When it comes to running a commercial establishment—whether a bar, restaurant, or brewery—offering exceptional craft beer is a key factor in attracting and retaining customers. Craft beer has exploded in popularity, and selecting the best brews for your taps can set you apart from the competition.
In this blog, we’ll highlight the best craft beers for commercial use, with a focus on the types of beers that not only appeal to a wide variety of customers but also work well with ball lock kegs. Whether you're setting up a tap system for your business or adding more options to your rotating beer list, these craft beers are sure to impress your clientele and keep them coming back for more.
Why Use Ball Lock Kegs for Commercial Craft Beer?
Before we dive into the best craft beer options, let’s briefly talk about why ball lock kegs are an excellent choice for commercial breweries and bars.
Ball lock kegs are durable, easy to handle, and compatible with a variety of beverages, including beer, cider, and even nitro coffee. The quick disconnect system on ball lock kegs makes them simple to connect and disconnect from CO2 tanks and beer dispensers. They are widely used by homebrewers and commercial establishments for their ease of use, fast turnover, and reliability.
Benefits of Using Ball Lock Kegs for Commercial Craft Beer:
- Efficiency: Easy to refill and clean, which allows for faster service.
- Pressure control: Ball lock kegs give you better control over carbonation levels, ensuring that your craft beer is served with the perfect fizziness.
- Durability: Built to last, making them a solid investment for commercial use.
- Versatility: Can handle a variety of beverages, from craft beer to other draft drinks like cider or kombucha.
Best Craft Beers for Commercial Use
When it comes to choosing the best craft beers for commercial use, it’s important to offer a mix of classic styles and newer, innovative brews that will cater to a wide range of preferences. Here are some of the most popular craft beer styles that work well on tap in a commercial setting:
1. IPA (India Pale Ale)
Why It’s Popular: IPAs have exploded in popularity over the past decade. With their hop-forward flavors, floral aromas, and varying bitterness, they appeal to a wide range of beer drinkers. They can range from juicy, hazy New England IPAs to crisp, piney West Coast IPAs.
Top IPA Choices:
- Sierra Nevada Pale Ale: A classic American IPA with balanced hop bitterness and malty sweetness.
- Stone IPA: Known for its bold hops, citrus flavors, and refreshing bitterness.
Perfect for Commercial Use: IPAs are hugely popular and highly requested by beer lovers. Having a selection of IPAs on your taps will ensure that you’re offering something customers crave.
2. Stout (Imperial, Dry, and Milk Stouts)
Why It’s Popular: Stouts are known for their rich, dark color and full-bodied, roasty flavors. Whether it’s a creamy milk stout or a bold imperial stout, stouts remain a favorite for those seeking a more robust beer experience.
Top Stout Choices:
- Guinness Draught: This iconic Irish stout is known for its smooth mouthfeel and creamy texture, perfect for those looking for a classic pour.
- Founders Breakfast Stout: A popular imperial stout with coffee and chocolate notes, perfect for customers who enjoy a heavier, bolder beer.
Perfect for Commercial Use: Stouts are a great addition to any tap list, offering a satisfying option for customers who prefer dark, rich beers. They also pair well with desserts, making them a popular choice at restaurants and pubs.
3. Lager (Pilsner, Helles, and American Lager)
Why It’s Popular: Lager is one of the most universally loved beer styles. Crisp, clean, and refreshing, lagers are perfect for customers who want a lighter beer without sacrificing flavor. Pilsners and Helles lagers have become particularly popular due to their easy-drinking nature.
Top Lager Choices:
- Pilsner Urquell: One of the original pilsners, offering a refreshing balance of hops and malt.
- Lagunitas Pils: A well-rounded, light pilsner with a slightly hop-forward finish.
Perfect for Commercial Use: Lagers are a must-have on any tap list because they appeal to both seasoned beer drinkers and those new to craft beer. They’re ideal for pairing with a wide range of foods, especially lighter dishes like salads and seafood.
4. Wheat Beer (Hefeweizen and Witbier)
Why It’s Popular: Wheat beers are known for their refreshing qualities and unique yeast character. Hefeweizen offers a fruity and spicy flavor profile, while witbier is known for its light, citrusy finish, often with a touch of coriander.
Top Wheat Beer Choices:
- Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier: A traditional Bavarian Hefeweizen with notes of banana and clove.
- Allagash White: A Belgian-style Witbier brewed with coriander and orange peel, offering a bright and spicy flavor.
Perfect for Commercial Use: Wheat beers are a refreshing choice, perfect for warmer months. Their versatility and mild flavor make them a crowd-pleaser in a variety of settings, from pubs to upscale restaurants.
5. Saison (Farmhouse Ale)
Why It’s Popular: Saison is a farmhouse ale known for its fruity, spicy flavors and high carbonation. It’s a popular style for adventurous beer drinkers, and it pairs well with a wide range of foods.
Top Saison Choices:
- Saison Dupont: The classic Belgian saison known for its spicy yeast character and dry finish.
- Boulevard Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale: A more recent American take on the saison, with tropical fruit and floral notes.
Perfect for Commercial Use: Saison’s distinctive flavors make it a unique offering for your tap list, ideal for customers looking for something outside the norm. Its versatility makes it great for pairing with various dishes, especially those with bold flavors.
Recommended Ball Lock Kegs for Craft Beer
To serve the best craft beer commercially, you'll need reliable kegs that can handle high volumes and maintain the quality of your beer. Here are five ball lock kegs that are ideal for commercial use:
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TMCRAFT 5-Gallon Ball Lock Keg
Features: Made from high-quality stainless steel, this keg is designed for durability and is perfect for holding 5 gallons of craft beer. Ideal for larger batches and commercial use.
Purchase Link: TMCRAFT 5-Gallon Ball Lock Keg -
Kegco 5-Gallon Ball Lock Keg
Features: Known for its heavy-duty construction, this keg is designed to withstand commercial use. Its ball lock system ensures easy carbonation and dispensing.
Purchase Link: Kegco 5-Gallon Ball Lock Keg -
AIO 5L Ball Lock Keg
Features: Smaller than the 5-gallon, the 5L keg is perfect for establishments that offer small batch or rotating craft beers. It’s easy to store and offers great pressure retention.
Purchase Link: AIO 5L Ball Lock Keg -
KegLand 5-Gallon Ball Lock Keg
Features: Known for its superior pressure rating and easy-to-use design, this keg is ideal for long-term use in a busy commercial environment.
Purchase Link: KegLand 5-Gallon Ball Lock Keg -
Crafted Kegs 5-Gallon Ball Lock Keg
Features: Designed with a focus on easy cleaning and durability, this keg is perfect for craft beer dispensers who need reliable equipment for high-volume use.
Purchase Link: Crafted Kegs 5-Gallon Ball Lock Keg
Conclusion
Offering craft beer in a commercial setting is a great way to differentiate your business and cater to the growing demand for unique, high-quality beers. By selecting a mix of IPAs, stouts, lagers, wheat beers, and saisons, you’ll provide a diverse experience that appeals to a broad range of customers. Using ball lock kegs for serving these beers ensures easy handling, precise carbonation control, and smooth dispensing, making them an essential tool for any bar or brewery.
With the right selection of craft beers and the proper keg system, your establishment can become the go-to destination for beer lovers in your area. Cheers to offering the best craft beer in 2025!