Cask vs. Draught — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 29, 2024
A cask refers to a barrel used primarily for storing liquids like beer, emphasizing the storage method, whereas draught beer is beer served from a keg or barrel rather than a bottle or can, highlighting the method of serving.
Difference Between Cask and Draught
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Key Differences
Cask is used specifically to denote a container, typically made of wood or metal, used for aging and storing beverages such as beer. Whereas draught refers to the method of serving beer directly from a keg or barrel through a tap system, ensuring freshness and a specific flavor profile.
Cask conditioned beer is naturally carbonated through secondary fermentation in the cask, offering a unique flavor and traditional serving style. On the other hand, draught beer can include any beer that is served from a pressurized keg system, which might include cask ale but also encompasses a wider variety of beer types.
Cask ales are typically served at cellar temperature, which is warmer than most draught beers. This temperature helps to enhance the ale's natural flavors and aromas. While draught beer is usually served colder, providing a refreshing and crisp taste.
Cask also implies a specific handling and storage process, as it requires manual handling and is gravity-fed from the cask. In contrast, draught systems often use carbon dioxide or nitrogen to push the beer through taps, making it more consistent and easier to serve in busy settings.
Cask beer often has a shorter shelf life once tapped, due to its natural conditioning and lack of pasteurization. Whereas draught beer, especially those that are pasteurized or filtered, tends to have a longer shelf life once tapped due to the preservation methods used in kegging.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A container used for storing beverages, especially beer.
Beer served from a keg or barrel through a tap.
Serving Method
Manually tapped, gravity-fed, no external pressure.
Often pressurized with CO2 or nitrogen, tap system.
Temperature
Served at cellar temperature, generally warmer.
Typically served cold to enhance refreshment.
Carbonation
Naturally carbonated through fermentation in the cask.
Carbonation can be controlled through pressurized systems.
Shelf Life
Shorter shelf life once tapped, due to natural processes.
Longer shelf life, often due to pasteurization and filtration.
Compare with Definitions
Cask
Implies a traditional and natural method of conditioning and serving beer.
The pub prides itself on offering a variety of cask conditioned ales.
Draught
Beer served from a keg or barrel using a tap system.
He ordered a pint of draught lager at the new downtown pub.
Cask
Used specifically for beer, especially in terms of traditional brewing and serving methods.
Real ale enthusiasts prefer beer straight from the cask.
Draught
Emphasizes freshness and flavor preservation through controlled serving methods.
Draught beer is preferred at the bar because of its crisp taste.
Cask
Associated with craft and artisanal brewing.
Local brewers showcased their cask ales at the beer festival.
Draught
Often found in bars, pubs, and restaurants with a dedicated tap system.
They installed a new draught system to enhance their beer selection.
Cask
A barrel or container for storing liquids.
The brewery aged their best ale in an oak cask to enhance its flavors.
Draught
Can include various types of beer, including lagers, ales, and stouts, served via draught.
The restaurant offers an extensive menu of draught beers from around the world.
Cask
Highlights the importance of storage conditions on the flavor of beer.
The brewmaster carefully monitored the cask to ensure optimal aging conditions.
Draught
Associated with social drinking and public enjoyment.
Draught beer is a staple at sports events and concerts.
Cask
CASK -synaptic scaffolder calmodulin-associated serin/threonin kinase
Draught
A current of cool air in a room or other confined space
Heavy curtains at the windows cut out draughts
Cask
A large container like a barrel, made of wood, metal or plastic and used for storing liquids, typically alcoholic drinks
The wine is stored in oak casks
Draught
A single act of drinking or inhaling
She downed the remaining beer in one draught
Cask
A sturdy cylindrical container for storing liquids; a barrel.
Draught
The depth of water needed to float a ship
The shallow draught enabled her to get close inshore
Cask
The quantity that such a container can hold.
Draught
The drawing in of a fishing net.
Cask
A large barrel for the storage of liquid, especially of alcoholic drinks.
Draught
Denoting beer or cider served from a barrel or tank rather than from a bottle or can
Draught ale
Cask
(obsolete) A casket; a small box for jewels.
Draught
Denoting an animal used for pulling heavy loads
A draught horse
Cask
Obsolete form of casque
Draught
Variant of draft.
Cask
To put into a cask.
Draught
In its various senses.
Cask
Same as Casque.
Draught
(British) A checker: a game piece used in the game of draughts.
Cask
A barrel-shaped vessel made of staves headings, and hoops, usually fitted together so as to hold liquids. It may be larger or smaller than a barrel.
Draught
(Australia) Ale: a type of beer brewed using top-fermenting yeast.
Cask
The quantity contained in a cask.
Draught
A mild vesicatory.
Cask
A casket; a small box for jewels.
Draught
(obsolete) An outhouse: an outbuilding used as a lavatory.
Cask
To put into a cask.
Draught
Any picture or drawing.
Cask
The quantity a cask will hold
Draught
A sudden attack upon an enemy.
Cask
A cylindrical container that holds liquids
Draught
(UK) draft
Draught
The act of drawing or pulling
A general custom of using oxen for all sort of draught would be, perhaps, the greatest improvement.
Draught
The drawing of a bowstring.
She sent an arrow forth with mighty draught.
Draught
That which is drawn
Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
He laid down his pipe, and cast his net, which brought him a very great draught.
Draught
Act of drawing a net; a sweeping the water for fish.
Upon the draught of a pond, not one fish was left.
Draught
The force drawn; a detachment; - in this sense usually written draft.
Disguise thyself as thou wilt, still, Slavery, . . . still thou art a bitter draught.
Low lies that house where nut-brown draughts inspired.
Draught
That which draws
Draught
The act of drawing liquor into the mouth and throat; the act of drinking.
In his hands he took the goblet, but a while the draught forbore.
Draught
A sketch, outline, or representation, whether written, designed, or drawn; a delineation.
A draught of a Toleration Act was offered to the Parliament by a private member.
No picture or draught of these things from the report of the eye.
Draught
Capacity of being drawn; force necessary to draw; traction.
The Hertfordshire wheel plow . . . is of the easiest draught.
Draught
A sudden attack or drawing upon an enemy.
By drawing sudden draughts upon the enemy when he looketh not for you.
Draught
An order for the payment of money; - in this sense almost always written draft.
He preferred to go and sit upon the stairs, in . . . a strong draught of air, until he was again sent for.
Draught
The depth of water necessary to float a ship, or the depth a ship sinks in water, especially when laden; as, a ship of twelve feet draught.
Draught
An allowance on weighable goods. [Eng.] See Draft, 4.
Draught
A move, as at chess or checkers.
Draught
The bevel given to the pattern for a casting, in order that it may be drawn from the sand without injury to the mold.
Draught
Used for drawing vehicles, loads, etc.; as, a draught beast; draught hooks.
Draught
Relating to, or characterized by, a draft, or current of air.
Draught
Used in making drawings; as, draught compasses.
Draught
Drawn directly from the barrel, or other receptacle, in distinction from bottled; on draught; - said of ale, cider, and the like.
Draught
To draw out; to call forth. See Draft.
Draught
To diminish or exhaust by drawing.
The Parliament so often draughted and drained.
Draught
To draw in outline; to make a draught, sketch, or plan of, as in architectural and mechanical drawing.
Draught
A serving of drink (usually alcoholic) drawn from a keg;
They served beer on draft
Draught
A large and hurried swallow;
He finished it at a single gulp
Draught
A current of air (usually coming into a room or vehicle)
Draught
The depth of a vessel's keel below the surface (especially when loaded)
Draught
A dose of liquid medicine;
He took a sleeping draft
Draught
The act of moving a load by drawing or pulling
Draught
Make a blueprint of
Common Curiosities
Why do some beer enthusiasts prefer cask ale?
Many beer enthusiasts prefer cask ale for its richer and more nuanced flavors, which are often enhanced by the natural fermentation and conditioning process.
Is cask beer the same as real ale?
Yes, in the UK, cask beer is synonymous with real ale, which is beer that undergoes secondary fermentation in the cask.
Can draught beer come from a cask?
Yes, draught beer can be served from a cask, but not all draught beers are cask beers.
What is the main difference between cask and draught beer?
The main difference is in the serving method; cask beer is naturally carbonated and served from the same cask it was conditioned in, while draught beer is served from a keg using a pressurized tap system.
How long can cask beer be stored after being tapped?
Cask beer typically has a very short shelf life after being tapped, usually a few days, as it is prone to oxidation and bacterial contamination.
What types of beer are typically served on draught?
A wide range of beers, including lagers, ales, stouts, and specialty brews, can be served on draught, providing variety and freshness.
Why might some pubs choose not to serve cask ale?
Some pubs might avoid cask ale due to the higher maintenance and the quick spoilage rate after tapping, which can be less economical than kegged beers.
How does the temperature of serving affect cask and draught beer?
Cask beer is served warmer to highlight its flavors and aromas, whereas draught beer is usually served colder to emphasize its crispness.
What are the advantages of draught beer systems in bars?
Draught systems allow for a consistent, easy-to-manage serving process that can handle high volumes, making them ideal for busy bars.
What skills are required for managing cask beer?
Managing cask beer requires skills in proper tapping, handling, and understanding the nuances of natural fermentation and conditioning.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
