift slightly, with kegs priced similarly but pints typically smaller and more expensive. The initial cost of the PerfectDraft system, at $399 (currently on sale for $299), becomes more attractive when evaluating the ongoing costs of bar drinking.
The ability to enjoy a cold, perfectly poured beer at home can transform social gatherings, especially when considering the current financial climate affecting many households.
The author of the article has tested the PerfectDraft Pro, starting with a keg of Stella Artois, which he found to taste fresher than at many chain pubs. This experience highlights a key advantage of the system: the control over beer quality and temperature. With the PerfectDraft, beer can be served at a consistent 3°C (or 37°F), eliminating the guesswork often associated with pub beer.
As the popularity of craft beer continues to rise, the PerfectDraft system offers a diverse selection including IPAs, Belgian blondes, and more. The convenience of pouring and the ability to customize each pint to personal preference enhances the home drinking experience.
While the implications of supporting a large corporation like AB InBev may weigh on some consumers, the practical benefits of the PerfectDraft system are undeniable. It offers a blend of quality, variety, and cost-effectiveness that appeals to both casual drinkers and serious enthusiasts alike.
The PerfectDraft is poised to remain a staple in the homes of beer lovers, providing a reliable source of enjoyment while allowing individuals to maintain their unique preferences and tastes. As the author continues to explore different beers through this system, the insights gained will undoubtedly resonate with those who value both quality and convenience in their drinking habits.
